Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy Railway
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
PUFFING BILLY OPERATES DAILY (except Christmas Day). Puffing Billy is Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne. Puffing Billy was built to serve at the turn of the century and is a genuine relic of our more leisurely days. The Railway is the major survivor of four experimental lines used to develop rural areas in the early 1900s. Puffing Billy Railway is now a major tourist attraction and operates every day except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 600 dedicated volunteers.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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4.5
1,860 reviews
Excellent
1,153
Very good
525
Average
130
Poor
33
Terrible
19
Filipa F
United States66 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
I took the Puffing Billy trip in November, and I'm glad I brought a jacket! It's advisable to wear warm clothes during that time as it can get quite cold. The journey was absolutely worth it! I loved traveling by train with my feet out! The train staff is also very friendly. Belgrave is beautiful. I loved it! The best experience I had in Melbourne!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luize S
Dallas, TX4 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Friends
Very interesting concept about being seated with your legs dangling out of the window sill. One way to Lakeside takes about an hour, see lots of nature, eucalyptus trees, country, and some villages.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellie B
Wellington, New Zealand74 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
What a great family trip, everyone in our (adult) group enjoyed it and you don't have to be a fan of steam trains. Being able to sit on the sills with legs hanging out of the side of the carriage is such fun and does not feel dangerous. Everyone gets a sill seat. There is a more expansive view on the right on the way out, and on the left on the way back - we were able to swap with our group as we had seats on both sides. Everyone that you see on the road or at stations waves at the train, I wondered after a while if it was compulsory! There is a genuine enthusiasm for the steam train in the local communities.
The cafe at Lake Side is very new, lots of space and well run with good choices. There is a very small lake and a model railway (extra charge). Superb crimson rosellas visited as we returned to the carriages. Puffing Billy gets very booked up, essential to book well ahead of time.
Parking was a little confusing. The car parks are a maximum of 4 hours, so we parked on Bayview Road along with everyone else. We were glad of the advice to arrive early.
The cafe at Lake Side is very new, lots of space and well run with good choices. There is a very small lake and a model railway (extra charge). Superb crimson rosellas visited as we returned to the carriages. Puffing Billy gets very booked up, essential to book well ahead of time.
Parking was a little confusing. The car parks are a maximum of 4 hours, so we parked on Bayview Road along with everyone else. We were glad of the advice to arrive early.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily M
18 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
The most amazing train ride on an old steam train that uses coal to fuel the fire. It journeys through the heart of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. The best & fun part was dangling our legs while sitted on the window ledge and soak in the amazing sights.
Highly recommended for a fun experience in Melbourne!
Highly recommended for a fun experience in Melbourne!
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,802 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
Puffing Billy is a vintage steam train that runs through the Dandenong Ranges. There's a "man versus machine" race, where the runners attempt to beat Puffing Bill. The "marathon" is 21 km (13 miles) for elite runners. Puffing Billy is a star attraction that lures locals and visitors alike.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice E
Ballarat, Australia85 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Such a must see when in the area. It has wonderful employees ensuring safety, care and pure fun on the trip!
Its a great way to see untouched natural Victoria's landscape.
Its a great way to see untouched natural Victoria's landscape.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chester B
Kingston upon Thames, UK119 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
It’s very cool and a lot of fun! If you love trains as much as we do, you have to do this! The experience where you get to sit on the edge of a carriage and dangle your feet out. The views are scenic from the railway! Not too far out of Melbourne so make a day of it or even just a morning!
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abdul Hadi
Seoul, South Korea13 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
A ride not only for the young. Those young at heart must sit on the ledge and hang those feet outside the train! What a thrill!
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BF826
Birmingham, UK55 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Such an amazing experience. The old style trains are a beautiful thing, so interesting to look at and learn about, with the added experience of being able to sit on the ledges of the train with your legs hanging out. It’s such a magical experience for not only kids but the adults too (your inner child is unleashed).
The ledge isn’t the comfiest to sit all the way around because you do travel some distance but even just standing it’s still amazing. I recommend sitting on the right side of the train you get to see a lot more.
