Paradise Valley Hotel: Menu, Reviews & Location Guide

Paradise Valley Hotel, located at 249 Belgrave‑Gembrook Road in Clematis, Victoria, is a modern bistro and pub set right along the Puffing Billy Railway line in the Dandenong Ranges. Known locally as “The Clemo”, it serves modern Australian cuisine with vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options (official site). This article draws on official sources, media reviews and guest feedback to cover the hotel’s menu, pricing, reviews and its connection to the historic steam railway.

Last checked: 2026-05-21

Name: Paradise Valley Hotel ·
Location: Clematis, Victoria, Australia ·
Address: Belgrave‑Gembrook Road, Emerald (per TripAdvisor) ·
Region: Dandenong Ranges / Yarra Valley ·
Type: Modern bistro with outdoor spaces ·
Reservations: Recommended (per official site)

Paradise Valley Hotel Menu

The bistro offers a rotating seasonal menu built around modern Australian classics. Starters include Chinese‑inspired sweet and sour cauliflower and grilled haloumi with chorizo and eggplant purée, while small bites range from pork, veal and pistachio sausage rolls to crispy lamb ribs (3AW – Scorcher). Snacks such as potato cakes with PVH chicken salt ($12 for four) and fried chicken with aji mayo ($11) are also available.

Entrees include cheeseburger dumplings ($19 for eight), salmon tartare on nori crisp, and saganaki with hazelnuts and figs. Mains feature BBQ pork belly with pineapple glaze, fish and chips using gurnard fillets, and a duck and mushroom pie that the hotel’s press page describes as “braised in red wine and duck stock, encased in a dome of pastry” (Paradise Valley Hotel – Press). A classic chicken parmigiana and a steak selection ($36 and up, inclusive of fries and sauce) round out the offerings.

Seniors menu

A dedicated seniors menu is not publicly posted on the hotel’s website or social media. However, the bistro’s range of well‑priced starters, lighter mains and shareable plates can easily suit older diners. The kitchen accommodates dietary requirements on request.

Drinks menu

Paradise Valley Hotel maintains an extensive list of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. The front bar operates 11:00–23:00 Monday to Friday and Sunday, and 10:00–23:00 on Saturday (official site). During summer, a pizza garden bar opens Friday to Sunday.

Menu PDF availability

As of September 2025, no PDF version of the menu is publicly accessible on the hotel’s website or third‑party directories. Prices and dishes are typically displayed in‑house and on social media updates.

Paradise Valley Hotel Reviews

Professional and user reviews paint a consistent picture of a well‑above‑average country pub in a striking setting. 3AW’s Tony Leonard awarded the venue a strong score, praising its “lush gardens to the rear” and the rail line running beyond the property. The same station’s “Scorcher” segment called it a “cracking little day trip destination” (3AW – Scorcher).

On TripAdvisor, reviewers regularly comment on the “picturesque surroundings, hill views and proximity to Puffing Billy”, and they highlight the “above‑average pub food” and strong gluten‑free and vegetarian options. Facebook engagement (4,531 likes and 31 recent discussions) and Instagram (5,000+ followers, 188 posts) indicate an active community of regulars and day‑trippers.

The Australian Good Food Guide lists Paradise Valley Hotel as “best known for steaks and seafood” and notes its “award winning parma”. The guide also gives the venue a seating capacity of about 180, with room for up to 260 at functions.

Paradise Valley Hotel and the Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy Railway’s official website lists Paradise Valley Hotel as a recommended place to eat, emphasising that it is “situated right on the track at Clematis” (Puffing Billy Railway). The hotel’s location on the Belgrave‑Gembrook Road means steam‑train passengers can alight at Clematis station and walk to the venue in minutes. For a taste of what’s on offer, explore the Paradise Valley Hotel’s menu and reviews at $Små pajdegsrecept med potatis.

A popular day‑trip itinerary involves a morning ride from Belgrave to Emerald or Gembrook, followed by lunch at the hotel, then a return journey. Wildlife Tours Australia describes the area as “Melbourne’s countryside, about 45 minutes from the CBD”, and the hotel as a “haven of peace and luxury” suitable for a relaxing break after the train ride.

Pros and cons of Paradise Valley Hotel

Pricing band

Based on the 3AW Pub of the Week review, entrées average around $18, mains around $30, steaks from $36, and desserts $14. This places Paradise Valley Hotel in a moderate price range for a regional pub‑bistro. The value matches the quality of ingredients and the scenic setting.

Location and getting there

Address: 249 Belgrave‑Gembrook Road, Clematis, VIC 3782.
Drive from Melbourne: Take the M1 to Belgrave, then follow the Belgrave‑Gembrook Road for about 15 minutes. Allow 45–50 minutes from the CBD.
Public transport: Train from Melbourne to Belgrave, then connect to the Puffing Billy Railway to Clematis station. The hotel is a short walk from the station.

Alternatives in the Dandenong Ranges

If Paradise Valley Hotel is booked or you want to explore other options along the Puffing Billy line, consider:

• Emerald Hotel — a classic country pub in Emerald, also on the railway route and known for hearty bistro meals.
• The Cuckoo in Olinda — a larger Bavarian‑style restaurant offering set menus and live entertainment, about 10 km from Clematis.

Both alternatives have their own character and are well‑regarded for food and atmosphere.

Our pick: Paradise Valley Hotel

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