Things to do in Emerald

No. 13 of Spring Outings in Australia

Dandenong Ranges National Park

5.2

4.2/5

84 reviews

Dandenong Ranges National Park is located approx. 40 km east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and is a national park characterized by its forests, mountains, waterfalls, and nature trails. Its terrain is dominated by rolling hills and deep valleys, with vast forests covering the mountains, where tall mountain ash trees and various ferns grow. Dense canopies, a moist forest environment, and winding creeks combine to create a cool, damp forest landscape. The park features multiple hiking trails suitable for visitors of all fitness levels. Visitors can enjoy the towering trees, ferns, and forest creeks along the trails, and may also have the opportunity to spot local wildlife such as lyrebirds and kangaroos.

Tremont · 11.5km from Emerald

Mount Dandenong · 13.5km from Emerald

Dandenong Ranges

4

Dandenong Ranges is located east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and is a low mountain region known for its forest views, mountainous environment, and natural leisure experiences. It is approx. a 1 hour drive from downtown Melbourne and is considered by locals to be an important natural retreat near the city. The mountain region features dense temperate rainforest views, with tall Mountain Ash trees and ferns intertwined to create a quiet and layered forest environment. In addition to natural views, the Dandenong Ranges are also popular for their tranquil mountain atmosphere and well-developed leisure facilities. The area is dotted with viewpoints, walking trails, gardens, and village-style towns, where visitors can choose to take short walks, have a picnic, or drive to enjoy the scenery along the way. Visiting in different seasons allows you to experience the unique charm brought by the changing forest colors and climate.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Melbourne Museum

8.6

4.7/5

625 reviews

Melbourne Museumis a large and highly innovative museum in the Southern Hemisphere, and withRoyal exhibition hallCo-locationKadun ParkMedium,Is a comprehensive museum covering natural history, indigenous culture, and urban transformation. The museum's collection and exhibitions are both stunning.Step into the lobby,A blue whale skeleton specimen approx. 18 m longSuspended in midair,It is one of the museum's iconic exhibits.Across more than 20 exhibition halls and independent pavilions, the museum offers all-encompassing content, with more than a dozen permanent exhibitions open. The indoor forest area introduces the ecological functions of forests from the perspective of forest hierarchy, water conservation, plant composition, seasonal differentiation of Australian forests, and forest fires that often occur in the Australian dry season, and houses some common Australian birds and ants. The "forest secret" inside the museum is located at the center of the building, creating an ecosystem identical to the natural environment and showcasing the trees, plants, wildlife, and insects of the Victorian Alps. Walking into the forest corridor, you will see approx. 8,000 Australian plants planted here. In addition, the insect exhibition area and evolution area showcase the mysteries of the biological world. The style museum has a highly modern design, and next to itRoyal exhibition hallThis forms a striking contrast with the classical style. In addition to creating a visual effect, the metal frames and glass curtain walls also draw more natural light into the museum's public spaces. You will see staff members wearing brightly colored uniforms that exude a rich indigenous cultural flair, creating an interesting contrast with the avant-garde architectural forms.

Carlton · 43.3km from Emerald

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Dandenong

Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges

5.1

Lilydale · 20.2km from Emerald

90 reviews

The Yarra Valley is about 40 kilometers from Melbourne and is famous for its wines. Grape wine has been grown here since 1838, and early Victorian wine estates were built in the Yarra Valley. Yarra Valley, one of the three major wine regions in Australia, ranks among the best in Australia. Its climatic terrain is similar to that of southern France, making it suitable for growing grapes. Therefore, Yarra Valley wines are considered to be of French taste, and their grades are quite high. One of the three wine regions. The PinorNoir and Chardonnay table wines produced in this wine region are even more delicious. The Yarra Valley is also known for its fresh produce, including freshwater salmon, trout and caviar, organic fruit and vegetables, and artisanal cheeses and preserves. De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate is one of the larger and older wineries in the region. The modern architectural style of Tarrawarra Estate is quite different. Visitors can take a guided behind-the-scenes tour of these wineries, learn about the making of fine wines, and taste wines as they mature from barrels. There is also a hot air balloon tour in the Yarra Valley. You can take a hot air balloon in the early morning and slowly lift off to enjoy the charming scenery of the valley from a height, and then descend to the vineyard to enjoy a delicious local breakfast and sparkling wine. Of course, you can also explore multiple wineries and the food of the Yarra Valley by self-driving. The beautiful Yarra Valley also attracted many early Australian landscape painters and is now home to one of Australia's oldest artist villages. Therefore, in addition to wine and other delicacies, visiting the galleries and studios of local artists and watching the process of creating their works is also a special excursion. Numerous nature reserves and national parks There are many nature reserves and national parks in the Yarra Valley area, and dingoes, koalas, kangaroos and wombats can be seen in the Healesville Sanctuary Native Australian wildlife is plentiful, while the Dandenong Ranges National Park (Dandenong Ranges National Park) is a great place to admire ferns, visit ash forests and look for lyrebirds. In addition, Yarra Ranges National Park (YarraRangesNationalPark), Turangi State Forest (ToolangiStateForest), King Lake National Park (KinglakeNationalPark) are also good places to get close to nature. Yarra Valley Grape Festival Every February, there is a grand Yarra Valley Grape Festival (YarraValleyGrapeGrazingFestival), chefs from many wineries will participate, wonderful live music and rich food will make tourists happy.

