Trail Fast Facts
Emerald to Cockatoo Trail is a 6.2km, grade 2 hike in Wright Forest Bushland Reserve, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
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.
Track Grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Tips
- 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
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 330 m
Min elevation: 186 m
Total climbing: 74 m
Total descent: -211 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
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.
Photo gallery
If you have any 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.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.