by Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. One of the most popular and iconic ways to experience this region is on the Puffing Billy Railway, a heritage steam railway that has been charming visitors for over 100 years. With open sided carriages, historic narrow gauge track and stunning scenery a Puffing Billy train ride is an adventure for all ages. From the towering Mountain Ash trees of Sherbrooke Forest to the beautiful shores of Emerald Lake Park, the railway takes you back in time and into nature.
Puffing Billy Railway History
Built in 1900, one of four narrow gauge railways in Victoria was built to access the rural areas. The line was to carry passengers, livestock, and goods across the rough terrain from Belgrave Station to Gembrook Station, which was an essential part of the region’s development. However, as modern transport took over, the railway was closed in 1954 after a series of landslides made the line impassable. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the railway was reopened in 1962, and today is one of the best-preserved steam railways in the world, with a mix of diesel and century-old steam trains to delight passengers.
The restoration of the original mountain track was a remarkable achievement so you can step back in time while still enjoying the modern world class facilities at stations like Lakeside Station. Riding Puffing Billy is not just a train ride it’s an exploration of history, a celebration of old world charm and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Victoria.
Sherbrooke Forest and Beyond
Your journey starts at Belgrave Station, just an hour from Melbourne, where the excitement builds as the iconic century-old steam train pulls into the station. As the whistle blows and the train starts to climb, you’re immediately in a lush green paradise. Sherbrooke Forest, one of the highlights of the Dandenong Ranges, is home to the Mountain Ash, the tallest flowering plant in the world, towering above the fern gullies that line the railway. The train winds its way through the lush forest, where passengers can spot Australian animals among the dense foliage.
The open sided carriages give you an immersive experience so you can feel the cool mountain air and enjoy the scenery. As the train rumbles along the historic narrow gauge track it crosses the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge one of the most historic trestle bridges on the line. With its curved timber structure this bridge is an engineering marvel and crossing it is one of the most photographed moments of the journey.
The journey through Sherbrooke Forest and beyond has many scenic stops, each with its own charm. Whether you get off at Menzies Creek for a quick look around or continue on to Emerald Lake Park, every stop has new adventures and opportunities to connect with nature.
Lakeside Station and Emerald Lake Park: Family-Friendly
One of the most popular stops on the Puffing Billy Railway is Lakeside Station, the entrance to the beautiful Emerald Lake Park. This is a great spot for families with lots of activities including walking trails, paddle boating on Lake Treganowan, and picnic areas to relax in the shade. With Lakeside Hall and the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, you can also explore exhibitions about the history of the railway and the region.
Emerald Lake Park is more than a scenic stop. It’s a destination. Whether you take a leisurely walk around the lake, bird watch or sit and soak up the beauty of the rainforest that surrounds the park, there’s something for everyone. Families can hire paddle boats or enjoy a picnic box while taking in the peacefulness. The park has accessible facilities, so it’s a great destination for people of all abilities.
If you want to stretch your legs, the park has several walking trails that wander through the fern gullies, which is a peaceful escape into nature. You can also visit nearby Nobelius Heritage Park to see the area’s botanical history.
Gembrook Station: The End of the Line
As the train continues on from Lakeside Station and other stops, it finally reaches Gembrook Station, the end of the line for the Puffing Billy Railway. Gembrook is a quaint historic town that still has a lot of old-world charm, so it’s the perfect place to finish your train journey. At Gembrook Station, you can visit local cafes, shops and markets or take a peaceful walk through Gembrook Park. The town is quiet and rural and feels like a world away from Melbourne.
If you want to make a day of it, there’s plenty to do in Gembrook, from nature walks to exploring the surrounding countryside. The town is a mix of old and new, where history meets modernity, so you can relax and unwind before you board the train back to Belgrave Station.
Special Events and Themed Rides
Puffing Billy has lots of special events throughout the year so there’s always something fun for everyone. One of the most popular is the Train of Lights, a night time journey where the train and the surrounding landscape are lit up in a riot of colour. During the holiday season Puffing Billy becomes a festive wonderland with Santa rides and holiday themed trips.
And also the Day Out with Thomas where young train enthusiasts can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. For adults Wine and Dine and Jazz on Puffing Billy where you can enjoy a gourmet meal and live music while taking in the views of the Dandenong Ranges.
Whatever the time of year you visit, Puffing Billy Railway has something for everyone.
More of Victoria’s Railways and Attractions
If you want to see more of Victoria’s railway heritage, the Victorian Goldfields Railway and Bellarine Railway are also worth visiting. The Newport Railway Museum is a must-see for train buffs, with an impressive collection of vintage trains and locomotives.
Beyond the railways, there are plenty of other attractions near Puffing Billy, including Healesville Sanctuary, where you can see Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. The sanctuary has interactive exhibits and animal encounters, so it’s a great addition to any family day out.
If you want to get outdoors nearby national parks like Wright Forest and Grants Picnic Reserve have walking, picnicking and birdwatching. And just a short drive away is Phillip Island where you can see more Australian wildlife including the penguin parade.
Plan Your Puffing Billy Visit
Puffing Billy has a range of ticket options to suit your schedule and interests, 1 hour for those short on time or 6 hours to see all the stops along the way. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic getaway or a solo adventure Puffing Billy has something for everyone. Natural beauty, rich history and endless adventure.
From the moment you step on the train at Belgrave Station to the final stop at Gembrook Station, Puffing Billy has something for everyone: steam railways, historic trestle bridges and picturesque stops like Emerald Lake Park. A must-see for anyone who wants to see the best of Victoria’s forests and heritage.
FAQ
How long is the trip?
Full trip from Belgrave to Gembrook is 2 hours one way. If you want to visit Emerald Lake Park or other stops along the way, a return trip can take 5-6 hours.
Can I bring food?
Yes you can bring your own picnic or pre-order a picnic box to eat on board. There are also dining options at some stations, including the family friendly Railway Cafe at Lakeside Station.
Is Puffing Billy accessible to people with mobility issues?
Yes, Puffing Billy Railway has accessible facilities at key stations, such as Belgrave Station and Lakeside Station. The open-sided carriages are also designed to be accessible to all passengers.
What else is nearby?
After your Puffing Billy Melbourne tour, you can visit Healesville Sanctuary and Grants Picnic Reserve or take a scenic drive to Phillip Island.
Are there themed rides or special events?
Yes, Puffing Billy has several special events throughout the year, including the Train of Lights, Day Out with Thomas and holiday themed rides. Check the events calendar for the latest information.
