Be Bushfire Smart

Lysterfield Park is one of the most valuable recreation and conservation areas close to Melbourne. As well as being a beautiful spot to visit it offers opportunities for walking, horseriding, cycling, swimming and boating.

• Oxfam Trailwalker (Fri, 16 Apr 2010)

• Trailmix is now located in Lysterfield Park at the former visitor centre and encompasses a cafe, bike store, information centre and recreational services facility with mountain bikes and canoes available for hire. Trailmix is accessible from the Horswood Road entrance to Lysterfield Park and is open daily. For more information call (03) 8790 4402 or go to www.trailmix.com.au.
• 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.
• Orienteering and rogaining are permitted subject to special conditions. If you are interested in either of these activities please enquire at the park office at least a month in advance.

Mountain Bike Trails and the State Mountain Bike Course

Lysterfield Park Mountain Bike Trails and the State Mountain Bike course has 20 kilometres of exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for riders of all ages and ability.

Choose from easy family trails for all to enjoy around the lake and parkland, a range of flowing single trails through established plantations or steep and technical sections of trail through rocky landscapes. All trails are clearly sign posted with directional information and gradings.

Parks Victoria together with the Mountain Bike Association of Australia have carefully designed trail alignments to protect environmental values of the park, whilst providing a high quality Mountain Biking experience. The trail system has been designed for sustainable for long term use. You can help ensure that these trails remain open for use by only riding on formally signed trails and not creating or using informally created trails. (Those not identified on the map).

There are a number of other trails within the park that are for shared use and some trails are for Mountain Bikes only. Please also respect the trails that are designated for walkers and equestrian use only.

Organised groups require an Event Permit which requires approximately 6 weeks advanced notice. The Expression of Interest to Hold an Event form can be downloaded from the Permits and Licenses section below. For further information on obtaining an Event Permit please contact the Park Office on 13 1963.

Take the opportunity to explore the Park by starting your ride at the trail head located in the Mahogany Car Park at the Horswood Road entrance to Lysterfield Park . (Melway 108 D1)

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

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.

• Please take your rubbish with you.
• Dogs and cats are not permitted.
• All native plants and animals are protected.

If you are undertaking business activities within the park (eg. Bringing a tour group to use the mountain bike track), a licence to operate is required and must be sought. Please read our guide for prospective tour operators.

• Leave the park as you find it.
• Organizers of large groups (fifty or more people) including schools should notify park staff of their visit in advance.
• 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. Read more about responsible trail use.

• Cardinia Reservoir Park
• Churchill National Park
• Dandenong Ranges National Park
• Jells Park