Located in the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy Railway is a premier preserved steam railway in Australia that provides visitors a chance to witness a timeless world of wonder. Constructed in 1900, this railway is the fundamental tourist attraction in Melbourne that welcomes visitors to come and experience nostalgia, animated adventure, or cultural enjoyment of the centuries-old tradition throughout the year.
Situated in the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy Railway is a premier steam railway in Melbourne, Australia that lets you step into the timeless world of wonder. This railway offers a 60-minute ride from Melbourne CBD through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges. Constructed in 1990, the railway used to serve the local communities living in the hills by traversing livestock, timber, potato, and plants from one place to another. Today, you can experience the centuries-old tradition prevalent in the city through the Puffing Billy Railway.
It offers a remarkable opportunity to relax and soak in the fresh air in the luscious fern gullies while the train passes through temperate forests that include Mountain Ash trees. It is definitely a surreal experience of discovering the striking wildlife and picturesque landscapes created for fun and adventure while sitting on the open-side carriages of the Puffing Billy Railway.
Guests can also find the ultra-modern Lakeside Visitor Center on the adjacent side of the Puffing Billy railway station. It consists of a contemporary cafe, a dedicated gift shop, and a gallery of steam artifacts, along with world-class facilities. Passengers of the Puffing Billy Railway should also not miss the opportunity to explore the Menzies Creek Museum, which houses 80 railway-related exhibits.
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Highlights
• Go for an exploration journey through the splendid Dandenong Ranges on Australia's premier preserved steam railway.
• Relax your senses and breathe fresh air while moving through the temperate rainforest in the Puffing Billy Railway.
• Go back in time and enjoy the childhood experiences of your grandparents as you appreciate the authentic experience of traveling on a steam railway.
• Learn more about the history of Puffing Billy Railway and Dandenong Ranges at the Menzies Creek Museum.
• Enjoy the journey of your trip from Belgrave to Lakeside or Gembrook while moving through the luscious greenery.
• Admire the scenic sights of forests, farmlands, and fern gullies as you make your way through the Dandenong Ranges.
• Click pictures of the surroundings to cherish the memories after returning home and for a lifetime.
• Appreciate sitting on the sills of the Puffing Billy Railway with your friends and cousins as the train moves slowly towards its destination.
How To Reach
By Metro: Visitors can take a metro train from Melbourne CBD on the Belgrave line to the Belgrave Station to reach Puffing Billy Railway. Through the metro train, it will take you approximately 70 minutes to reach your final destination.
By Bus: Alternatively, you can take bus number 693 Oakleigh to Belgrave, which passes through Brandon Park and Ferntree Gully. It will take you about an hour and 10 minutes to reach Puffing Billy Railway by bus.
By Car: To travel to Puffing Billy Railway by car, you can drive via the Eastern Freeway / Eastlink or Monash Freeway and follow the GPS directions to reach your ideal destination.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Puffing Billy Railway is during the weekend as you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Several tourists visit the attraction during weekends, making the place crowded. Hence, it is advisable to book your tickets to Puffing Billy Railway on the weekday to avoid heavy crowds and enjoy the attraction at your own pace. As far as the time of the day is concerned, you can book your slot in the early hours of the morning, i.e., at 10.30 am.
Other Essential Information
- Book your tickets to Puffing Billy Railway online in advance as the tickets get sold out pretty fast during the summer season.
- Avail yourself of the restroom and cafe service at the stations quickly as the train stops for five minutes only.
- Sit on the right side of the train facing the locomotives to catch the best views of the surroundings while snaking around the trestle bridge bends.
- Do not carry heavy luggage on the Puffing Billy Railway tour as there is not much space in the wooden carriages of the train.
- Park your car near the Belgraves metro station, which is situated at a five to six minutes walking distance from the attraction, as there is no car parking area near the Puffing Billy Railway.
- Get in touch with the support if you want to avail yourself of the wheelchairs and any other facility.
Train Journeys
The Puffing Billy Railways allows passengers to enjoy an authentic heritage steam train experience while traveling through the remarkable Dandenong Ranges. On your train excursions, you will pass through the fern gullies brushing the Mountain Ash trees on the top of the train.
Picnic Packs
The Puffing Billy Railway allows you to pre-purchase a delightful picnic pack and enjoy it while moving over the hills, into the luscious forest, and down the valley. Alternatively, you can wait for the afternoon lunch set up by Emerald Lake Park, which you can collect at the Lakeside and enjoy through the journey.
Carriage Hire
If memories are your priority, you can hire a private carriage to enjoy the adventure of Puffing Billy Railway with your friends and family. It not only fills your journey with unique outdoor adventure but also lets you relish the privacy and comfort of your exclusive open-side carriage.
COG Bikes Australia Bike Hire
If you want to make your travel over the Dandenong Ranges more exciting and enjoyable, you can hire standard trail bikes, balance bikes, e-bikes, or children’s pedal bikes to explore the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail. All you need to do is take a train ride from Belgrave to Lakeside Station, where your pre-booked bike will await the unimaginable adventure over the hills.
Steam & Cuisine Luncheon
The Puffing Billy Railway proffers a relaxing three-course food journey on the First-Class carriage named Steam & Cuisine Luncheon. This experience is all about fun and luxury while munching on the delicious cuisine chugging through dense fern foliage and wild-open fields.
The Puffing Billy Dog Express
Not only do adults but dogs can also enjoy the Puffing Billy Railway experience. You can take your furry friends on a special Lakeside to Gembrook service, where you will discover numerous walking tracks and trails to walk. This 40-minute Puffing Billy Dog Express train ride will take you over three historic timber trestle bridges, moving past Cockatoo and Fielder stations.
Menzies Creek Museum
Spreading across an area of 1160 square meters, Menzies Creek Museum in the Puffing Billy Railway consists of 80 exhibits from a bygone era, including carriages and a rail tractor, rare and operational steam and diesel locomotives, and an operational boiler house. This museum consists of all the railway items that have been collected and researched for over 10 years.
Lakeside Visitor Centre
Lakeside Visitor Centre is situated amidst the towering rainforests, cool fern gullies, and the native flowers of Emerald Lake Park. This center merges well with the natural surroundings and the true smell and sound of Puffing Billy Railway, thereby providing visitors with a cultural hub of modern facilities.
Tourism Board Alliances
Puffing Billy Railway FAQs
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