No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

7.2

Pearcedale · 34.9km from Emerald

80 reviews

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, about an hour's drive from the city. This bushland sanctuary focuses on conserving native Australian wildlife, and many travelers heading to Phillip Island to see penguins include it in their itinerary. The park is home to dozens of Australian species - koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats, the pitch-black Tasmanian devils (about the size of small dogs), cheerful kookaburras and adorable quokkas - all observable at close range. It also undertakes breeding programs for endangered species, with the orange-bellied parrot being one of its key conservation focuses. Day visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, then join keeper talks and wildlife shows to learn about these animals' behaviors. The park's signature experience is its lantern-lit night tour: after dark, follow an experienced guide carrying lanterns through the bush as daytime-sleepy animals become active - wombats emerge to forage, endangered quolls dart through grass, owls widen their eyes, and feathertail gliders (no larger than mice with plume-like tails) glide between branches. With luck, you might hand-feed nectar to sugar gliders or have kangaroos and wallabies approach for treats. Night tours have limited spots requiring advance booking; remember to turn off camera flashes to avoid startling animals. Note that Victoria prohibits holding koalas, but you can snuggle close for photos - plan ahead for such interactive experiences.

No. 4 of Spring Outings in Australia

Carlton Gardens

8.3

Carlton · 43.3km from Emerald

75 reviews

Carlton Gardens covers an area of approx. 26 hectares and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, together with the Royal Exhibition Building located within the gardens. The garden maintains a Victorian-style landscape, with open lawns and avenues lined with plane trees complementing each other. Multiple tree-lined paths connect historical buildings with leisure areas. The garden features 3 fountains, among which the one designed by sculptor Joseph Hochgertel for the 1880 exhibition is particularly striking, and 2 decorative small lakes are located in the southern part. The garden is planted with various trees, including English oaks, elms, London plane trees, and Moreton Bay figs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The Melbourne Museum on the north side forms a sharp contrast with the classical garden through its modern architectural language, and the same area also features a children's playground inspired by the Victorian maze. The garden is perfect for a stroll; people can walk along the tree-lined paths or rest on the lawns to experience urban garden life in Melbourne.

Belgrave · 7.5km from Emerald

Treetops Adventure Belgrave

3.4

3.0/5

1 reviews

Trees Adventure - Glen Harrow Park is an outdoor adventure park, a treetop adventure area offering climbing and zip-lining activities of varying difficulty levels. It features a variety of wooden platforms, suspension bridges, ropes, and zip lines for navigating and climbing through the canopy. Challenge your physical limits and experience an immersive adventure.

2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Melbourne Skydeck

8.1

Southbank · 43.3km from Emerald

764 reviews

Melbourne Skydeck is located on the 88th floor, 285 m above ground. Take the express elevator and in just a few dozen seconds you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Melbourne cityscape with no blind spots. Viewfinders are available here to accurately observe important landmarks across Melbourne. There is also The Edge glass cube, which extends out from the edge of the building—standing on it and looking down is extremely thrilling. △ Enjoy the sunset views of Melbourne △ Experience the thrilling Edge

Olinda · 10.8km from Emerald

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

3.4

5.0/5

6 reviews

The very beautiful Rhododendron National Park must not be missed when going to Mount Dandenong. If you like picnics, you can also prepare tablecloths in advance and enjoy a rare leisurely afternoon with your family.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

