This walk starts off at the very pretty Nobelius Heritage Park which is filled with stunning trees, flower gardens, a few picnic tables & plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the solitude. Parking is free here, unlike at Emerald Lake, & there are usually spaces available.
Go through the trees of Nobelius to the top of a number of tracks that all take you to the main car park and the lakes. The Emerald-Cockatoo Multi-use trail runs along the line of the road & is part of the 14.5km Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail which goes from Clematis to Gembrook via Wright Forest & Cockatoo, and is flanked by large tree ferns & gums. Pine Track is a longer walk than the Multi-Use Trail, and Fern Gully Track is narrow, rough and can be slippery in wet weather, but very pretty.
There are a number of ways you can walk around the two lakes, then head back via the Nobelius Track which follows the Puffing Billy train track to the station & Heritage Packing Shed. If you have time, walk around the salvia & lavender gardens just below the station.
The tracks are mostly gently sloping, nice and wide, gravel or paved, but is a short steep section to get back up to the Nobelius or Pine Tracks. The area around the lakes is mostly nice and flat though.
Starting Point: In the car park just past the Emerald Museum. Turn off Emerald-Beaconsfield Rd next to the Puffing Billy track & keep going straight ahead on Chrichton Rd. Turn left just after you pass through the old gates. Go past the Emerald Museum on your right & the car park is right at the bottom.
Distance: If you walk around both lakes it's about 4.5-5km and may take around 1.25 - 1.5 hours, especially if you use Pine Track.
Toilets: There are 3 toilet blocks near the lakes, about 15mins walk from the starting point.
Dogs: Allowed (On Leash Only)
Downloads:
Park Map & Virtual Ranger Trail information
Walking tracks & trails information
For your GPS: 3 Crichton Rd, Emerald
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