From Emerald, the trail begins where the Puffing Billy Railway line crosses Kilvington Drive, behind the Gemco Players Community theatre. Yellow arrows are quite distinct and are easy to follow.
A short distance along the track, cross over the train tracks and follow the path to the left. Carefully cross over the Beaconsfield - Emerald Road and head down Crichton Road.
The yellow arrows and signage point off to the right, heading down into Emerald Park Lake. Pass through the main car parking area at the Lake and follow the main entry road around the lake to join the trail again.
Cross over Bellbird Crescent, turn right, and follow the road a short distance until the track starts again on the left, heading uphill and over the Puffing Billy Train line and into Wright forest and follow the arrows along Wright Track. The trail through the forest is gently undulating and has a good firm surface most of the time. It can be slippery when wet and on some loose gravel. Always use caution.
The trail comes out on Bailey Road in Cockatoo, close to the main street. Plenty of cafes and a small IGA in Cockatoo.
Note that this hike can be done as a return hike or in either direction.
Total distance: 6202 m
Max elevation: 330 m
Min elevation: 186 m
Total climbing: 74 m
Total descent: -211 m
Download file:
Emerald-Cockatoo-Trail.gpx
- This hike is deal for families and is pram friendly
- Cafes in Emerald, Emerald Park Lake & Cockatoo
- Public toilets in Emerald, Emerald Park Lake and Cockatoo
- Picnic & BBQ facilities in Emerald by the playground on the corner of Kilvington Drive and Heroes Avenue and at Emerald Park Lake
- Public bus transport is available between villages, it could be an option to ride or walk one way, use public transport to return to collect a vehicle.
- Hikers can also use Puffing Billy as an option, the station in Cockatoo is not attended, but the train does stop and passengers may board. Check timetables and costs via the Puffing Billy website
- This is a multi purpose trail so expect bikes and prams to be sharing the trail
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Follow M1 towards the South Eastern Suburbs/Dandenong. Take exit 13 to merge onto Wellington Road/State Route 18 towards State Route 18. Continue straight to stay on Wellington Road/State Route 18. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Wellington Road/C413. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Belgrave-Gembrook Road/C412. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Kilvington Drive and park in the carpark near Gemco.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
