For a truly magical wildlife experience deep in the Great Otway National Park, Lake Elizabeth Campground is an unmissable destination. This beautiful, secluded campground is famous for one thing above all else: it is one of the best and most reliable places in Australia to see the elusive platypus in its natural habitat. The campground itself is a serene, walk-in site nestled amongst a towering forest of eucalypts and lush tree ferns, offering an immersive bush camping experience. Designed for tent-based campers, the designated sites are located a short 100-metre walk from the carpark, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere free from vehicle traffic, where the sounds of the forest and its inhabitants are the main soundtrack.
The main adventure begins with the stunning one-kilometre walk from the campground to the shores of Lake Elizabeth. This beautiful lake was formed by a landslide over 50 years ago, creating a unique “drowned forest” environment where the stark, bare trunks of dead trees rise eerily from the calm, dark water. This unique habitat is what makes it a platypus paradise. The best viewing times are at dawn and dusk, and staying overnight at the campground gives you the perfect opportunity to wander down to the water’s edge at these quiet times for the best chance of a memorable encounter. The lake is also a beautiful spot for a peaceful canoe or kayak tour. As a designated Parks Victoria site, bookings are essential to secure a spot in this popular location. While the facilities are basic, they are clean and well-suited to the rustic nature of the camp. For a unique adventure that combines stunning rainforest scenery with a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, Lake Elizabeth is one of the Otways’ most treasured spots.
Lake Elizabeth Campground – VIC Location Map
Lake Elizabeth Campground
- Address: Lake Elizabeth Rd, Forrest VIC 3236 (off Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd)
- GPS (Carpark): -38.54998040429359, 143.74474023403732
- Website: Parks Victoria – Lake Elizabeth
Site Details
- Location: Walk-in campground in the Otway rainforest.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only. All equipment must be carried from the carpark (approx. 100m).
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed road (Lake Elizabeth Rd) suitable for 2WD vehicles.
- Site Surface: Individual dirt/gravel tent pads.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated communal fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 20 designated, bookable sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, head torch, waterproof gear, binoculars for platypus spotting.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Fishing for trout is permitted, but the main focus is wildlife viewing.
- Short Walks: The beautiful 1km walk to the lake is a highlight. Longer loops are also available.
- Wildlife Watching: A premier Australian destination for viewing platypus in the wild.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Forrest Brewing Company (Forrest) – Approx. 8 km
- The Terminus Hotel (Forrest) – Approx. 8 km
- Gerangamete Hotel (Barongarook) – Approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Forrest Brewing Company (Restaurant & Brewery) – Approx. 8 km
- Forrest General Store & Cafe – Approx. 8 km
- Local Attractions:
- Forrest Mountain Bike Trails – Approx. 8 km
- Stevensons Falls – Approx. 15 km
- The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 35 km
- The Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay) – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Forrest Caravan Park – Approx. 8 km
- Stevensons Falls Campground (Free Camp) – Approx. 15 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Stevensons Falls Campground – Approx. 15 km
- Dando’s Campground – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Colac Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Forrest (check operating hours) – Approx. 8 km
- Colac has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 30 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Colac Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush). Full facilities in Forrest.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm and can be humid in the forest, averaging 12-25°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and calm, often with beautiful misty mornings perfect for platypus spotting, averaging 8-20°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet, the peak season for a vibrant, lush rainforest. Averaging 5-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and crisp, with frequent showers bringing the forest to life. Averaging 7-18°C.
