Emerald
THE HUB OF THE HILLS
NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE DANDENONG RANGES, THE THRIVING TOWN OF EMERALD AND SURROUNDS OFFERS A RICH AND INTERESTING HISTORY, AND AN ENCHANTING PLACE TO ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY
TGold was discovered in the area in 1858. The diggers who uncovered it were mainly Irish, and named the goldfields for their homeland, fondly called “The Emerald Isle”.
When the township was founded, the name carried over. While Emerald did not prove as gold laden as expected, the rich volcanic soil soon promoted agricultural and horticultural activities. Carl Axel Nobelius planted his orchard and nursery in 1886, growing berries, fruit trees, ornamental and English trees. As the industry developed, both in Emerald and the surrounding farm and timber communities of Cockatoo and Gembrook, the need for an effective mode of transport out of the hills became increasingly important – and so the Puffing Billy railway was built.
Today, Emerald is probably the most iconic stop on the Puffing Billy line. Those interested in exploring the area’s history will enjoy the peaceful Emerald Heritage Walk and ANZAC Walk; mosey down to the Emerald Museum where friendly volunteers will share their wealth of knowledge on the treasure trove of historical artefacts, then wander out and explore the beautifully maintained Nobelius Heritage Park.
There’s plenty to explore and walking tracks that weave throughout Emerald and beyond – for the more energetic visitors, the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail will take you all the way from Emerald to Gembrook, stretching across 13kms one-way.
For a more leisurely stroll, nature-lined paths link the Nobelius Heritage Park with Emerald Lake Park, where you’ll find a playground, BBQ and picnic facilities, a café, outdoor paddling pool, paddleboats, and the mesmerizing model railway museum. A little further afield, Cardinia Reservoir and Aura Vale Lake offer beautiful scenic walking tracks, picnic and BBQ facilities, and an idyllic setting to bring your canoe and head out for a paddle.
An array of specialty and gift shops will entice you with their gorgeous curated wares, clothing, jewellery, antiques and collectibles; and if you’re feeling peckish, you’re spoiled for choice with cafés and restaurants, that source and use local produce, all situated in unique settings. Emerald Market, held on the third Sunday of every month, is the largest street market in the Dandenong Ranges, offering something for everyone. The Lion’s Club Grow It, Bake It, Make It market happens on the first Sunday of each month and has also become very popular. Annually, Emerald hosts the Funfest street festival and the week-long PAVE (Performing and Visual Arts in Emerald) festival in March/April, drawing visitors from near and far.
Travel just past Emerald and you’ll find the Avonsleigh General Store, which stocks a large range of artisan goods, produce and gifts. Next door is Bam Bam Italian restaurant, which provides a fantastic undercover kids’ play-space, modern and relaxing ambience, and deliciously authentic Italian food. Close by, in Macclesfield is the Australian Rainbow Trout Farm, which boasts a number of fishing ponds, a large picnic ground, playground, mini golf and BBQs to cook up your catch. The Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links runs off the Beaconsfield Emerald Road. Resident kangaroos share the 27 holes picturesque golf course, which also offers footgolf, a combination of soccer and golf that is loads of fun to play with friends and family.
Finally, top off your day with a visit to Emerald’s boutique wineries, Emersleigh Estate and Paternoster Winery, for a chance to chat with the winemakers and tasting in a relaxed environment.
With so much to see and do in and around Emerald, and its scenic countryside, it’s no wonder it’s become the hub to explore amongst daytrippers, cycling clubs, car enthusiasts, couples and families from near and afar alike
PUFFING BILLY
Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends are back in March for the very popular Day Out With Thomas, being held at Puffing Billy’s Gembrook Station. You’re invited to join the adventure for a day of fun, including a 35-minute train ride, a chance to meet the Fat Controller, jumping castles, face painting and plenty of other family friendly activities.
Puffing Billy Railway, Belgrave Station, Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave
INCY WINCY AND BEHIND THE TREES
heck out the shared corner of the Incy Wincy coffee shop and Behind The Trees giftware store in Emerald. Enjoy a day out where you can combine your shopping and lunch in their beautiful space, or explore the treasures of this little shop, get a picnic to go and roam this beautiful area! Shop 12, 5-7 Kilvington Drive, Emerald VIC - enter from Heroes Ave.
AVONSLEIGH GENERAL STORE
Our local providore where you will find gourmet products and giftware made from local producers. Locally made bread, honey, sauces, condiments, free range meat, flowers, giftware, liquor and grocery items. Your LOCAL | DAILY | NEEDS | OPEN: Daily 7am-10pm (Sunday 8am).
445 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Avonsleigh
BAM BAM ITALIAN
A modern Italian bistro, Bam Bam Italian celebrates fresh, seasonal fare and vibrant hospitality. Gather for a meal, a celebration, or pop in for a coffee, gelati, or aperitivo. Encapsulating the Italian spirit of ‘family first’, they are completely family-friendly, offering an undercover playground, and kid’s menu. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available.
445 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Avonsleigh VIC
STAR OF EMERALD
The Star of Emerald is a shop full of treasures. Mark Dabrowski is a master jeweller of 40 year’s experience designing unique bespoke jewellery, as well as remodelling jewellery, watch repairs, valuations, and buying gold and silver for repurposing.You’ll also find clocks, leather goods and all sorts of glasswares; new or vintage! Come visit us anytime weekdays 9-6 Saturday 9-3
325 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald
Phone 0490 518 596
CARDINIA BEACONHILLS GOLF LINKS
Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links is a 27 hole picturesque golf course, located in the hills of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. We are the most affordable, picturesque and friendliest golf club in the state of Victoria with an abundance of native wildlife. If you haven’t played a round of golf or footgolf at Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links before, then we’re certain that once you do play your first game, you will return time and time again. Our course offers public play as well as membership and is a challenging 27 hole layout. Our membership offers the most value for money in line with the quality of course and facilities provided.
85-87 Stoney Creek Road, Upper Beaconsfield
Phone 03 5945 9230
LAKESIDE PADDLEBOATS
Lakeside Paddleboats are located within the picturesque Emerald Lake Park and operate on the safe waters of Lake Treganowan. The iconic vintage paddleboats cater for 1-2 riders with choices of ride time available. Great fun for the whole family! Ages 3 and up! Opening hours: seasonal and subject to weather conditions. Please check website before you visit.
Lakeside Paddleboats, Emerald Lake Park, Emerald, VIC
Phone 0412 951 280
EMERALD MUSEUM & NOBELIUS HERITAGE PARK
The Emerald Museum tells the story of Emerald’s colourful past through displays of memorabilia, photographs and documents. Our archives contain original records from the Nobelius Nursery – a unique collection of National Significance. The museum is set in the beautiful Nobelius Heritage Park, adjacent to Puffing Billy Tourist Train.
5 Crichton Road, Emerald VIC
Phone 03 5968 2152
THE GENERAL FOOD STORE
The General Food Store offers wholesome food and vibrant hospitality in a child-friendly environment, where they endeavour to operate as ethically and sustainably as possible. Bring the kids down to enjoy the selection of reading and colouring books they have for the little ones to enjoy whilst you sit back and enjoy their ever-evolving, locally sourced, seasonal menu and providore.
377 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd Emerald VIC
Phone 03 5968 3580
EMERALD LAKE PARK
Emerald Lake Park is Cardinia Shire’s premier park and a major tourist attraction in the Dandenong Ranges. As one of the destination points for the iconic Puffing Billy, the park offers a range of activities including picnics, walking trails, paddleboats and fishing – something for everyone!
Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Road, Emerald