Emerald

The village of Emerald sparkles with its country charm and warm hospitality. It is part of the Cardinia Shire Council and is close to suburbs including Belgrave, Gembrook and Berwick.

What can you do in Emerald?

Emerald Lake Park (Lake Treganowan) is a popular spot for visitors keen to enjoy a great day out, especially during the warmer months. The park here is the last remaining remnant of the famous Nobelius Nursery which was planted in the late 1890s. Fishing enthusiasts also love Emerald Lake for its abundance of rainbow trout and you’ll often find visitors casting a line here.

An ideal spot for families, you’ll find family-friendly facilities here including barbecue facilities, playgrounds, a swimming pool, paddle boats, walking tracks, fishing spots, an Environment Centre, a model railway, café and of course, the railway station for Puffing Billy.

The famous Puffing Billy passes through the township on its way from Belgrave to Gembrook and actually has three stations within Emerald—at Emerald, Nobelius and Lakeside. Nobelius is the only station where Puffing Billy will stop only if required, the other two are regular stops.

It’s also home to Nobelius Heritage Park & Emerald Museum where visitors can discover the fascinating history behind the region. The Museum is open Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm and Sundays from 1:30pm to 4pm or by arrangement.

The Emerald-Cockatoo recreational trail is ideal for walkers and cyclists and offers access to a range of family fun and recreational activities. The trail is a comfortable 2.5hr walk from Kilvington Road (southeast of Puffing Billy station). Emerald to Cockatoo; wandering through natural settings including Nobelius Heritage Park, Emerald Museum, Emerald Lake Park and Wright Forest. Some sections near Nobelius Heritage Park and in Wright Forest are more challenging and may not suit all visitors, but the very fit can warm up with a vigorous cycle through the forest to Cockatoo.

Discover Cardinia Reservoir Park, a popular outdoor recreation area situated near the dam of the Cardinia Reservoir. Since the 1970s, it’s been a major source for Melbourne's water supply and today it’s a large recreational park with several sheltered barbeque areas.

Emerald township is the perfect place to explore the cafes, boutiques and gift shops. Enjoy a weekend escape and stay in Emerald to enjoy all that it has to offer.