Emerald, Victoria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids EmeraldMelbourne, Victoria |
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 Emerald
Location in Melbourne
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| Population | 5,778 (2016) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 284.6/km2 (737/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 3782 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 20.3 km2 (7.8 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
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| State electorate(s) | Gembrook | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | La Trobe | ||||||||||||||
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Emerald is a lovely small town in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is located about 44 kilometers (27 miles) south-east of Melbourne, a major city. In 2016, about 5,778 people called Emerald home. This town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and is part of the Dandenong Ranges.
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Discovering Emerald
Emerald is nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, a popular area for nature lovers. It's a place where you can enjoy the outdoors and see lots of trees. The town is surrounded by forests and has a calm, peaceful feel.
Location and Surroundings
Emerald is part of the Shire of Cardinia and the Shire of Yarra Ranges. It's close to other small towns like Belgrave, Kallista, and Cockatoo. These nearby towns also offer great natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Emerald's Water Supply
A very important feature near Emerald is the Cardinia Reservoir. This huge reservoir helps supply drinking water to the city of Melbourne. It's a vital part of the region's water system. The reservoir is a large lake where water is stored.
Fun Things to Do in Emerald
Emerald is a great place for families and young people to visit. There are many activities that connect you with nature and local history.
Emerald Lake Park
One of the most famous spots is Emerald Lake Park. This park is a fantastic place for a day out. You can have a picnic, go for a walk, or even ride a paddleboat on the lake. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Puffing Billy Railway
Emerald is also home to a station for the famous Puffing Billy Railway. This is a historic steam train that takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Dandenong Ranges. Riding Puffing Billy is like stepping back in time. You can sit on the carriage sills and dangle your legs out, which is a unique experience! The train travels through beautiful forests and over old bridges.
History of Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy started as a real working train in the early 1900s. It was used to carry goods and people between towns in the Dandenong Ranges. Today, it's a heritage railway, meaning it's preserved for its historical importance. Volunteers help keep the train running, so people can still enjoy this special ride.
Local Community and Events
Emerald has a strong community spirit. There are local markets, festivals, and events throughout the year. These events often celebrate the town's history, nature, and local artists. They are a great way to meet people and experience the local culture.
Emerald's Natural Environment
The area around Emerald is rich in native plants and animals. It's part of a beautiful natural landscape that is important to protect.
Plants and Trees
The Dandenong Ranges, including Emerald, are known for their tall Eucalyptus trees, especially Mountain Ash. There are also many ferns and other native plants that thrive in the cool, moist climate. Walking through the forests, you can see a wide variety of plant life.
Wildlife in Emerald
You might spot different kinds of Australian wildlife in Emerald. Look out for Kookaburras, Cockatoos, and other native birds. Sometimes, you might even see Wallabys or Possums, especially around dusk. It's important to respect their natural habitat and observe them from a distance.
Government and Representation
Like all towns in Australia, Emerald is part of a system of government. This helps manage local services and represents the people living there.
Local Government
Emerald falls under two local government areas: the Shire of Cardinia and the Shire of Yarra Ranges. These local councils are responsible for things like roads, parks, waste collection, and community services in the town.
State and Federal Representation
At the state level, Emerald is part of the Electoral district of Gembrook. This means that people in Emerald vote for a representative in the Victorian state parliament. For the federal government, Emerald is in the Division of La Trobe. This representative goes to the Australian Parliament in Canberra. These representatives speak for the people of Emerald on important issues.
