Lake Lysterfield

Lake Lysterfield is past suburbia but not yet in the country. On the drive out the houses, apartments and warehouses are slowly replaced by green hills, vineyards, orchards and paddocks. Then, once you arrive, you're greeted by a massive expanse of water surrounded by gum trees and beautiful parkland.

Lake Lysterfield used to be Lysterfield Reservoir but in 1979 it was upgraded to a lake with areas for swimming, boating and water sports. There are plenty of walking and cycling tracks too. If it's warm enough you'll see people of all different nationalities and backgrounds coming together for a barbecue, splashing in the water or just lying on the grass.

Wading out to swim involves squelching through mud, sticks, rocks and discarded water bottles (that aren't washed away due to lack of waves) but once you're off the ground it's nice and clear (provided you can swim/aren't scared of what lurks beneath!). Swimming out to the buoy is an easy challenge for most and the water gets colder the further out you go so it'll leave you awake and rejuvenated. But if relaxation is more your style the lack of waves and tides make floating in the water easy.

Best of all, Lysterfield is free for all who want to experience it and it's less busy than swimming pools or the beach. Also, the lake's enormity means that everybody has their own space.

If you make the wise and exciting decision to visit, make sure to bring your own food and have a picnic or a barbecue on the ones provided. Unfortunately there is no longer a cafe open in the park nor anywhere close by to buy food from!