Sealed paths, scenic stops, and connections to the wider Cardinia Trail network — perfect for walkers, joggers, and cyclists of every ability.
Follow these six stops around the main lake loop. Each offers something different.
Start here. Free all-day parking, bike racks, toilet block, and a large information board with a printed trail map. The path heads east along the northern shoreline.
Parking ToiletsA 180-metre raised boardwalk takes you over the reed beds on the lake's eastern edge. Excellent spot for birdwatching — look for Purple Swamphens and Dusky Moorhens foraging below.
Wildlife AccessibleTwo covered BBQ shelters with electric hotplates (free), drinking fountain, and a large grassed area. This is the busiest area on weekends — arrive before 10 am to secure a table.
BBQ Drinking WaterA small elevated platform with bench seating gives you the widest view across the entire lake. Popular with photographers at sunset when the water reflects the ranges.
ScenicModern playground with equipment for ages 2-12, rubber soft-fall surfacing, fenced toddler area, and shaded seating for parents. See the families guide for more detail.
Playground FencedThe loop ends where it began, but you can continue south-east onto the Cardinia Creek Trail for a longer ride or walk. The trail extends 20+ km through Officer, Beaconsfield, and beyond.
Trail LinkEarly mornings (6-8 am) for birdlife and cooler temperatures. Weekday afternoons are the quietest. Avoid midday in summer — there's limited tree shade on the eastern section.
Dogs must be on-leash on the main trail. There's a dedicated off-leash area on the western grassed zone. Bag dispensers are at waypoints 1 and 3.
The sealed path is shared-use. Cyclists should keep left and give way to pedestrians. The flat grade makes it ideal for kids learning to ride. Mountain bikes are fine on connecting gravel trails.
Joins at waypoint 6. A 22 km sealed shared-use trail running from Upper Beaconsfield to Tooradin. Mostly flat with a few gentle rises through farmland and creek corridors. Well signposted.
Pick this up from Pakenham Station (10 min drive). A 6.5 km converted rail corridor through heritage bushland. Connects to the broader Gippsland rail trail network heading east.