Everything You Need to Know About Riding the Puffing Billy Railway

Summary

Ride on Victoria’s favourite steam train, the Puffing Billy and have a truly unforgettable experience as you travel through forests, fern gullies and farmlands of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. 

Puffing Billy Railway

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The Puffing Billy Railway is Victoria’s and Australia’s famous steam train that runs through the Dandenong Ranges for 25km between Belgrave and Gembrook, stopping at Emerald Lake. The present line between Belgrave and Gembrook travels through the forests, fern gullies and farmlands of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges and is one of the best ways to explore this part of the world.

If you time your trip for the last Saturday of the month you could catch the local craft and produce market at Gembrook station. Also at Gembrook is the Motorist Cafe and Museum.

Puffing Billy History

The Puffing Billy Railway was one of four low-cost 762mm (2’6”) gauge lines constructed in Victoria in the early 1900s to open up remote areas. The present line between Belgrave and Gembrook is the major part of the line which opened on 18 December 1900 and operated over 29km (18.2 miles) between Upper Ferntree Gully and Gembrook until 1953. In 1953, a landslide blocked the track and, because of operating losses, the line was closed.

Public interest resulted in the formation of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society (PBPS). The PBPS’ volunteers by-passed the landslide and reopened the line to Menzies Creek in 1962 with the blessings of the Victorian Railways and the assistance of the Citizens’ Military Forces. Further restoration resulted in Puffing Billy returning to Emerald in 1965, Lakeside in 1975 and Gembrook in 1998.

Puffing Billy Route

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Puffing Billy Lunch Option

One of the special trains available on the Puffing Billy Railway line is the Steam & Cuisine Luncheon Train. Travel first class whilst tantalising your tastebuds over a three-course meal or graze over a Natter Platter.

The Steam & Cuisine Luncheon Train operates daily except Christmas Day, departing Belgrave Station at 12:30pm and travels to Lakeside Station located in Emerald Lake Park before returning to Belgrave Station at approximately 3:30pm.

Puffing Billy Dinner Options

Dinner & Dance Train

Take your Puffing Billy train experience to another level with the Dinner & Dance Train which provides a truly unique dining experience. During the forward journey you entree will be served. Upon arrival at the ‘Nobelius Packing Shed’ in Emerald you will disembark the train and enjoy a sumptuous main course and dessert. A musical entertainer will have you up on the dance floor before the driver blows the whistle signalling your return to the train.

The Dinner & Dance Train operates on selected Friday and Saturday evenings, departing from Puffing Billy’s Belgrave Station on Fridays at 7:30pm and Saturdays at 7:00pm. The train arrives back into Belgrave Station at approximately 11:30pm.

Themed Dinner Trains

Celebrate that special occasion on one of the Puffing Billy themed trains with family and friends.

• Jazz on Puffing Billy Railway
• Murder on the Puffing Billy Express
• Rhythm & Blues on Puffing Billy
• Rock & Roll on Puffing Billy Railway

Puffing Billy Timetable

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October 2015 – April 2016

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April 2016 – October 2016

Puffing Billy Tour Options

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Wildlife & Steam Train

Leadbeater have combined some of Victoira’s best hidden gems with three must see attractions – Puffing Billy, Dandenong Ranges National Park, and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary – to create a truly unique experience at amazing value. On this guided day tour you’ll ride on a hundred old steam train, walk under giant Mountain Ash trees and visit Aussie animals.

Duration: 10 hours
Depart/return: Melbourne
Tour provider: Leadbeater

For more information on this tour, click here.

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Private Steam Trains & Great Wines

This private group tour allows you to explore the Dandenong Ranges aboard the Puffing Billy steam train which takes you through Mountain Ash forests before travelling through Victoria’s premium wine region, the Yarra Valley. After a gourmet lunch, explore one of the Moet and Chandon estate properties, Domain Chandon before returning to Melbourne.

Duration: 9 hours
Depart/return: Melbourne
Tour provider: Australian Natural Treasures Touring

For more information on this tour, click here.

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Dandenong Ranges Day Tour

This day tour comprises some of the best attractions in the Dandenong Ranges. Kick off the day at William Ricketts Sanctuary; get some perspective at Mt Dandenong and ride on Puffing Billy. Wrap up the day with a visit to Sherbrooke Forest in Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Duration: 10 hours
Depart/return: Melbourne
Tour provider: Leadbeater

For more information on this tour, click here.

Puffing Billy Prices

FARES are valid from: 26 JUNE 2015 TO 24 JUNE 2016

Option 1: Belgrave to Emerald or Lakeside OR Emerald or Lakeside to Gembrook

Adult: Single – $31.50; Return – $51.50

Child (Aged 4-16 yrs): Single – $16.00; Return – $26.50

Concession: Single – $25.00; Return – $41.00

Option 2: Belgrave to Gembrook

Adult: Single – $45.00; Return – $68.00

Child(Aged 4-16 yrs): Single – $22.00; Return – $34.00

Concession: Single – $36.00; Return – $53.50

Option 3: Belgrave to Menzies Creek OR Menzies Creek to Lakeside

Adult: Single – $22.50; Return – $30.50

Child(Aged 4-16 yrs): Single – $11.00; Return – $16.00

Concession: Single – $18.50; Return – $24.00

Puffing Billy Family Pass

Valid for up to 2 Adults and up to 4 children (Aged 4-16 yrs)

Option 1: Belgrave to Emerald or Lakeside OR Emerald or Lakeside to Gembrook

Return $104.00

Option 2: Belgrave to Gembrook

Return $137.00

Puffing Billy Tickets

Puffing Billy tickets can be purchase online at the Puffing Billy website. 

Note: Passengers who have NOT pre-purchased tickets online are encouraged to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the train’s departure.

How to Get to Puffing Billy?

Puffing Billy Railway is located approximately one hour east of Melbourne by public transport or car.

Melbourne to Puffing Billy

The best way to get to Puffing Billy is on the Metro train (Belgrave line) from Melbourne to Belgrave Station.

Belgrave Station to Puffing Billy

From Belgrave Station follow the blue line to Puffing Billy Station.

Puffing Billy Parking

At Belgrave Station 

Parking at Puffing Billy Car Park: FREE parking entry via Belgrave – Gembrook Road, between New Belgrave Motors and the Metro Rail Bridge
Parking at the Belgrave CFA Car Park: FREE Parking at 2 Bayview Road, Belgrave
Parking at Belgrave Metro Trains Car Park: FREE Parking – Follow the signposted walkway under the main road bridge to the Puffing Billy station.
Parking at Woolworths Belgrave Car Park: FREE Parking behind the main street shops. Enter via Reynolds Lane. Parking restrictions may apply.
Parking at Mater Christi College FREE Parking during the Victorian school holidays only.

At Menzies Creek Station 

FREE Parking available within the station grounds.

At Emerald Station 

FREE Parking available within the station grounds (Excluding days when our Day Out With Thomas event takes place)

At Lakeside Station 

PARKING is located within Emerald Lake Park adjacent to the station. There is a Council operated ticket machine – $6 flat fee for the day.

At Gembrook Station 

FREE Parking available within the station grounds.

Puffing Billy Address

Puffing Billy Railway,

1 Old Monbulk Road,

Belgrave,

Victoria 3160,

Australia

Puffing Billy Contact

Phone: (03) 9757 0700

info@pbr.org.au

www.puffingbilly.com.au

Puffing Billy Map