We are excited to welcome parkrun to Emerald Lake Park!

Join parkrun for a morning running amongst the towering rainforests, cool fern gullies and native flowers of the Emerald Lake Park precinct.

Post-run, the nearby Lakeside Visitor Centre combines its natural surroundings with the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Puffing Billy Railway to offer guests a cultural hub with world class facilities.

Dine in at the modern café, hire a bike or jump on a paddle boat in the cool waters of Lake Treganowan and discover steam artefacts in the Lakeside Hall.

Couple Jogging through parkland in the sunshine.

What is parkrun?

parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. It provides a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment for participants as there is no time limit and no one finishes last! Everyone is welcome to come along to parkrun.

Register for parkrun

The Railway Café

Set on the picturesque grounds of the Emerald Lake Park, overlooking Lake Treganowan is the Lakeside Visitor Centre's family-friendly Railway Café.

The Railway Cafe offers a relaxed indoor and outdoor setting surrounded by green rainforest trees and lush ferns. With something for everyone, our tasty menu offers options for both adults and kids. Please note that light refreshments are available from 8.30 am on parkrun days, with the full menu available from 9am onwards.

As a fully licensed venue, our drinks bar is also stocked with a local line-up of beer, wine and cider varieties.

CLASSIC BEEF BURGER - 180g of char grilled beef with cos lettuce, dill pickles, white onion and American cheese, topped with burger sauce and ketchup, served with fries.

  • OPENING HOURS

    From 8.30 am on parkrun days

  • Cafe Menu

    View Menu
A concrete corridor next to a cafe

OUTDOOR dining

With uninterrupted views of the lake and some of the best seats in the house to catch our travelling steam locomotives, you’ll have no problem finding a nice spot to settle in and wave on as you enjoy a bite to eat.

Comfortably seating 80* guests’ alfresco style, the outdoor terrace offers a year-round summer beer garden feel with delicious drink and food options to choose from. No bookings necessary – just walk in and meet one of our friendly staff, who will find you a table!

And, if you’re on-the-go, takeaway coffees and a spot of lunch go hand-in-hand with a wander through the precinct. We have a range of tasty takeaway options to go with your coffee or smoothie!

Alfresco Deck Casual Dining

OUR OUTDOOR DINING is Dog Friendly!

We welcome furry friends to join you in the Railway Café's outdoor dining area of the Lakeside Visitor Centre.

Dog Express 77

Contact Us / Book a table

Lakeside Visitor Centre Enquiry

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Prefer to call? (03) 9757 0700

For general enquiries and bookings, contact our Belgrave office during their opening hours:

  • 9.00 am – 5.00 pm AEST, Monday to Friday
  • 9.00 am – 12.00 pm AEST, Saturday to Sunday