It comes across as such a community experience, with the train workers being volunteers and when you are driving by, people in cars, by passers and the people in the houses and schools along the way all stop to wave. Everyone who is involved is so friendly and make the experience even more special.
When you get to the end, the restaurant has some amazing food (recommend going there straight away as there can be a wait on food, we went in the quiet period and we waited a little while for food so could be worse during peak season) then going for a walk around the lake seeing some beautiful birds before making your way back to the train for another relaxing journey back.
Highly recommend this trip.
The ledge isn’t the comfiest to sit all the way around because you do travel some distance but even just standing it’s still amazing. I recommend sitting on the right side of the train you get to see a lot more.
It comes across as such a community experience, with the train workers being volunteers and when you are driving by, people in cars, by passers and the people in the houses and schools along the way all stop to wave. Everyone who is involved is so friendly and make the experience even more special.
When you get to the end, the restaurant has some amazing food (recommend going there straight away as there can be a wait on food, we went in the quiet period and we waited a little while for food so could be worse during peak season) then going for a walk around the lake seeing some beautiful birds before making your way back to the train for another relaxing journey back.
Highly recommend this trip.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MsF
Sydney, Australia28 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Unique experience and a good way to enjoy the scenery in the Dandenongs. Friendly staff who are mostly volunteers. The locals were also friendly. It would be good to do a one way train trip to Lakeside then return to Belgrave via bus or car. This would permit more time to visit the history museum, model railway and explore the area more. The day felt a bit rushed with under 2 hours at Lakeside before the return journey. The cafeteria is ok but bringing a packed lunch would save time.
Follow the advice to arrive at Belgrave in plenty of time to find a parking space and printing the parking permit if needed.
Follow the advice to arrive at Belgrave in plenty of time to find a parking space and printing the parking permit if needed.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce D
Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
Hi
I want to add to my earlier review how wonderful the girls were at Menzies Creek today dealing with our order and many questions regarding allergies - 10 of us and they got it correct first time!!! Full praise to the 2 young girls serving us for coffee and scones at Menzies Creek 15th Jan 2022
Natasha L
Jakarta, Indonesia49 contributions
Hi,
We are considering to visit puffing billy in may with an active 20mths old toddler , and i doubt that she can sit still for the whole lunch (3hourz). May i know what is the shortest trip on this train that we can still enjoy the train and scenery? We will be driving a car so preferably the station should have a parking lot too.
Wondering if we can buy the train tickets on the spot too?
Puffing Billy Railway
Belgrave, Australia2 contributions
Hi Natasha. Thank you for your enquiry.
Our shortest and newest journey would be the Belgrave to Menzies Creek trip (9.50am or 10.30am departure times), taking 30 minutes each way, with a stopover at Menzies Creek Station. We have just recently opened the Menzies Creek Museum, where you can explore the 52 exhibits and railway displays from a bygone era, enjoy the Little Toot Café with fresh beverages and small treats and occupy the little one with the Museum's play area. The perfect journey for young families with busy little toddlers!
There is ample parking in Belgrave, and we would suggest you arrive at least 30-60 minutes earlier than your scheduled journey.
While you can purchase tickets at the Booking Office upon arrival, we would suggest booking online as there is no guarantee of available spots upon arrival. We hope that helps answer all your questions. Looking forward to seeing you in May, Natasha!
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway Team
Gary L
Palm Springs, CA30 contributions
I heard the train “requires some agility to board”. What does this mean? Is the step high?
Puffing Billy Railway
Belgrave, Australia2 contributions
Hi Gary. Thank you for your question. In order to board the train, you will need to be able to step up onto the carriage. It would be the approximate equivalent of 2 to 2.5 feet from the platform to the carriage step. We also have wheelchair accessible carriages, and a special ramp for those who are less mobile. We hope that helps!
- The Puffing Billy Railway team.
968Chris
Melbourne, Australia207 contributions
Should i do Puffing billy from Belgrave to Emerald or do full thing to Geembrook
Puffing Billy Railway
Belgrave, Australia2 contributions
Hello, thanks for sending through your question. You are welcome to travel from Belgrave to Emerald or Lakeside Station - this is roughly 50-60 minutes one-way. From here, you can explore the Emerald Township or take a walk around Emerald Lake Park.
