Your journey to Lake Elizabeth begins on the M1 as you leave Melbourne, drive past Geelong, enter Colac, and drive through the rainforest near Forrest. Expect the distance to be approximately 190 kilometers and driving time to be between 2 hours 45 minutes up to 3 hours 30 minutes on either side based on traffic, road construction, and weather conditions.
This guide provides a reliable route to Lake Elizabeth Otways.
My name is Elara Ashbury and I believe in providing travel tips that tell you about the roughness of the road ahead, when your phone will stop working, and why a ‘quick walk’ can mean ankle deep mud.
Driving Plan From Melbourne
The Lake Elizabeth Melbourne drive can be done in a day as a long trip, but it’s even better when combined with an overnight stay in Forrest or Lake Elizabeth Campground. The journey consists of visiting main highways, but it is not advisable to rush.
Lake Elizabeth is situated in the Great Otway National Park near the little town of Forrest in Victoria. The lake is famous for its rainforest and trails that can give you the chance to see a platypus. Do not expect to see one since it’s an enjoyable bonus at the end of the day.
| Traveling Section | Approx. Distance | Practical Timing | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne to Geelong | 75 km | 50-70 mins | Traffic, M1 Hwy, city traffic |
| Geelong to Colac | 75 km | 60-70 mins | Princes Hwy, wide farm fields |
| Colac to Forrest | 45 km | 40-55 mins | Winding country road, unpredictable weather |
| Forrest to Lake Elizabeth | 5-10 km | 10-20 mins | Small roads, gravel path |
When to Leave Melbourne
To drive comfortably on this trip without rushing, you should try to leave early in the morning. Around 6.30 a.m. should be the perfect time to leave if you’re planning to drive at least a little bit before noon.
Driving time and flexibility may change according to road conditions.
Take The M1 Using Geelong Route
The easiest route follows West Gate Freeway leaving inner suburbs of Melbourne to the M1 which leads towards Geelong. Once you are in Westgate Freeway, you should look for options leading you to Princes Highway which goes towards Colac. STAY on the Princes Highway toward Colac, ensuring you are aware of changing speed zones and heavy vehicles.
- Leave Melbourne via West Gate Freeway and join the M1 towards Geelong.
- Continue through Geelong and look for options leading to Princes Highway toward Colac.
- STAY on the Princes Highway toward Colac, ensuring you are aware of changing speed zones and heavy vehicles.
- Head to Colac and follow signs toward Forrest and the Otways, which will direct you to the Colac–Forrest road.
- You will pass through the forest toward Forrest and then follow local signage toward Lake Elizabeth and the campgrounds.
- Continue toward the signed lake access and parking location.
Navigation apps can be useful, but you should download the route from Geelong before you leave, because mobile reception can be unreliable in the Otways. A blue dot means nothing if your phone is struggling to find a signal behind a mountain.
USE THE SCENIC INLAND OPTION
Some drivers enjoy the inland route since it gives them the chance to drive through Geelong, Winchelsea, Birregurra, and Deans Marsh as they make their way to Forrest. This option can make for a rural drive, which some might find easier when considering Lake Elizabeth alongside other stops around the Otways. That said, the exact travel time is very road-condition dependent.
Utilize this inland option when your navigation app suggests that this is truly the best option or if your goal is to travel at a slow pace through the countryside. Don’t assume that every option other than your chosen route will take less time. Smaller roads can be narrow, wet and windy paths that put you in direct contact with farm vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife.
USE LOCAL APPROACHES
Familiarity with the nearby towns makes your trip less stressful. The Otways’ road system is not complex, but signs can appear later than city drivers expect to see, especially when surrounded by dense forest.
Typically, it’s best to consider local directions as more of a planning framework. It is always best to check for notifications of current road closures and park alerts before you leave the house, especially after heavy rainfall, storm damage, or bushfire events. The official Great Otway National Park webpage from Parks Victoria is a great resource that is specifically aimed to provide you with the most up-to-date access conditions.
From Geelong and Colac
Leave Geelong, heading for Colac via the Princes Highway, and then make your turn toward Forrest through the forest. This is the route that is the easiest to understand when leaving from Melbourne, as you will be travelling almost entirely along the main highway.
From Colac, the road starts to get deeper into the wooded area. Continue to follow Road to Forrest until you turn onto the road that leads to Lake Elizabeth. After good wind, expect to encounter winds, wet spots, and the occasional fallen branch crossing your path.
In Colac, you will find the last service point—where you can buy gas, snacks, fast food, and have a bathroom break. Be warned, though, that you shouldn’t expect to find anything much after you get close to the lake area. The rainforest provides plenty of ferns, but nothing that could be called a convenience store.
From Forrest and Deans Marsh
Forrest is the only familiarity with Lake Elizabeth for visitors. Allow for extra time to negotiate all the bends and changes in the conditions, as you will be following local roadways to get to the entry to Lake Elizabeth Campground.
If you have been travelling the Great Ocean Road or in the western Otways, you will find it easy to navigate your way toward Forrest Road; but given the multitude of bends and turns along this route, this may not be the fastest way to get to Melbourne.
GET TO THE CAMPING AREA AND PARKING LOCATION
This last leg of your journey is where people get caught out most often. The distance from Forrest is not far, however, the road may be narrow, not well maintained, or wet. You should drive cautiously, keep left, and be on the lookout for wildlife, cyclists and other vehicles.
If you want to stay in nectar that is closer to the forest rather than do it in a day, the Lake Elizabeth Campground may suit you better. Just make sure to check all current regulations, availability, fire management, or disrepair of the campground before you travel.
Know What to Expect for Your Access
Standard vehicles should normally be able to manage the access when it is dry and the road is open; however, the vehicle’s clearance and tire quality come into play. A low sportscar is not the best option for poorly graded gravel, potholes, and stones. The access with caravans may be limited due to the narrow road, turning space, and wet conditions, so make sure to check for current conditions and advice.
Please park in the designated area and/or post signs. Do not obstruct gates, passing spaces or roads which are used by emergency vehicles/business units and the park vehicles. Don’t park by creating a road side spot in the soft ground, trying to save time if the parking is full, can be an important ballpark visit.
Hiking In The Otways
The Lake Elizabeth hike is small but don’t view this the same as a suburban walk. The distance from the car park to the lake is about 1 km either way where you can find an uneven ground, tree roots, wet areas and possible mud.
When I first visited the rainforest track expecting to just stop for a picture opportunity, I was in my café shoes. However, shoes survived but dignity did not. Please wear shoes with a good grip and allow sufficient time to walk slowly, particularly with kids and those who are unsteady on their feet.
Managing Expectation
Expectation – you will get out of your vehicle and immediately see the spectacular lake. Reality – part of the adventure is walking through the dense forest and the lake is revealed as you walk out of the forest.
Expectations – platypus will perform on queue. Reality – observations can occur but mostly unpredictable. Dawn and dusk periods are viewed as best for sighting wildlife, but weather, water levels, noise and luck count.
It is best to keep your voice low by the water, stay on path and not feed any animals. Binoculars are preferred than a long camera from a distance, and being slow is better than scaring off animals thinking you can summon them by will power.
Prepare Weatherwise
Otways feel much cooler than Melbourne as it rains there regularly and it is common in summer. Weather conditions change rapidly as a dry track in the morning could be slippery in the afternoon.
- Wear shoes with a firm grip and pack a raincoat.
- Take along drinking water, food, sunscreen, insect repellent and a used first-aid kit.
- Always download your maps prior to leaving reception and inform someone.
- Bring a rubbish bag and monitor everything you take.
- Make sure you look for weather warnings, park alerts, road conditions and fire restrictions.
Know For Whom
Lake Elizabeth is a good choice for those who enjoy tranquil forest walks, natural beauty, taking pictures outdoors etc, but it may not suit people who need a step-free route or sealed path or want to see congress animals.
Make A Day Of It
If you only have one day, make sure to give all your day to go back or consider doing it over two days if you want to take things slowly. Prepare for the rain, expect a muddy 1 km walk, read the Parks Victoria alerts and arrive at home safely, before dark.
Budget The Main Costs
On an average return trip of about 380 km where your vehicle consumes 7 – 9 liters/100 km you will burn through approximately 27 – 34 liters of fuel. At gas prices of AUD 1.80 – 2.20 per liter you are looking at AUD 49 – 75, that is before traffic, deviations, or local driving.
Camping, accommodation, food, and any fees for parks are independent expenses. Prices can change, and rules about booking can change, so make sure you check everything in advance rather than show up depending on someone’s old screenshot of the cost.
Answering The Common questions
The below are some of the questions that tend to get first time visitors confused. The short answer is simple enough: plan for the bush walk, not the resort, check the current conditions before driving into the Otways.
Can You Swim In Lake Elizabeth Otways?
Lake Elizabeth needs to be seen as a scenic/wildlife experience rather than a swimming hole. The water quality or concealment hazards, water temperature, mud and need to protect the environmental area means you shouldn’t enter the lake. Stay on the side of the lake unless you get official safety warnings/instructions otherwise.
Where does The Great Ocean Road Commence And End From Melbourne?
The Great Ocean Road is mostly known for the coastal course commencing around Torquay and going west to Allansford (near Warrnambool). When driving from Melbourne which way through Geelong does one generally enter The Great Ocean Road. Lake Elizabeth is more inland in the Otways so it isn’t necessarily on “the Great Ocean Road” but both places could be added to a wider regional trip.
What Is The Best Time To See A Platypus In Lake Elizabeth?
The dawn and dusk hours are the best times to see a platypus as they are generally more active during low light conditions. It is always unpredictable. Move unobtrusively, patiently watch the water and don’t crowd the edges.
Are Dogs Allowed In Great Otway National Park?
Do not presume dogs are permitted. There are many rules against dogs in national parks e.g. on tracks, campgrounds, and dog-ads on map rules, and assistance animal rules may be different. Check the current conditions of the national park before travelling and never leave the dog in a parked car while you walk particularly if it is hot.
Is Lake Elizabeth Suitable For Caravans?
In most cases it may be difficult getting to the lakes as the last few roads may not be suitable, narrow, winding, or graveled with limited turning/parking areas. Ensure that you check carefully the current access requirements before towing. For most, the preferred option is generally to leave the caravan in good accommodation or approved ground and drive to the lake.
Take The Smartest Route
In practical terms the best driving way to Lake Elizabeth Otways from Melbourne doesn’t require great planning: it is taking the M1 through Geelong, heading followed by the Princes Highway, then inland to Forrest, before driving and making your way toward the lake.
Make sure to give all your day to go back or consider doing it over two days if you want to take things slowly. Prepare for the rain, expect a muddy 1 km walk, read the Parks Victoria alerts and arrive at home safely, before dark. This few bits of planning surely makes a big difference between a nice day in the Otways or an argument about a wet sock.
