Emerald Lake Park

This park lies in the heart of Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges, about an hour's drive east of Melbourne. The park is home to the Puffing Billy, a heritage steam-operated railway opened in 1900, and to a lake complete with picnic areas, walking trails and areas to fish, go paddle boating or rent water bicycles. It's open all year round except Christmas Day and in extreme fire weather conditions. Be warned that the park and lake area tend to get really busy on weekend afternoons, so if you're keen to visit at a more tranquil time, plan your visit on a weekday.