A Different Kind of Rail Trail: Clematis to Gembrook
The Yarra Ranges mountainous roads are a mecka for cyclists wanting to recreate the Tour de France without the plane ticket. Our bike trails are equally popular with adrenalin seeking mountain bikers but finding a kid friendly trail can be tricky. Thanks to Deb Hansen and the team at Cog Bikes who mapped out the local trails below, introducing the love of bike riding has been made that little bit easier.
Introducing the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail (EDRT) – Clematis to Gembrook 15km
The EDR trail follows the famous Puffing Billy Railway and may be one of the most scenically diverse walking/riding tails in the hills. The full extent of the trail (15kms one way) can be quite challenging in parts, reflecting its home in the Ranges perfectly. While this varying terrain can be an extremely welcome change for regular rail trail riders, it is not ideal for all, especially those with little legs. So, we have highlighted sections of this trail that are not only family friendly but offer a great way to add bike riding to your next day out in the Yarra Ranges.
Puffing Billy Train Park, Kilvington Dve Emerald to Emerald Museum & Nobelius Packing Shed (1km one way)
This stretch of trail is the most appropriate for casual and novice riders. There are two road crossings, one at Kilvington Drv Emerald (This is the Emerald start of the trail) and again at Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd (take care here). You will also cross the rail line at two easy to navigate rail crossings. The trail varies between well maintained gravel to asphalt and is nearly all flat or slightly downhill with the odd little uphill section (from Emerald to the Museum).
If you happen to be kid free, own or have hired an E-bike or have kids that are into hilly challenges then continue on to emerald lake park. This part of the trail leads you thought the most stunning rainforest to the iconic Emerald Lake and new Puffing Billy Visitor centre, but remember, unless you have organised a car trip back, what goes down must come back up!
Tip from the kids: Stop for ice-cream or sorbet at The Laughing Fox Café Emerald situated 100m from the Emerald trail starting point.
Emerald Lakeside (Wombat Corner) to Wright Forest Fairy Garden (2.5km one way)
With just as many up hills as down, this length of the trail is best suited to kids that don’t mind a bit of leg work. The reward is the beautiful ride through Wright Forest where locals have started a fairy garden ideal for a rest and explore. This peaceful spot beside the trail will hopefully inspire your kids to add their own touches and be part of making something pretty special for others to enjoy.
From Emerald Lake to this point (about half way into wright Forest) the ride is roughly 2.5km and the trail varies between gravel, dirt and footpath just after the bridge crossing. There are no major road crossings, one rail crossing and a concrete bollard and cable pass to navigate.
If you choose to continue though the forest to Cockatoo there is a section of steep decent on somewhat rough terrain to ride down (or up on the way back!), a bit of fun for the novice mountain bike rider!
Tip from the kids: We bring something special for the fairy garden with every ride but we need your help!
Gembrook Leisure and Skate Park to: Part One - Rail side pine trees Station Rd (1km). Part Two - Fielderberry Farm Cockatoo (5km) or Part Three - Cockatoo playground and pump track (7km)
Okay, there’s a reason we’ve flipped this one around, this ride done in this direction (Gembrook to Cockatoo) is a lot of downhill and a lot of fun. With rolling green hills for miles, the scenery is absolutely breath taking. We recommend that kids have good break control when riding this length of the trail as you can pick up quite a bit of speed and there are some main roads to cross that ABSOLUTLY require an adult present! It’s a good idea to think ahead and plan what your trip back to gembrook will entail, the ride back without the assistance or a battery or pre-arranged car trip is a workout!! Alternatively, riding this trail on E-bike back to Gembrook is an absolute dream! (Oh and watch this space guys, we have big plans to eliminate that need for a car ride or uphill battle!)
For the littlies, start at Gembrook Skate Park, you’ll head up the Main Rd towards town. Just after Puffing Billy Station at Station Rd is the beginning of the trail. Follow the trail for about 1 km and you’ll come to a gorgeous pine area right at the Station Rd crossing. Great spot to watch Puffing Billy as he passes and not to strenuous a ride back to Gembrook Main Rd. (important to note: keep kids well back from the trainline even when Puffing Billy is not running)
If you continue on, we recommend you stop along the way (December to March only) at Fielder Berry Farm and pick berries til your hearts content and your bellies are full.
Both playgrounds at the Gembrook end and the Cockatoo end are pretty awesome, not to mention the Cockatoo Pump track where you and your kids can develop some great riding skills.
Tip from the kids: Stop and say hi to the chicken minding doggo! He’s our favourite.
Cog Bike and E-Bike Hire
At Cog Bikes we live by local supporting locals! We have partnered up with some incredible small businesses along the Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail to bring you the Café Cruise and Bike to Bow. NOW we are so excited to say we have made some new connections with businesses along The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail also.
You will now find pick up and drop off options for Bike Hire at:
The Paradise Valley Hotel Clematis
Lakeside Emerald Lake
Fielderberry Farm Cockatoo and
The Hair Dog Café Gembrook.
Bike Hire must be booked online at least 24 hours in advance. Please visit us at www.cogbikesaustralia.com.au or phone us at 0410 410 853 for advice on the trail or to book your bike hire.
For greater detail on this trail including map and directions visit:
https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/eastern-dandenong-ranges-trail/
