The best walks and hikes in Churchill National Park
4.5
(109)
1,557
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking in Churchill National Park offers access to a landscape characterized by open eucalypt forests, rolling hills, and a network of walking trails. The park features a diverse range of native flora and fauna, providing opportunities for wildlife observation. Elevations within the park are generally moderate, with several viewpoints offering expansive vistas over the surrounding Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield Lake.
Best hiking trails in Churchill National Park
- The most popular hiking route is Trig Point – Trig Point Lookout loop from Churchill National Park, a 6.2 miles (10.0 km) trail that takes about 3 hours to complete. This moderate route leads to panoramic views from Trig Point.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is View of Lysterfield Lake – View of Lysterfield Lake loop from Lysterfield Park, a moderate 5.8 miles (9.3 km) path. This trail features views of Lysterfield Lake and passes through varied bushland.
- Local hikers also love the Hiking loop from Upper Ferntree Gully, a 5.1 miles (8.2 km) trail leading through dense eucalypt forests, often completed in about 2 hours 40 minutes.
- Hiking in Churchill National Park is defined by eucalypt forests, rolling hills, and scenic lookouts. The network offers options for easy family hikes as well as more challenging moderate and difficult routes.
- The routes in Churchill National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 90 reviews. More than 1,300 hikers have used komoot to explore Churchill National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
18
hikers
10.0km
02:54
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(13)
252
hikers
6.03km
01:36
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
hikers
13.8km
03:46
210m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
hikers
8.42km
02:13
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Lamberts Track is a wide gravel path running through open eucalypt forest, forming part of the park’s main walking and running network. The track is relatively flat with a gentle gradient, making it one of the easier sections to move through. It has a more open feel compared to narrower bush tracks, with long sightlines ahead and fewer obstacles underfoot.
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Trig Point Lookout sits at one of the higher points in the Lysterfield and Churchill park area, with elevated views across Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges, Arthur’s Seat, and Western Port Bay on clearer days. The climb to the lookout follows a steeper gravel track through eucalypt forest, with kangaroos and birdlife commonly seen along the route. The lookout itself is relatively open compared to the surrounding bushland, creating wider sightlines across the landscape.
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Granite Peak Trail climbs through open eucalypt forest toward rocky outcrops at one of the higher points in the park. Parts of the route follow the line of an old tramway used during construction of the reservoir and nearby quarries. The track is designated for walking and running, with a steady climb and rougher, rockier sections closer to the top.
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Boys Farm Heritage Walk is a short interpretive path within Lysterfield Park that explores the history of the former boys’ farm established on this site. The walk passes through remains and signage that highlight the property’s agricultural and social history, nestled within open parkland and beautiful bush surroundings. It’s an easy, well-marked route that’s a brief, informative detour while exploring the wider park pathway network.
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This shared use path is popular with hikers, runners, and cyclists who want to explore the beauty of Lysterfield Lake. Along the way you'll pass through dry woodlands and marshy lakeshore and it's more than likely that you'll see kangaroo while out on the trail as well. It's mostly flat, wide, and well-maintained with just a couple of small hills so it's great for families too.
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The nearby wooden dock and bench make this viewpoint a good place to stop and rest or have a picnic if you happened to bring one with you.
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Originally built in 1930 the Lysterfield Dam is now a great place to stop when on the Lake Circuit to enjoy the view across the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there in Churchill National Park?
Churchill National Park offers a network of over 10 hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes. These trails provide diverse experiences through eucalypt forests and rolling hills.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for families in Churchill National Park?
Yes, Churchill National Park has several easy trails perfect for families. These routes are generally shorter and have gentler gradients, allowing everyone to enjoy the park's natural beauty. Look for trails marked as 'easy' for the most family-friendly options.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Churchill National Park?
As a national park, Churchill National Park generally has restrictions on pets to protect native wildlife. Dogs are typically not permitted on hiking trails within the park. It's always best to check the official Parks Victoria website for the most current regulations before your visit.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Churchill National Park?
The best time for hiking in Churchill National Park is during spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May). These seasons offer milder temperatures, making for more comfortable hiking conditions, and you can often see wildflowers in spring. Summer can be hot, and winter can be cool and damp.
Are there any loop trails in Churchill National Park?
Yes, many of the trails in Churchill National Park are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. A popular option is the Trig Point – Trig Point Lookout loop from Churchill National Park, which provides panoramic views.
Where can I park when visiting Churchill National Park for a hike?
Churchill National Park has designated parking areas at various trailheads. The main entrance off Churchill Park Drive typically offers ample parking. Specific parking details can often be found on trail descriptions or the official park website.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in Churchill National Park?
Churchill National Park is home to diverse native fauna. Hikers often spot kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with many species of native birds, including kookaburras and rosellas, inhabiting the eucalypt forests.
Are there any challenging or difficult hikes in Churchill National Park?
Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous experience, Churchill National Park does offer some difficult trails. An example is the View of Lysterfield Lake – Lysterfield Lake Dam Viewpoint loop from Churchill National Park, which covers a longer distance and features significant elevation changes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Churchill National Park?
The komoot community highly rates Churchill National Park, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained trails, the peaceful eucalypt forests, and the rewarding views from lookouts like Trig Point and towards Lysterfield Lake.
Are there any trails that offer views of Lysterfield Lake?
Absolutely. Several trails provide excellent views of Lysterfield Lake. The View of Lysterfield Lake – View of Lysterfield Lake loop from Lysterfield Park is a popular moderate route that specifically highlights these scenic vistas.
Do I need a permit to hike in Churchill National Park?
Generally, you do not need a permit for day hiking on established trails within Churchill National Park. However, for specific activities or larger groups, it's always advisable to check the official Parks Victoria website for any special requirements or conditions.
Are there any cafes or facilities near the hiking trails in Churchill National Park?
While Churchill National Park itself is primarily a natural area with limited facilities, the surrounding suburbs like Lysterfield and Rowville offer various cafes, shops, and amenities where you can grab refreshments or supplies before or after your hike.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the trails in Churchill National Park?
The trails in Churchill National Park primarily traverse open eucalypt forests and rolling hills. You can expect well-defined dirt paths, some gravel sections, and varying gradients, from gentle slopes on easy trails to steeper climbs on more difficult routes.
Most popular routes in Churchill National Park
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