Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy Railway
4.5
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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Filipa FUnited States61 contributionsAmazingI 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!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 November 2023
- ChillybillyBallarat, Australia302 contributionsWow , wow , wow Polar Express Christmas SpecialFantastic experience Just beautiful ! It’s was foggy and the atmosphere was just magical for adults and kids Made me cry It was truely beautiful Dancing elves and other performers made quite a show Highly recommend It a must in Victoria A really special experience for all . Mountain and forest is spectacular Puffing billy steam train makes it a day out not to be forgottenVisited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 December 2023
- AbbottHsuSerang, Indonesia2,322 contributionsAdventurePuffy Billy railway trip is a very wonderful journey to whom never takes the steam train before. Based on the historical information, railway was used for logging delivery from the mountains to the ground in the past. It is really similar with what you can find in Mt. Ali railway from Taiwan. You can finds lots of different pines and various plants around the railway. The surroundings and environments are maintained primitively and naturally. It is always cool and comfortable around this areas. The journey comes from Station “Belgrave” to “Lakeside” and it takes you around 1 hour +15 minutes. Since it is steam train, you can find the burning ashes, smokes and the whistle all the way around. Since the speed is not so fast, you can just sit beside the designated seats around the windows. Really energetic to sit there, seeing everything new around the trip. We are so impressed with the railway because it is maintained by lots of volunteers and currently it is well organized. Lots of historical buildings or construction can be found during the trip, such as the residential areas or stations. You can tell the hard work and smart artwork for people in the past. The schedule for Puffy Billy is not so many and it is almost crowded on weekends or holidays. You may need to book the tickets via website or agents in advance. For me and families, it is really touching to be here, enjoying the exploration by taking the seam train in forests. Just come and visit it. Enjoy.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 December 2023
- John Adams3 contributionsA must for any steam train enthusiastIf you're a stream train enthusiast, this is a MUST. The journey starts at Belgrave and works its way along a most scenic route which includes rainforests and a trestle bridge. There are multiple steam trains about which adds to the experience. We encountered a pickle on our return journey resulting in us waiting a good 30 minutes at Menzies Creek. Announcements were made although unclear. Many passengers became restless as a result. Although this didn't detract from the overall experience.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 January 2024
- Mike255100Melbourne, Australia243 contributionsToo early for ticketsIt was a great experience, and we enjoyed it. Their website stressed the need to be on time. As the location of all-day parking seemed confusing, I wanted to be there early to find a place and exchange my payment receipt for an actual ticket. We parked near the rail station but on the other side of the tracks. It worked, but I am sure there are better locations. On arriving at the Puffing Billy ticket window, I learned that the tickets with their train car allocations are not available much before 45 minutes before departure. So, my plan to obtain the tickets and go elsewhere for breakfast did not work. It was no great problem but I wish I had been better informed.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 March 2024
- Lana MNaas, Ireland212 contributionsGreat day outAdventure for the most of the day, interesting for kids and adults alike. Fun adventure, especially if you dare to sit on the sill with your legs out of the train. Felt that there was not enough time at the final stop, but probably can be customizedVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 April 2024
- CathalBelfast, United Kingdom19 contributionsFun day out!Amazing day spent out on the old steam trains! It was so much fun getting to ride them and seeing them in action! My tip would be to bring a picnic and blanket for your time in Lakeside, especially on a good day! We went midweek and some of the Lakeside attractions were closed, so if you want to see the miniature railway or get on the lake, go on the weekends!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2024
- Lolly30968 contributionsTrip to rememberGood for older and younger Took 11 month old also , he is a good baby and enjoyed it But obviously had to hold him the whole time so it’s not ideal if you have multiple young ones or a single parent/carer. Teenager and 9 year old had great time. Dad 56 was really relaxed on there . Great experience for us all as a family. The views were spectacular. Did the Belgrave to lakeside ride and it was just enough at 1 hour (plus break at lakeside, where there are pedal boats and picnic benches, cafe & toilets etc. 100/100Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 May 2024
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4.5
1,874 reviews
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526
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ulricjoh
Australia12 contributions
Jan 2020
I took my children to ride on the steam train, something that had been promised for a long time.
