Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail

The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail is a scenic 15km shared trail from Clematis to Gembrook, winding through the hills and forests of Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges. The route links Clematis, Emerald, Cockatoo and Gembrook, passing through Emerald Lake Park and Wright Forest and running alongside sections of the famous Puffing Billy Railway. Expect beautiful eucalypt forest, fern-filled gullies, farmland and plenty of opportunities to stop in the small towns along the way. Unlike a traditional flat rail trail, the route moves away from the old railway alignment in places and includes some steeper climbs and undulating terrain, making it better suited to mountain bikes, gravel bikes and confident recreational riders. The combination of bushland, railway history and village stops makes this a great trail to explore as a full ride or in shorter sections. RTS Tip: The Emerald to Cockatoo section is a great option if you don’t want to tackle the entire trail, taking you through Emerald Lake Park and Wright Forest. For the full experience, allow time for a coffee or food stop in Emerald, Cockatoo or Gembrook — and keep an eye out for Puffing Billy as the trail runs alongside the railway in several sections.