The small Dandenong Ranges town of Gembrook, which is a favorite tourist destination is located about 15 km east of Emerald and about 55 km south-east of Melbourne, in the Shire of Cardinia.
The name `Gembrook` comes from the Gembrook Mining Company, which has mined gemstones in the area in the 19th century.
Gembrook is now a popular outer suburban area for Melbourne's growing population. Gembrook is renowned as the the terminal for the famous Puffing Billy steam train that arrives in Gembrook from Belgrave
on most days. The town is pleasantly situated on the southern most ridge of the famous winery tourist area of the Yarra Valley. Close by is
the beautiful natural areas of the Bunyip State Park which offers beautiful scenety, bush walking trails and camping spots.
Gembrook has wonderful views to the south, west and north and is very pretty. Gembrook has a charming character with its beautiful country pub,
an array of pottery, museums, craft and art galleries, cafes, restaurants, tearooms and many country shops selling local produce. There are also many local sporting clubs with great facilities.
The Gembrook district has many local potato, wine grape, chestnut and flower farms and you can enjoy the local produce at road-side stalls and farmers markets in the district.
Bushwalking, 4WD and trail bikes, mountain bikes, horse riding and camping are popular in the area for enjoying the local bushland reserves. In town you can visit the old fashioned lolly shop, The historic pub, the motorist Museum,
antique shop and the ice cream parlour and other food outlets.
Enjoy wine tours in the Yarra Valley Wine Region which includes fifteen districts :
Eltham ; Shepherds Bush ; Kangaroo Ground ; Wonga Park ; Dixon Creek ; Yarra Glen ; Coldstream ; Wandin ; Gruyere ; Seville ; Badger Creek ;Woori Yallock ; Warburton ; Healesville