We got there very early and we were met by a lovely lady at the ticket counter (Marg). She was very helpful in explaining the journey (times; costs; seating; etc.). I was also told that one of the conductors would help me to get my stroller into the train (I cannot move without a walking stick and I had two children with me). Marg saw the big picture.
When we went to board the train, the conductors (at least four of them), were milling around the train carriages but not one of them offered to assist. I struggled to get my children and pram into the carriage.
The journey itself was pleasant enough. The children enjoyed themselves along the way. The restaurant at Lakeside station was overly busy but they did a good job catering for the hordes of tourists who were there. The food was on the high side but it was very good.
On the way back, we encountered the same problem, not once but twice. Not one conductor offered to assist me or the children nor stroller into or out of the carriages. I tend to stand out from the crowd of able bodied tourists, given my conditions, so it's almost impossible to say that no one saw me struggling with the children and pram.
It is due to the lack of assistance that Marg assured me would be offered, that I have marked the experience down from excellent to average. If I found it extremely difficult, then I'm sure that there would have been other people on the same or other days, who would have had similar difficulties. It detracted from the experience for my troupe.
We got there very early and we were met by a lovely lady at the ticket counter (Marg). She was very helpful in explaining the journey (times; costs; seating; etc.). I was also told that one of the conductors would help me to get my stroller into the train (I cannot move without a walking stick and I had two children with me). Marg saw the big picture.
When we went to board the train, the conductors (at least four of them), were milling around the train carriages but not one of them offered to assist. I struggled to get my children and pram into the carriage.
The journey itself was pleasant enough. The children enjoyed themselves along the way. The restaurant at Lakeside station was overly busy but they did a good job catering for the hordes of tourists who were there. The food was on the high side but it was very good.
On the way back, we encountered the same problem, not once but twice. Not one conductor offered to assist me or the children nor stroller into or out of the carriages. I tend to stand out from the crowd of able bodied tourists, given my conditions, so it's almost impossible to say that no one saw me struggling with the children and pram.
It is due to the lack of assistance that Marg assured me would be offered, that I have marked the experience down from excellent to average. If I found it extremely difficult, then I'm sure that there would have been other people on the same or other days, who would have had similar difficulties. It detracted from the experience for my troupe.
Written 31 January 2020
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.
Hi there. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are pleased to hear Marg was so helpful in making sure you were looked after during your journey, despite the experience thereafter being less than ideal. We are very sorry to hear this. Our conductors are some of the most helpful, approachable members of our Puffing Billy family, so it's disappointing to hear you were not able to get the assistance you required. We want to make sure all our passengers have a great time and are assisted in the best way possible, so it would be a great help if you could please provide us with more information, including the date and time you travelled by emailing puffing.billy@pbr.org.au, so that your feedback can be further investigated by the management team.
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway team.
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dyhx
Singapore6,526 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Beautiful fun ride from Belgrave to Menzies Creek, followed by a short tour of the Train Museum there complete with tea and scones before heading back.
This is a real functioning train meaning for every day people commute, but largely a tourist attraction. Love how the staff are all so dressed up, and the waving as the train goes by. Adults and older kids (from 4 yo) are allowed to sit on the sills, so you can have your feet dangling out as the train rides thru the forest, which is really what the ride is all about, a must do, no need to be shy. In fact in almost every carriage I think majority were adults on the sills. The ride is 30 mins one way and we've got just about 45 mins at the museum - a small one and all about trains!
We took the Morning Tea package which include a hot drink and scones (set of 2 for adults) or donuts (a bag of 3 bombelinis for kids). Amongst the 10 of us, we had 4 sets of scones and 6 sets of donuts!
Thought the kids would be excited about this but I think it was the adults who enjoyed it more at the end of it.
If you are no train geek or fan, I suggest just taking the train ride for the experience and skip the museum package.
This is a real functioning train meaning for every day people commute, but largely a tourist attraction. Love how the staff are all so dressed up, and the waving as the train goes by. Adults and older kids (from 4 yo) are allowed to sit on the sills, so you can have your feet dangling out as the train rides thru the forest, which is really what the ride is all about, a must do, no need to be shy. In fact in almost every carriage I think majority were adults on the sills. The ride is 30 mins one way and we've got just about 45 mins at the museum - a small one and all about trains!
We took the Morning Tea package which include a hot drink and scones (set of 2 for adults) or donuts (a bag of 3 bombelinis for kids). Amongst the 10 of us, we had 4 sets of scones and 6 sets of donuts!
