Hidden deep in the forests on the northern edge of Great Otway National Park, Lake Elizabeth is a particularly magical place.

The site is a great place for leisurely walks, and photographers and nature enthusiasts will also enjoy it - it's home to dozens of bird species and one of Australia's strangest animals , the platypus.

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Lake Elizabeth is an ideal stopover on the return journey from the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, which is recommended to go inland.

Dead tree trunks

The lake is extremely photogenic and has an almost apocalyptic feel.

Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of petrified dead tree trunks protrude from the middle of the water, which was flooded by water in the mid-20th century.

Head here at dawn or dusk

The lake takes on its most magical atmosphere in the early morning or late afternoon, when the water's surface is often misty, creating great conditions for photography.

This time of day is also when the platypus, a jendemic species for South Australia and the only mammal that lays fits, is most active.

Walking trails around the lake

The circumference of the entire lake is about 3.5 km and there is a nice walking trail around the circumference through the dense forest.

The lake can be reached from the parking lot after about 1.5 km of walking on a comfortable and marked hiking trail.

The road to Lake Elizabeth is well signposted and turns off the main road in the town of Forrest.

What to see around

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