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Traveller favourites curated for you

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

7.9

Melbourne · 43.8km from Emerald

1k reviews

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1-day tour to Melbourne's Puffing Billy Railway and Phillip Island (English-speaking premium group | penguin island)

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4D3N • 4 Days Private Tour to Banff and Jasper National Park

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Experiences you can't miss in Emerald

Featured Culture & history in Emerald

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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]

5.0/5

· 3 reviews· 36 booked

Duration: 5.3 hrs

English

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Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket

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Geelong Audio Tour: Maritime Marvels and Heritage Highlights of Geelong

Duration: 1.5 hrs

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Melbourne Immigration Museum: Entry Ticket

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Melbourne: Skydeck Experience Packages

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Melbourne NGV interactive 2-hr guided tour: a dialogue with art

Duration: 2 hrs

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Melbourne night market food tour | Queen Victoria Market, taste global flavors and experience the charm of everyday living.

Duration: 2 hrs

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World livable city Melbourne Yarra River walking tour, experience authentic coffee leisure time

Duration: 2 hrs

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Featured Food & drink in Emerald

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Puffing Billy, Forest Trails & Yarra Valley Discovery Tour

5.0/5

· 3 reviews

Duration: 10 hrs

Free cancellation

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Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne

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Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne

4.9/5

· 147 reviews· 1.7k booked

Duration: 4.8 hrs

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34 consecutive positive reviews

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Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 5.9 hrs

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Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Wine Tasting Half-Day Tour [Round-Trip from City/3 Wineries/Morning or Afternoon Option]

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 6.8 hrs

English

From€99.34

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Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour in Australia [Rochford Winery Visit & Tasting + Lunch at Deer Lane Winery]

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 7.7 hrs

English

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1-day tour of Yarra Valley winery in Melbourne with lunch, wine tasting and cheese sampling

Duration: 6.9 hrs

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Australia Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Food and Wine day tour (includes multiple famous wineries and lunch)

4.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 6.2 hrs

English

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Australia Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Winery Tasting 1-Day Tour [Including Lunch / Round-Trip from City]

Duration: 13.4 hrs

English

From€160.99

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Emerald

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Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Healesville Sanctuary Day Tour [English-Speaking Quality Group]

42 booked

Duration: 5 hrs

English

From€132.27

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Half-Day Tour to Puffing Billy Railway in Melbourne, Australia [Quick Visit/Round-Trip from City]

5.0/5

· 3 reviews· 52 booked

Duration: 4.3 hrs

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Half-Day Tour: Puffing Billy Railway + Rainforest Hike in Melbourne, Australia [Half-Day Must-See]

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 6.2 hrs

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[Go West Tours]Puffing Billy Half-Day Steam TrainTour|EnglishGuide|Max24|16Languages Audio

Duration: 5 hrs

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Penguins Combo Tour Package

4.8/5

· 6 reviews

Duration: 1 day

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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

4.6/5

· 443 reviews

Duration: 495 mins

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 6 hrs

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From€111.70

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Featured Spa & wellness in Emerald

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Admission ticket to Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia [Unlimited enjoyment of 50 bathing experiences]

5.0/5

· 1 review· 32 booked

Duration: 3 hrs

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Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House

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Mornington Peninsula: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

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Mornington Peninsula: Hot Springs and Body Clay Ritual

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Peninsula Hot Springs: Fire, Ice, and Bathe

Duration: 45 mins

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1-day round-trip tour to Peninsula Hot Springs from Melbourne

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Fingal: Peninsula Hot Springs Entry with Lunch Credit

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Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tour in Australia [24-seat Round-trip Bus from City/Includes Hot Springs Admission Ticket]

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 7 hrs

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Private Tours in Emerald

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Free things to do in Emerald

Dandenong Ranges National Park

5.2

4.2/5

84 reviews

Tremont · 11.5km from Emerald

Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges

5.1

Lilydale · 20.2km from Emerald

90 reviews

Carlton Gardens

8.3

Carlton · 43.3km from Emerald

75 reviews

Emerald Lake Park

3.2

4.8/5

4 reviews

Emerald · 2.1km from downtown

National Gallery of Victoria

7.2

4.8/5

262 reviews

Southbank · 42.9km from Emerald

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

6.5