Barwon Downs Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lake Elizabeth is a remote mountain lake formed by a landslide and a beautiful place to spend some time searching for the Platypus. The lake is about 3/4hr walk to reach from the carpark along a well made pathway. My photo was taken near the western edge of the lake. 

Hidden deep in the Otways it has inspiring beauty with heavily timbered flanks and calm waters punctuated by the trunks of dead trees, drowned when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago to form this "perched lake”. 

The elusive platypus can be found in the waters of the lake - wake up early or head to Lake Elizabeth at dusk to catch a glimpse of these shy Australian natives.
Lake Elizabeth is a remote mountain lake formed by a landslide and a beautiful place to spend some time searching for the Platypus. The lake is about 3/4hr walk to reach from the carpark along a well made pathway. My photo was taken near the western edge of the lake. 

Hidden deep in the Otways it has inspiring beauty with heavily timbered flanks and calm waters punctuated by the trunks of dead trees, drowned when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago to form this "perched lake”. 

The elusive platypus can be found in the waters of the lake - wake up early or head to Lake Elizabeth at dusk to catch a glimpse of these shy Australian natives.
Lake Elizabeth is one of my favourite hidden gems in the Otway region. It's a beautiful campground that has many hiking trails. The lake was created when a landslide formed a dam. Now you have haunting dead trees rising from the middle of the lake.

It's very secluded and is a place to get different photos. You can occasionally find platypus here #localgem
Walk around the lake.
Cumberland Lorne Resort

Cumberland Lorne Resort

4.5 out of 5
150 Mountjoy Parade Lorne VIC
The price is 5.172.125 ₫ per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
5.172.125 ₫
5.689.337 ₫ total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lorne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,053 reviews)
Very clean, great amenities. Always book an ocean view room which never disappoints. Refurbished pool area looks great

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Cumberland Lorne Resort
Mantra Lorne

Mantra Lorne

4.5 out of 5
Mountjoy Parade Lorne VIC
The price is 3.891.003 ₫ per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
3.891.003 ₫
4.206.486 ₫ total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Lorne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Room with all the amenities to make it a great stay and a superb view on the ocean !

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Mantra Lorne
Beachfront Motel

Beachfront Motel

3 out of 5
163 Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay VIC
The price is 2.822.136 ₫ per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
2.822.136 ₫
3.104.350 ₫ total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Great Ocean Road Waterfront and Apollo Bay Bowls Club ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (633 reviews)
Friendly staff. Large clean room with an attached kitchen if needed. Parking directly outside the accommodation. Quiet location..but two minutes walk from restaurants, cafes and bars. Nice place!! Well wirth visiting the Telegraph Museum @ the east end of the town. Fascinating history.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Beachfront Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cumberland Lorne Resort

Cumberland Lorne Resort

4.5 out of 5
150 Mountjoy Parade Lorne VIC
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lorne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,053 reviews)
Very clean, great amenities. Always book an ocean view room which never disappoints. Refurbished pool area looks great

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Cumberland Lorne Resort
Apollo Bay Holiday Park

Apollo Bay Holiday Park

3.5 out of 5
27 Cawood Street Apollo Bay VIC
Stay at this family-friendly cabin in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (315 reviews)
The cabin was very clean and provided everything we needed for our stay. The check in service was also convenient for us as we arrived late at night. The location was great, within only a short stroll to the beach and a few blocks away from the town centre. The park facilities were also good with ...

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Apollo Bay Holiday Park
BIG4 Aireys Inlet

BIG4 Aireys Inlet

3 out of 5
19 Great Ocean Rd Aireys Inlet VIC
Stay at this cabin in Aireys Inlet. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sandy Gully Beach and Eco Logic are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Clean amenities and great customer service

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

BIG4 Aireys Inlet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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