Plan your visit to Emerald Lake Park
About
This page has information on opening hours, visitor information and transport options to Emerald Lake Park.
Parking Update
Maintenance works at Emerald Lake Park have started around Lake Treganowan.
The lakeside carpark is closed from Monday 24 July for the next 2-3 weeks on weekdays. Parking is available in the Puffing Billy area.
Opening hours
We are open from 6am to 8pm November to April and 6am to 6pm May to October.
We close on:
- Catastrophic fire danger days: entire precinct will be closed.
- Total Fire Ban and Extreme fire danger days: bushland areas/walking trails be closed. Please observe signs for your safety.
- Christmas Day: businesses (including cafe, model railway and paddleboats) will be closed.
Visitor information
You can:
- Bring your dog/s, but keep them on a leash
- Enter the park for free, but remember to pay for parking or display your annual pass
- Fish in the lakes – but please follow the rules on the signs
Please don’t:
- Litter (there are bins everywhere)
- Swim in the lakes (they’re not safe)
- Feed the birds and ducks (it makes them sick and aggressive)
- Light a wood or charcoal barbecue (we have electric ones you can use for free)
- Ride your trail bike or horse into the park (they are not allowed)
How to get there
By car
The park is a 60-minute drive from Melbourne. Find out about parking and accessibility
By train
Catch the train from Melbourne to Belgrave station, walk to the nearby Puffing Billy station then ride the steam train to Lakeside Station. Check Metrotrains timetables
By bus or coach
Take the Route 695 Belgrave to Gembrook. Get off the bus at Emerald township. Check Public Transport Victoria route 695 bus timetable
There are 3 bus parking spaces (15-minute limit) near Puffing Billy’s Lakeside station.
Walking and cycling
Walk or cycle the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail between Emerald, Cockatoo and Gembrook. The trail takes you through Nobelius Heritage Park and Emerald Lake Park.