Lysterfield Park (Narre Warren North)
Lysterfield Lake Park is a beautiful spot to visit and it offers opportunities for walking, horseriding, cycling, swimming and boating.
Things to Do
- Relax and have lunch in the picnic ground under the shade of the spotted gums.
- Take one of the many walks available that range from half an hour to all day. Enjoy panoramic views of Westernport and Port Phillip to the west and south, and Dandenong Ranges to the north.
- Take a refreshing swim in one of two protected swimming bays with sandy beaches.
- Go sailing on the protected waters of the 82 ha lake. Non-powered boating is permitted at Lysterfield but controls have been introduced to protect shallow waterbird habitat and swimmers' safety in the lake. Boats are excluded from zones in the northern and eastern extremities of the lake, these areas being marked by a line of buoys. Sailing (in monohull boats up to 5 metres and multi-hull boats up to 4.3 metres), canoeing, rowing and sailboarding are permitted. Life jackets or buoyancy vests must be worn at all times. Model boating is also allowed but only non-powered craft can be used.
- Cycling is a good way to take in the many features of Lysterfield in the shortest possible time. Restrictions to cyclists only apply on a small number of walking tracks. Lysterfield Park has over 20kms of MTB trails that suit a range of ages and skill levels. Popular to those with mountain bikes, is the 6.3km State Mountain Bike Course used for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Facilities
- There are two swimming bays. Both of these have a gradual increase in water depth and are surrounded by sand along the shore. For your safety, no hard craft are allowed in these bays and glass is not permitted on the beaches. It should be noted for children who aren't strong swimmers, that while the lake has 'gradual depth' there are areas towards the deep end where the lake floor drops off suddenly and there are no lifeguards here. Occasionally the water quality may deteriorate and swimming is not recommended. Warnings are listed here.
- Boat trailer parking, boat launching and rigging zone and shower block/change rooms are available. There are two picnic areas along the lake shore and both have toilets, picnic tables and free electric barbecues.
- There are extensive tracks for walking and cycling. Maps of the park are available at the park office or the park entrance station.
- The horseriding area to the east of the lake is open during summer.
- Facilities in the picnic ground such as tables, toilets and paths have been designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
- A bird hide at the northern end of the picnic ground allows views of a variety of the waterbirds that visit Lysterfield.
- Baby changing facilities
Heritage
Lysterfield Lake was once a storage reservoir for the Mornington Peninsula from 1936, until it was no longer required for water supply due to the opening of Cardinia Reservoir in 1975. During the period up to 1965, farmland adjacent to the lake was acquired by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission to protect the quality of the water. As a Bicentennial project in the early 1980's facilities were developed in the park to cater for a variety of recreation activities. The park was opened to the public in November 1986.
Fauna
Lysterfield Lake Park provides a diverse range of habitats and as such is a valuable wildlife refuge. The list of bird species recorded is about 140. Of these, 37 are waterbirds and include common species such as Eurasian Coots and Eastern Swamphens to the uncommon visitors such as Japanese Snipe and Red-necked Avocet. Amongst the fauna, Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Black Wallabies are readily seen whilst Koalas, antechinus and echidnas are much harder to find. At night the park comes alive with Brushtail and Ringtail Possums, Sugar Gliders and various species of bats and owls.
Vegetation
Lysterfield Lake Park consists of approximately one third remnant vegetation and two thirds plantation. Within these areas about 300 plant species have been recorded. Some of the overstorey species native to the area include Yellow Box, Narrow-leaved Peppermint, Stringybark, Manna Gum, River Red Gum, Swamp Gum and Long-leaved Box. There are eight plantation types in the park. They are River Red Gum, Southern Mahogany, Spotted Gum, Swamp Gum, Blue Gum, Forest Red Gum, Long-leaved Box and Sugar Gum.
Looking After the Park
- Please take your rubbish with you.
- Dogs and cats are not permitted.
- All native plants and animals are protected.
- Leave the park as you find it.
- Cyclists are not permitted to create new tracks, ride through bush or ride on tracks, other than those designated for mountain bike riding. Cyclists must take note of signs restricting access for bicycles to some tracks, and must be wary of walkers and wildlife on tracks at all times. Tracks closed to cyclists display a "No Bikes" symbol.
Opening Hours:
Lysterfield Lake Park is open every day of the year. The park opens at 8:30am every day, but closing times vary according to daylight savings. For up to date information on park closing times call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs and other pets are not permitted.
Photos:
Review:
Pleasant park which most suits people who come for a BBQ and a swim in summer or ride the trails around the lake (bike rental available). The Lysterfield Park has some great mountain bike trails The beaches are not exactly golden sand, more like a gravelly sand mixture, but there is quite a decent area of beach. The water starts shallow but becomes deeper so need to be vigilant. There are no rubbish bins so remember to bring a bag for your rubbish.
Location
Cnr Horswood Road and Logan Park Rd, Narre Warren North 3804 Map
✆ 13 1963
Web Links
→ Lysterfield Lake Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Lysterfield Park Mountain Bike Track Map (PDF)
→ Churchill National Park & Lysterfield Park - Visitor Guide
→ Lysterfield Lake on Facebook
→ The Best Family Activities in the Dandenong Ranges
→ Lysterfield Park Mountain Bike Riding (PDF)
→ Lysterfield Park Mountain Bike Trails
