Emerald Lake

Emerald is a beautiful scenic location in the Dandenong Ranges; known for its gorgeous lake and a number of scenic attractions.

Located between the towns of Cockatoo and Belgrave, Emerald is easily accessible from any point of the Dandenong Ranges.

Despite its small area, Emerald offers an array of activity options to keep residents and tourists busy. The foremost attraction is undoubtedly the Emerald Lake Park which is the town’s major leisure and recreational attraction.

Emerald Lake and its nearby park was originally a part of the historic Nobelius Nursery. This nursery was actually started during the 1890s with the planting of fruit and ornamental trees. As the lake area is rich in soil, the agricultural and horticultural growth was abundant. In 1941, the 50 hectares of land belonging to the original nursery was later opened as a public park.

Today, Emerald Lake and its park are two popular tourist attractions within the Dandenong Ranges, with the Puffing Billy scenic railway line nearby along with the Emerald Lake Model Railway. Set within the hillside and native bushlands, the lake offers a number of scenic picnic grounds and walking trails, where you can picnic and take part in various outdoor activities.

Many people come to Emerald Lake for fishing as there is an abundance of rainbow trout within its waters. Near Emerald Lake, you will also find the Aura Vale Lake and the neighbouring Cardinia Reservoir.