Changes to park access due to Puffing Billy Discovery Centre construction at Emerald Lake Park
Coronavirus COVID-19 update: Emerald Lake Park
- Emerald Lake Park will close to visitors from Friday 3 April.
- Until that time, please note that you cannot use the playground, BBQs, picnic areas/tables or outdoor gym equipment.
- Paddle boats and the model railway will not be operating until further notice.
- The Emerald Lake Park cafe is closed until further notice.
- Casual bookings for outdoor spaces and recreation reserves across the shire are currently not being accepted until further notice.
- For information on how the Coronavirus pandemic has changed how you can currently use parks and reserves in Cardinia Shire, visit the Coronavirus page.
About
The new Puffing Billy Discovery Centre is being built at Emerald Lake Park, Emerald. This is an Emerald Tourist Railway Board project.
The $20 million project is being funded by the Victorian Government, Federal Government and Puffing Billy Railway.
- The new centre will be the new central hub for Puffing Billy. It will greatly enhance the Puffing Billy experience for visitors to the popular tourist attraction.
- It’s also an important step in opening up the Lakeside to Gembrook section of the train line for use all year round.
More info: Puffing Billy website
Where the centre will be located in the park
The new centre will be located along the railway line near the existing Puffing Billy Station.
Park facilities that will be impacted by the works
- The Emerald Tourist Railway Board is aiming to coordinate works so that they have minimal impact on park users.
- Access and use restrictions will only be put in place when necessary for public safety reasons.
- Click the links below to find out how these facilities will be affected by the works:
- carparks and buses
- barbecues
- shelters
- toilets: The public toilets next to the Lion’s Den shelter will be removed as part of carpark upgrades. New facilities will be installed in another part of the park later in the project.
When the works will start and finish
We understand that works will start in mid-November 2019 and that the centre will be completed by December 2020. For the most up-to-date information visit the Puffing Billy website
Features of the new Puffing Billy Discovery Centre
- Café
- Function spaces
- Upgraded toilet facilities
- Retail
- Food and beverage options
- Interpretation spaces for school groups and families.