Puffing Billy Railway: A Nostalgic Steam Train Journey
Experience a nostalgic journey through the Dandenong Ranges on Australia's iconic Puffing Billy Railway, a historic steam train adventure.
Puffing Billy Railway, located in the Dandenong Ranges just east of Melbourne, is a living piece of Australian railway history. This narrow-gauge heritage railway, established in 1900, was one of four low-cost lines constructed to open up remote areas. Today, it stands as one of the most popular steam heritage railways globally, attracting visitors from all over the world. The railway's original purpose was to serve the local timber and farming industries, transporting timber, potatoes, livestock, and general goods between the Dandenong communities and Melbourne. The train also carried passengers, mail, parcels, and newspapers, acting as a vital lifeline for those living in the hills. A landslide in 1953 caused the line to close in 1954, but the Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed in 1955 to restore and operate the railway. The Puffing Billy experience is unique due to its open-sided carriages, which allow passengers to immerse themselves in the surrounding environment. As the train winds through the Dandenong Ranges, riders can enjoy views of lush fern gullies, towering Mountain Ash trees, and timber trestle bridges. The railway operates daily (except Christmas Day) between Belgrave and Lakeside, with services to Gembrook on Sundays. Special events like the Steam & Cuisine Luncheon and Dog Express add to the railway's appeal. Today, Puffing Billy is maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers who ensure the century-old steam train continues to run on the mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook. The railway's infrastructure is restored to reflect its heyday between 1900 and 1930, with some railway practices from that era still in use.
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a seat on the open-side carriages, particularly on the right-hand side when departing from Belgrave, for the best views.
- Pre-book your tickets online, as walk-up tickets are not available, and the train often operates at limited capacity.
- Consider visiting on a Sunday to experience the full journey from Belgrave to Gembrook.
- Check the Puffing Billy Railway website for special events and themed rides, such as the Steam & Cuisine Luncheon or Dog Express.
- If you have accessibility requirements, use the drop-off zone at Gate 4 in Belgrave and be aware that accessible carriages with ramps are available.
A brief summary to Puffing Billy Railway
- 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave, Victoria, 3160, AU
- +61397570700
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-12 pm
- Sunday 9 am-12 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Puffing Billy Railway via public transport from Melbourne CBD, take the Belgrave line train directly to Belgrave Station. From Belgrave Station, follow the blue line painted on the platform for a short, accessible 2-minute walk to Puffing Billy Railway. Alternatively, the 693 bus from Oakleigh to Belgrave also stops at Belgrave Station. A myki card is required for public transport in Melbourne. A one way trip from Melbourne CBD to Belgrave costs around $5.
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Driving
If driving to Puffing Billy Railway, it is located approximately 40 kilometers east of Melbourne in the Dandenong Ranges. Take the Eastern Freeway/Eastlink or Monash Freeway. Parking is available at the Belgrave Metro Station Car Park, which has over 600 spaces and is a few minutes' walk from the station. Parking at the Belgrave Metro Station Car Park is free. Please note that there is no parking at the station on Old Monbulk Road. If you have accessibility requirements, use the drop-off zone at Gate 4.
