Lakes National Park Lakes Entrance Australia
Discover the unique beauty of Lakes National Park, featuring otherworldly swamps, towering trees, and serene lake vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beautiful views, fewer crowds
Lakes National Park Lakes Entrance Australia
Best Time
Beautiful views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the unique beauty of Lakes National Park, featuring otherworldly swamps, towering trees, and serene lake vistas.
"A really special park with lots of areas to explore, bordered between two lakes makes it pretty unique."
Bring Your Own Supplies
Pack food, drinks, and essentials as amenities are limited to drop toilets. :forkandknife: :water_buffalo:
Combat March Flies
These biting insects can be intense. Bring plenty of insect repellent or consider visiting when they are less active. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolomite Swamp
Dolomite Track
A vast, otherworldly swamp with a stark, unique beauty. A must-see for its unusual landscape.
Pelican Point Views
Pelican Point Track
Scenic vistas of Lake Victoria with opportunities to spot Black Swans and a floating mud island.
Towering Tea Trees
Tea Tree Track
Walk amongst massive, towering Tea Trees on this scenic track leading towards Pelican Point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pack for All Conditions
Plan Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Supplies
Pack food, drinks, and essentials as amenities are limited to drop toilets. :forkandknife: :water_buffalo:
Combat March Flies
These biting insects can be intense. Bring plenty of insect repellent or consider visiting when they are less active. :bug:
Check Park Office Hours
The Parks Victoria office may be closed; look for the information box with maps. :information_desk:
Explore Multiple Tracks
Combine Dolomite, Tea Tree, and Pelican Point tracks for a varied experience. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Supplies
Pack food, drinks, and essentials as amenities are limited to drop toilets. :forkandknife: :water_buffalo:
Combat March Flies
These biting insects can be intense. Bring plenty of insect repellent or consider visiting when they are less active. :bug:
Check Park Office Hours
The Parks Victoria office may be closed; look for the information box with maps. :information_desk:
Explore Multiple Tracks
Combine Dolomite, Tea Tree, and Pelican Point tracks for a varied experience. :hiking_boot:
Respect the Environment
Help keep the park clean by taking all your rubbish with you. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lakes National Park for its unique natural beauty, particularly the stark Dolomite Swamp and scenic lake views. The walking tracks offer immersive nature experiences. However, concerns are raised about litter and the upkeep of facilities, with some visitors noting a lack of visible park management.
"This afternoon, I visited The Lakes National Park at Loch Sport for the first time and checked out the Dolomite Track, Tea Tree Track, Greenhood Track and part of the Pelican Point Track. It was a very warm sunny day with a top of 24 degrees.
So this National Park has been on my MUST DO list for over a year now. The biggest issue for me was the long commute out. I had to drive down to Sale then through Longford before heading down to Loch Sport which is about 1.5 hours each way. Luckily, I was completely free to start exploring the park today.
Just after the main entrance, there is a Parks Victoria office on the right. I've heard that most of the time it's closed but they do have a wooden box containing park information and maps of the National Park. A little further down is the Dolomite Picnic Area where I parked my car.
I began my walk at the Dolomite Walking Track. It's a well shaded narrow path between some dense Coastal Tea Trees and Old Man Banksias. I also briefly checked out the Dolomite Swamp. The size of it was staggering and it had a very stark otherworldly quality to it.
Eventually, I reached the Tea Tree Track which is one of two that will take you to Pelican Point. This was more of the same vegetation, though the Tea Trees here were towering and massive. This joins up with the Greenhood Track before reaching a picnic table where you can enjoy scenic views of Lake Victoria.
The water in Lake Victoria is so clear and beautiful. I saw a few boats and jet skis cruising past plus Black Swans swimming around. I only did part of the Pelican Point Track until I reached Pelican Point itself. There's a large floating mud island with some birds nesting on top.
I decided to head back via an Unknown Track along the Lake Victoria Foreshore. The track does get quite steep and narrow but is mostly easy to follow. Once again, the views across Lake Victoria are absolutely magnificent. I could see Blond Bay Wildlife Reserve out in the distance.
Overall, this is a really special park. There's lots of areas to explore and being bordered between two lakes makes it pretty unique. I can't wait to return next year."
Michael Dixon
"Brilliant destination for a holiday or just a day visit, pack your food & drinks because there's nothing but drop toilets as far as amenities go. Don't forget to pack inspect repellent and sunscreen."
