Name: The Basin to Emerald Lake loop (54km/64km, +1000m ascent)
Start: 2025-12-03T09:45:00+11:00
End: 2025-12-03T14:45:00+11:00
Location: The Basin, Outside the Dragonfly Cafe

* Forecast for Emerald: Sunny and 25°C
https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/emerald/forecast/detailed/#d2025-12-03

**Ride**: A midweek ride in the Dandenongs to Emerald Lake and back to The Basin where we started.

**Suits**: Intermediates and above with good climbing abilities at a reasonable pace.
Steep downhills require extra caution. Uphills require much exertion.
All roads are sealed but may be wet, slippery or sandy with runoff.

**Map and GPS files**:
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/7141979](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/7141979) \*
\* Actual route may vary on the day

**Route**:
We ride up Mountain Highway (the "One in Twenty") to Sassafras then turn south on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd to take Sherbrooke Rd downhill to Kallista. We keep going straight at the roundabout to continue through The Patch to the Monbulk-Emerald Rd where we turn right to Emerald and the lake. Early lunch in Emerald at a cafe or the bakery if not too crowded.

From Emerald, we return to Kallista through Grantulla Rd then left to Belgrave and down the hill to Upper Ferntree Gully. I have mapped the bike path which parallels the railway which you may find pretty but you can take the road if you prefer.

We return from Upper FTG via Forest Rd to The Basin for our departure or you can pick up the train from various stations without needing to complete the loop. There's an opportunity to ride back to town with me afterwards if desired.

**Getting there**:
Take the **8:30 Flinders St** train towards **Belgrave** to arrive at **Bayswater** at **09:12**. Then cycle 5 km straight up Mountain Hwy for a warm-up to meet at The Basin. I'll be on the train in the last carriage.

Those driving to the start can use the carpark over the road from the Basin shops or meet us at Bayswater Station if you are early enough. Drivers should allow more time than you'd think to not arrive late, please.

**Distance**:
64 km from Bayswater station / 54 km from The Basin

**Bring**:
-Sunscreen, spare tube and tools, money/card for coffee / lunch, water, your mobile phone with my number.
-Emergency contact details \*

**Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409

**Image**: Emerald Lake - Oct '17

* EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS : Please have these on you in case of a medical emergency. ie Family member's name, phone number and relationship (eg, Sister). Written down, preferably, and with your personal items that you carry so it can be found by emergency personnel attending.

"All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

Neil Griffiths

Melbourne Cycling

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The Basin to Emerald Lake loop (54km/64km, +1000m ascent)

The Basin, Outside the Dragonfly Cafe

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The Basin to Emerald Lake loop (54km/64km, +1000m ascent)

Melbourne Cycling

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