Thought the kids would be excited about this but I think it was the adults who enjoyed it more at the end of it.
If you are no train geek or fan, I suggest just taking the train ride for the experience and skip the museum package.
Written 19 May 2022
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.
Mikem28
Cromer, UK348 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A lovely day out for adults or families. Brilliant scenery, lovely old trains, and great volunteer staff. Can be crowded so best to book in advance. The shops sell lovely mementoes and snacks. The cafe at the end of the line struggled to cope with numbers and doing hot food and didn’t have enough seating so perhaps getting off at Emerald for a break would be a better choice at lunchtime. Overall a great day out.
Written 3 February 2020
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.
Hi there. Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are pleased to hear you loved the sights and sounds of the Railway and Dandenong Ranges while on board our faithful Puffing Billy! It's certainly a great day out for family and friends, and an excellent opportunity to meet some of our dedicated volunteers who keep this Railway going! Without them, we couldn't do what we do everyday. Gembrook is a great place to check out, if you travel to the end of the line. They have a plethora of great local eateries for you to choose from, so it might be worth planning another trip to explore a little more! Or alternatively, our Lakeside Station is a great pit stop with a delicious Tearoom menu!
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway Team.
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian H
8 contributions
Jan 2020
I took a trip along the whole of the line. The staff were friendly and informative. This trip took the whole of the day and is easily accesable by public transport from the city centre with regular trains to and from Belgrave from Flinders Street Station.
Written 10 January 2020
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.
Thanks so much for the kind review. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the day from Belgrave to Gembrook! We hope you will be back again soon.
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway team.
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
スイマー2014
Tokyo, Japan53 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
In late February 2024, my family of three took the Puffing Billy steam locomotive round trip from Belgrave to Menzies Creek. The fun of traveling is not going according to plan.
First problem: According to the local train timetable before leaving Japan, the metro departed from Melbourne Central Station at 11:14 and arrived at the final stop, Belgrave Station, at 12:26 without any transfers. However, when I checked the timetable again the day before, I found that there was a bus transfer between Ringwood and Baywater on the way, so I ended up taking the metro that departed from Central at 9:56 and arrived at Belgrave at 11:31. Thanks to this, I arrived at Belgrave early, so I had lunch and seafood soba at The Blacksmith Belgrave restaurant near the station. The soup stock was Japanese and delicious. I checked the way to the Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave Station at the restaurant and arrived in just a few minutes on foot.
Second problem: I had booked a round trip ticket departing Belgrave at 14:15 and arriving at Lakeside at 15:15, which took one hour each way, but due to heavy rain, the itinerary was changed to a round trip from Belgrave to Menzies Creek, which took about 25 minutes each way. I was disappointed because I didn't notice it even though I had received an email a few days before. At Menzies Creek, there was a 45-minute break before the return trip, so I visited the railway museum. Various historic locomotives were on display. The return trip departed at 15:25 and arrived at Belgrave at 15:55. On the way back, I arrived at Flinders Street Station by metro at 18:00. Despite the various itinerary changes, I was able to finish my day of Puffing Billy Railway sightseeing without any problems.
Impressions:
1. There were many Chinese tour groups on this Puffing Billy Railway, followed by Korean tour groups.
2. There were an overwhelming number of tourists sticking their feet out of the windows of the steam locomotive-pulled train.
3. The round trip metro from central Melbourne to Belgrave is cheap at about AU$10 a day using an Opal card, and if you go on your own, even including the cost of a Puffing Billy ticket, it costs less than half the price of a bus tour.
First problem: According to the local train timetable before leaving Japan, the metro departed from Melbourne Central Station at 11:14 and arrived at the final stop, Belgrave Station, at 12:26 without any transfers. However, when I checked the timetable again the day before, I found that there was a bus transfer between Ringwood and Baywater on the way, so I ended up taking the metro that departed from Central at 9:56 and arrived at Belgrave at 11:31. Thanks to this, I arrived at Belgrave early, so I had lunch and seafood soba at The Blacksmith Belgrave restaurant near the station. The soup stock was Japanese and delicious. I checked the way to the Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave Station at the restaurant and arrived in just a few minutes on foot.
