Emerald

Australia's oldest steam train railway, Puffing Billy, goes through the attractive town of Emerald on its trip from Belgrave to Gembrook.

A ride on this train as it winds its way through the lush green forest is an essential Dandenong Ranges experience. The train station is located at Emerald Lake, where there are paddleboats, walking tracks, tearooms, barbeques and picnic facilities, not forgetting the largest HO gauge model railway in the southern hemisphere.

The Puffing Billy Museum at Menzies Creek, just 4km out of Emerald, is another must for railway enthusiasts.

Emerald has several art galleries, craft shops and cafes. In the area is a variety of walks ranging from easy to more challenging.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria