Emerald

The village of Emerald sparkles with its genuine charm and rich history. It is part of the Cardinia Shire Council and sits just a short distance from 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, 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.

Families regularly enjoy the playgrounds, swimming pool, barbecue facilities, paddle boats, walking tracks, model railway, the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre, café and of course, the railway station for Puffing Billy.

The famous historic steam train passes through the township on its way from Belgrave to Gembrook and actually has three stations within Emerald. It regularly stops at Emerald and Lakeside, and if required, at Nobelius.

Emerald is also home to Nobelius Heritage Park & Emerald Museum where visitors can discover the fascinating horticultural business history behind the region, dating back from the 1880s to the 1960s. From gardening implements to historic documents, photos, sales and stock records and more.

The Museum is open Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm and Sundays from 1:30 pm to 4 pm 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. As part of the larger Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, this portion is a comfortable 2.5-hour 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.

Cardinia Reservoir Park is an outdoor recreation area situated near the dam of the Cardinia Reservoir. Since the 1970s, the reservoir has been a major source for Melbourne's water supply. The park next door is a popular spot for picnicking with several sheltered barbecue areas.

Emerald township is the perfect place to explore the cafes, boutiques and gift shops. Enjoy a weekend escape and stay in Emerald at places like Alkira Eco Glamping Retreat and Sun-Kissed Forest Garden to enjoy all that it has to offer.