Things to do at Emerald Lake Park
About
This page has information on activities you can enjoy at Emerald Lake Park.
Nobelius Heritage Park and Emerald and District Museum
Nobelius Heritage Park and Emerald and District Museum are at the western end of Emerald Lake Park.
They are managed by a volunteer committee under the authority of Council.
Walking tracks
Emerald Lake Park has a number of tracks and trails, from shorter trails for those after a relaxing stroll to longer, more challenging hikes.
| Track | Difficulty | Distance | Time | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link Track | Moderate to difficult, short but steep | 250m | 5 minutes | |
| Lake Nobelius Loop Track | Easy | 1.2km (loop) | 15 minutes | Wheelchair friendly |
| Pine Track | Easy to moderate | 1km | 15 minutes | |
| Wishing Well Track | Easy to moderate | 700m | 10 minutes | |
| Fern Gully Track | Difficult (steep in sections) | 700m | 15 minutes | |
| Nobelius Track | Moderate (one steep section) | 1.4km | 20 minutes | |
| Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail (part) | Easy to moderate | 1km (within Emerald Lake Park) | 20 minutes |
Download the Emerald Lake Park walking trails brochure
Virtual Ranger trail
The Virtual Ranger Trail allows you to get information sent to your mobile phone or other smart device connected to the internet.
Look out for the 10 Virtual Ranger Trail posts located around the park and scan the QR codes for information like audio, text, images and graphics on the park’s plants, animals and history.
Wading pool
The pool is about 25 metres long with a varying depth of between 0.5m and 1m. It is patrolled by lifeguards, however children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Pool opening hours
The pool is open in December, January, February and March when the temperature is 26 degrees or more.
It will open at 12pm and close at 6.30pm on weekdays and weekends.
Throughout January the pool will open every day. On days when the forecast temperture is below 26 degrees, the pool will open from 12pm for a minimum of three hours.
The pool will not open:
- when it is wet or stormy
- on CFA-declared 'Extreme' and 'Code Red' day
To find out if the pool is open, visit the Cardinia Leisure website, the Cardinia Outdoor Pools Facebook page or phone 5945 2888
Barbecues
The barbecues are free to use. No bookings are required.
- Near the Boatshed shelter: 1 double barbecue
- Near the Boatshed shelter, in the picnic area (next to the lake): 1 single barbecue
- Next to the cafe: 1 single barbecue
- Next to the Gus Ryberg Amphitheatre: 1 double barbecue.
The barbecues at the Messmate and Lion's Den shelters are no longer available. They will be replaced in another area of the park.
Emerald Lake Park cafe
The cafe serves hot and cold meals and snacks, tea, coffee and ice creams. Eat-in or take away.
It has indoor and outdoor seating and reservations can be made.
Call the cafe on 5968 5113 for more information.
Model railway
Emerald Lake Model Railway is the largest model railway in the Southern Hemisphere. For more information go to the Model Railway website
Paddleboats
Lakeside Paddleboats can be hired at Emerald Lake Park on Lake Treganowan opposite the wading pool. Visit the Lakeside Paddleboats website for opening hours.
Fishing
Lake Treganowan is restocked with rainbow trout during the year by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, which makes it a great place to take the kids fishing.
- Please dispose of all fishing line and tackle responsibly to prevent injuries to birds, animals and other people.
- You can only catch a certain number of fish at the lake on a given day. See catch limits on the Victorian Fisheries Authority website
- Size limits do not apply.
- Removed the hook before throwing back any fish.
- Bring your own bait; digging for worms is not allowed
Note: you will need to have a Victorian recreational fishing licence to fish at the lake.
Puffing Billy Railway
Australia’s premier preserved steam train stops in Emerald Lake Park at Lakeside station, as part of its journey through the stunning Dandenong Ranges.
Visit the Puffing Billy website for all ticketing, timetable and event information.