Lake Murphy Conservation Park

Nestled beneath the low Murphy's Range in the central highlands, Lake Murphy remains largely unchanged from the days when Europeans first passed this way. This perched lake is a seasonal refuge for waterbirds and only fills when nearby Robinson Creek overflows. It has been dry five times in the past two centuries. The shaded, grassy camp sites near Lake Murphy are a great place to spend the night and watch the sun set over the lake. Even when the lake is dry, this is a peaceful and beautiful spot. Explore the four kilometre Lake Murphy circuit through woodland studded with iron bark trees and Livistona cabbage palms. Wind along Robinson Creek under a canopy of forest red gums before heading for home. Look for koalas in the forest red gums and red-necked wallabies grazing on the grassy plains. See waders when the lake is full and woodland birds in the forest. If you go spotlighting at night, you might see brushtail possums or greater gliders in the trees along the walking track. Image credits—© Robert Ashdown