Lakeside Railway Café

Lakeside Visitor's Centre Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia
+61 3 9757 0700
$$$ Cafe
(122 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

If you find yourself wandering through the enchanting surroundings of Emerald Lake Park in Victoria, make sure to stop by the Lakeside Railway Café. Nestled within the Lakeside Visitor's Centre and conveniently accessible via the iconic Puffing Billy Railway, this charming café is a delightful retreat for travelers and local foodies alike. Its picturesque location, combined with a menu that captures the essence of Australian café culture, makes it an unmissable destination.

The atmosphere at Lakeside Railway Café is inviting and family-friendly, perfect for a relaxed lunch after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes of the park. You might find yourself excitedly chatting with friends as you await your meal, or simply enjoying the serene view of Emerald Lake. The café employs a QR code ordering system that ensures your dining experience flows smoothly - allowing you to spend more time soaking in the beautiful ambiance rather than waiting in line.

Speaking of the menu, let's dive into the enticing offerings that await you. Picture the rich notes of the Rothbury Shiraz Cabernet or the enticing St. Huberts Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany a weekend afternoon delight. Perhaps you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual? Treat yourself to their crispy cauliflower – noted as a standout dish by several visitors. And, for those with a sweet tooth, indulge in a decadent Salted Caramel Choc Chip dessert or a refreshing Connoisseur Ice Cream Sandwich. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates a symphony for your taste buds, making each bite a little celebration.

While the café can get busy, the staff ensures that service remains prompt and polite, with many visitors praising the efficient ordering process. Customer Komal Deep shared that even during peak times, their meals came swiftly, enhancing the overall experience despite a bustling atmosphere. There’s no need to worry about how to navigate the crowd; the attentive team is there to help guide you through your culinary journey.

One captivating feature of the Lakeside Railway Café is its distinct and delicious water sourced from a special tap connected to the Pure Water MODA system, as highlighted by customer Tasha Semik. This little luxury elevates your dining experience to new heights, ensuring every sip is as refreshing as the stunning natural surroundings.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable outing that’s just an hour from Melbourne, the Lakeside Railway Café is your gateway to a memorable day filled with adventure and culinary delights. After indulging in delectable dishes, consider taking a leisurely stroll around Emerald Lake or hopping back on the Puffing Billy for an enchanting train ride through the lush Victorian rainforest.

Overall, whether you're embarking on a full day of exploration or simply pausing to enjoy the serenity of the moment, the Lakeside Railway Café stands out not only for its food but for the experience it offers. So gather your loved ones, embrace the inviting atmosphere, and allow your senses to savor everything this gem has to offer. You'll leave with a heart full of memories and perhaps some delicious recommendations to share!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours

Monday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

122 Reviews
Komal Deep

03 Sep 2025

Though it has huge crowd, still service was too quick. Staff is polite and helpful. Food was also good except chips which were too soggy. Crispy cauliflower was highlight of the meal.

Sam Brun

21 Aug 2025

Overall good experience here, came on the train and stopped for lunch , easy to order at your table and the food was quick. Tasty food but coffee wasnt the best

BOON LEONG TAN

20 Aug 2025

This is our family trip to Melbourne, Australia back to April 2024 . This day we went to the Puffing Billy Railway. We are having our lunch at this Railway Café. This is a self service restaurant. After you place the order need to pick up at the pick up counter. Foods wise acceptable and most of the customer enjoy the foods.

Tasha Semik

26 Jul 2025

Visiting the cafe at the Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre was a very pleasant experience. The QR code ordering system was convenient, service was fast, and the food and drinks were of good quality and offered a diverse selection. However, what truly stood out was their water! They have a special tap connected to Pure Water MODA, which provides exceptionally delicious water, making it a real highlight of the cafe. Would definitely recommend! A great cafe - clean, delicious, and with a nice atmosphere.

Miss Culinaryy

16 Jul 2025

Looking for a fun weekend activity accessible through public transport?! (Only 60 minutes away!) Visit Puffing Billy - Australia’s preserved steam railway where you can sit on the carriage sills and hang your legs out, a total magical experience! If it wasn’t magical enough, they now offer an Afternoon Tea experience which you can add on with train tickets (book online!) It is only available for return train tickets from Belgrave to Lakeside station where you can enjoy the afternoon tea with a lakeside view, even spot some cool birds like we did! The afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, cheese platter (with a full block of brie cheese). 4 scones (with jam and clotted cream), chocolate covered strawberries, macarons and prosecco/hot drinks of your choice. We absolutely enjoyed the finger sandwiches, especially the ones with chicken and lettuce within! You might think it is so simple, but the filling made it all worth it! The scones were buttery and soft, definitely enjoyed it with the jam. We thought it was very much worth the price especially as it included 1 glass of sparkling wine per person (prosecco) and 1 hot beverage (tea, hot chocolate, coffee). Overall we had an amazing time especially as the weather was just right, we got to see a lot of pretty views whilst creating memories through this experience! *Note: afternoon tea experience can only be booked online in advance together with a Belgrave to Lakeside return ticket Afternoon Tea ($100/2 People) - does not include train tickets

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