You also have the option to start at Lakeside and travel to Gembrook if you have access to a car. There is ample parking at Lakeside Station and the one-way trip to Gembrook is 40 minutes.
If you decide to travel from Belgrave to Gembrook, there are many lunch options within the Gembrook Township. It's a beautiful way to explore the entire Puffing Billy experience. This is approx. 1 hour 40 minutes on the train one-way.
We hope this answers your questions and look forward to seeing you travel with us soon.
- From the team at Puffing Billy Railway.
sisi_sun
La Crosse, WI24 contributions
Hello! I am planing to take a trip from Belgrave to Gembrook. May I take the 10:30 train from Belgrave, get off at Menzies Creek, visit the locomotive museum there, then catch the next 11:38 train to Lakeside?
Puffing Billy Railway
Belgrave, Australia2 contributions
Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry.
At the moment, the Menzies Creek Museum is not open to the public. We are currently working on opening the museum on weekends during the Australian summer. You can, however, purchase tickets from Belgrave to Lakeside on your preferred day.
Looking forward to seeing you at Puffing Billy soon.
- From the team at Puffing Billy Railway.
Irene O
2 contributions
Hi! I'm planning to take the 230pm train from Belgrave to Lakeside, then catch the last train back from Lakeside at 415pm. Was wondering whether anyone encountered problems getting onto the last train?
Puffing Billy Railway
Belgrave, Australia2 contributions
Hello, thanks for sending us your question.
Many of our passengers travel to Lakeside and enjoy spending time at Emerald Lake Park. We recommend purchasing your tickets online to ensure you are able to return to Belgrave, however, the last train is always the busiest during the day to ensure all passengers return safely to Belgrave.
We hope this answers your questions and look forward to seeing you travel with us soon.
- From the Puffing Billy Railway team.
Hello! I am planning to visit with my mother and we will use public transport. Recommendations on attractions to see/things we can do after Puffing Billy (accessible by walking or public transport) would be much appreciated. Also, the best stops along Belgrave to Gembrook? Cheers
Makingmemories13
Brisbane, Australia529 contributions
Hello, We did Puffing Billy as part of a day tour by bus. For us we went onto some wineries in the Yarra Valley which is approximately 55 minutes drive away. Sorry I am not of much help,
any promotion for Myki travel pack or other promotion, when booking it online for Puffing Billy Railway? If so, how do use it?
GHNM
Sale, Australia49 contributions
I booked on the phone no problem - they were great
Hello everyone!
I am planning to visit the Puffing Billy in this mid-july and I have this great questions which I hope someone can answer. I've heard a lot about stoping at various stations along the ride, especially from between Belgave and Gembrook. I really want to know how that works and how the train timetable allows us to have a some times at different stations (as I've heard there's great scenery there) before reaching the final destination at Gembrook and vice versa.
Regards,
Minh Nguyen
keith B
Greater Perth, Australia263 contributions
Our trip was from Belgrade to Lakeside, where we stopped for about 1/2 an hour. Contact the railway company as to whether they stop at other locations. We did our trip in June, when venturing on a paddle boat on the lake was not available. I think there are different stops for different activities at various times of the year.
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Claim your listingPuffing Billy Railway: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Puffing Billy Railway
- Puffing Billy Railway is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Hotels near Puffing Billy Railway:
- (0.17 km) Belgrave Bed & Breakfast
- (0.40 km) Wildwood Lodge
- (0.46 km) Devon Guest House
- (0.61 km) Stone's Throw Cottage B&B
- (0.53 km) Clarelee Belgrave Boutique Accommodation
- Restaurants near Puffing Billy Railway:
- (0.14 km) Belgrave Pizza House
- (0.18 km) Gino's ah' cioccolato
- (0.22 km) Bensons Cafe and Restaurant
- (0.21 km) Knickerbocker Glory
- (0.23 km) The Blacksmith
- Attractions near Puffing Billy Railway:
- (0.18 km) Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge
- (0.29 km) Treetops Adventure Belgrave
- (0.38 km) Belgrave Big Dreams Market
- (0.52 km) Cameo Cinema
- (0.13 km) The Hillz Bar & Kitchen