Hailey Kingston
"The park is beautiful, but could be so much better. It's such a shame that Parks Vic isn't cleaning the rubbish here. Broken glass, empty beer bottles and aluminium cans, Styrofoam containers, to name a few things that will never break down. Twig burning BBQs are stuffed full of rubbish and cigarette butts. Electric BBQs filthy. I've contacted Parks and the traditional land owners who jointly manage the park, to no avail. No response. Park Ranger is nowhere to be seen in the park. The ranger's office is closed every day. What are they being paid for?"
H C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located at Loch Sport. The drive from Sale involves going through Longford and takes about 1.5 hours each way.
Public transport options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park.
The drive is scenic, passing through varied landscapes. Be prepared for a longer commute if coming from further afield.
Entry to Lakes National Park is generally free.
The main entrance is near Loch Sport, with the Dolomite Picnic Area being a popular starting point for walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required for entry into Lakes National Park.
Lakes National Park is open year-round, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is a Parks Victoria office near the entrance, but it is often closed. Information and maps are usually available in a wooden box.
While camping is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the park is described as a destination for holidays, suggesting potential camping opportunities. Further research with Parks Victoria is recommended.
Near the entrance, you'll find a Parks Victoria office (often closed) and the Dolomite Picnic Area. Basic amenities like drop toilets are available within the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular tracks include the Dolomite Track, Tea Tree Track, Greenhood Track, and parts of the Pelican Point Track, offering diverse scenery.
You can spot Black Swans and other birdlife, particularly around Lake Victoria.
Tracks are generally well-shaded and easy to follow, though some can be steep and narrow.
Pelican Point offers magnificent views across Lake Victoria, with a large floating mud island visible.
Yes, it's a brilliant destination for a day visit, offering beautiful scenery and walking opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the park itself. Visitors need to bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, the Dolomite Picnic Area is available, and you can enjoy picnics at scenic spots along the tracks. Remember to pack out all your waste.
Pack ample water, snacks, and a full meal, as there are no shops or eateries nearby.
The reviews mention twig burning BBQs, but they are often found to be dirty or full of rubbish. It's best to rely on your own portable cooking equipment if needed.
The nearest town with shops and eateries would be Sale or Loch Sport itself, so stock up before you arrive.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dolomite Swamp offers unique, otherworldly shots. Pelican Point provides stunning lake vistas, and the towering Tea Trees create dramatic foregrounds.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty of the swamp and lake views. Sunny days offer clear visibility.
Look for the stark beauty of the swamp, the clarity of Lake Victoria's water, Black Swans, and the impressive scale of the Tea Trees.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive swamp and lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Parks Victoria or relevant authorities before flying a drone in the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a picnic at the Dolomite Picnic Area for a relaxed family meal amidst nature. The unique landscape of the Dolomite Swamp might also spark curiosity and imagination in younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Be prepared for the elements by wearing sturdy walking shoes, bringing water, and applying insect repellent, especially during warmer months when March flies can be prevalent.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget your camera when visiting Pelican Point to photograph the Black Swans and the distinctive floating mud island. While the park is beautiful, be mindful of potential litter in some areas, which might require careful framing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tracks
The Tea Tree Track continues the theme of dense vegetation, featuring towering, massive tea trees. This track connects with the Greenhood Track before reaching a picnic table offering scenic views of Lake Victoria. For those wanting to explore further, the Pelican Point Track provides access to Pelican Point itself, where a large floating mud island hosts nesting birds.
Some visitors have explored an Unknown Track along the Lake Victoria Foreshore, which can be steep and narrow but offers magnificent views across the lake. These diverse trails allow visitors to experience the park's unique ecosystems and stunning water views.
Environmental Concerns
Concerns have also been raised about the condition of the electric BBQs and twig burning BBQs, which are often described as filthy or stuffed with rubbish and cigarette butts. Despite contacting Parks Victoria and traditional land owners, some visitors feel there has been a lack of response and visible park ranger presence.
This highlights a potential disconnect between the park's management and visitor expectations for cleanliness and maintenance. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park's natural state.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
The Dolomite Swamp is a standout natural feature, offering a stark and almost alien landscape that captivates visitors. The towering Tea Trees along the walking tracks add to the sense of being immersed in a wild, natural environment.
Views across Lake Victoria are consistently described as magnificent, providing a serene backdrop for walks and picnics. The presence of a floating mud island with nesting birds at Pelican Point further enhances the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit