Tucked away in an already tucked away spot, this quiet, sensual and moody sanctuary deep in the Otway Ranges is an easy overnighter.
Nestled deep in the Otway Ranges is the tranquil Lake Elizabeth. This stunning natural perched waterway was formed after days of torrential rain in the winter of 1952 caused a landslip blocking the East Barwon River branch. That storm’s legacy is a sanctuary for platypuses and birdlife and a pristine location to wander around the shore immersed in the serenity of the Otways.
Walkers are immersed in the wet temperate forest on the way to the lake.
A canopy of tree ferns on the walk to the lake.
The Lake Elizabeth facilities, 10 kilometres from the township of Forrest, cater perfectly for day visitors and overnight campers. It is an easy drive from Melbourne with general stores in the hinterland at Deans Marsh or Birregurra providing delectable local produce. On this trip from the Surf Coast via Lorne, we decided to camp and it is recommended to check site availability on the Parks Victoria website. Having pitched our tent on a balmy autumn afternoon we headed to the lake. The topography of the landscape here mitigates gales blowing from the open plains to the north creating a peaceful environment amongst the tall gums. The lake reveals many different moods whether it is overcast and drizzling or warm and sunny.
The flora varies from forest to bracken in the valley at the upper reaches of the lake.
With the right camping gear you will be snug in the chilly forest.
The track leaves the picnic ground and passes a mirror-like billabong reflecting the thick forest. The path then twists and rises through a lush stand of tree ferns and dense understory. Reaching the viewing platform, the beauty of the drowned valley is revealed. Towering dead trees in the middle of the lake stand like sentinels. On days of rain or fog they appear like sculptures emerging through the mist.
Pausing at the look- out over a swamp on the way to the lake.
The drowned valley evokes a mystical vibe.
The track leads from boardwalk at the top of the lake and heads along the lower section of the ridge.
We strolled the 2.5-kilometre loop of the lake in an anticlockwise direction with the shimmering water framed by the towering eucalypts on the northern ridge. One kilometre along the track a path leads to Platypus Beach.
There is a reasonable chance of spotting one of the resident platypuses here at dawn or dusk. On a sunny afternoon it is an ideal spot to have a cuppa and observe the birdlife.
Ducks forage in the reeds of the backwater. Eastern yellow robins flit amongst the blackwoods. Currawong can be heard calling higher up the valley.
A peaceful stream near the campsite is an ideal location for birdwatching.
Eastern yellow robin are prevalent through the Otway Ranges.
A boardwalk crosses the marshland of the East Barwon River feeding into the lake, and the trail swings up onto the northern ridge. Late afternoon light is best for this part of the walk with the lake shimmering as the lowering sun lights up the fecund valley. Back at the campground the fire was lit in preparation for a sumptuous cook-up. With sunset approaching a wander along the nearby creek reveals tranquil grassy knolls on which to recline with a book accompanied by the susurration of the burbling stream. As dusk approached, we feasted on delicious local fare of Surf Coast abalone for entrée followed by Otway’s finest venison courtesy of Dama Dama Free Range who do an admirable job removing destructive deer from the area. Having slept soundly, there is nothing more refreshing than stirring at first light to the chorus of kookaburras, parrots, robins and currawong. With a spring in our step, it was a stealth stroll back to the lake in search of platypuses.
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