Plan your visit to Emerald Lake Park

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.