Second problem: I had booked a round trip ticket departing Belgrave at 14:15 and arriving at Lakeside at 15:15, which took one hour each way, but due to heavy rain, the itinerary was changed to a round trip from Belgrave to Menzies Creek, which took about 25 minutes each way. I was disappointed because I didn't notice it even though I had received an email a few days before. At Menzies Creek, there was a 45-minute break before the return trip, so I visited the railway museum. Various historic locomotives were on display. The return trip departed at 15:25 and arrived at Belgrave at 15:55. On the way back, I arrived at Flinders Street Station by metro at 18:00. Despite the various itinerary changes, I was able to finish my day of Puffing Billy Railway sightseeing without any problems.
Impressions:
1. There were many Chinese tour groups on this Puffing Billy Railway, followed by Korean tour groups.
2. There were an overwhelming number of tourists sticking their feet out of the windows of the steam locomotive-pulled train.
3. The round trip metro from central Melbourne to Belgrave is cheap at about AU$10 a day using an Opal card, and if you go on your own, even including the cost of a Puffing Billy ticket, it costs less than half the price of a bus tour.
Written 4 March 2024
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.
Carol D
Washington, UK237 contributions
Jan 2020
On a trip from the UK to Melbourne and Brisbane I joined my Aussie family on a ride on Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Gembrook. We all enjoyed it very much. We had something to eat in Gembrook then, on the return journey, stopped off at Lakeside and went on the lake pedalos (Phew, hard work!) It was exciting to travel ove r the trestle bridge (it didn't look strong enough to hold us). The views from the train were lovely.
Written 6 June 2020
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.
Hello Carol. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear you have visited us all the way from the UK and had a great time! Our Belgrave to Gembrook journey is a gorgeous one. Rest assured, our Trestle Bridges are always well maintained and looked after. We're glad to hear you stopped to have a bite at one of Gembrook's local eateries! Thank you so much for visiting us. We hope to see you again in the near future!
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway Team.
Written 9 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gordon R
Bathgate, UK910 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We did the morning trip from Belgrave to Menzies Creek Museum with tea included.
The steam train experience was absolutely fantastic with great scenery.
We had a 45 minute stop a Menzies Creek for coffee and scone with jam and cream and spent time in the stunning museum.
This fabulous trip was excellent value and I would highly recommend.
The other trips on offer looked excellent and they seem to offer something to suit everyone.
All the volunteers where absolutely fantastic making this a very memorable morning trip.
The steam train experience was absolutely fantastic with great scenery.
We had a 45 minute stop a Menzies Creek for coffee and scone with jam and cream and spent time in the stunning museum.
This fabulous trip was excellent value and I would highly recommend.
The other trips on offer looked excellent and they seem to offer something to suit everyone.
All the volunteers where absolutely fantastic making this a very memorable morning trip.
Written 13 March 2020
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.
Hi there. Thank you so very much for the very generous review. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed our newest experience at Menzies Creek. The Museum is an absolute wonderland of historic railway artifacts and we are just so pleased to hear you enjoyed your time there! As the shortest trip of the journeys available, we are sure this one will be enjoyed by many! Glad to see you also met and heard from some of our committed volunteers, without which Puffing Billy Railway would not exist without! Thank you for choosing to visit us! Please do come back again to try one of our other trips! We look forward to having you then.
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway Team
Written 20 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
May 2021
Kids love Puffing Billy. It's a steam train with real steam, that runs on coal. Puffing Billy runs through the rugged Dandenongs on a narrow gauge line, that weaves its way through the mountains. Passengers get a good view through the open windows. Puffing Billy runs from the Belgrave Station, on the Melbourne Metro network. By thw way, in the colder months Puffin Bill runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On-line bookings only, no walk-up.
Written 16 May 2021
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.
Robert R
Fairfax, VA851 contributions
Feb 2020
This was my second ride on the railroad (did it first in 2013). What I liked most was that the people working at the railroad were volunteers and it was obvious that they wanted to be there. I would probably be one of them if I lived in Australia. The ride is short but enjoyable especially to us steam train aficionados.
Written 21 March 2020
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.
Hello Robert. Thank you kindly for sharing your positive experience with us. We are pleased to see you had such a great time, and that you have returned for a second visit! Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this organisation, and without them, we could not continue to do what we do each and every day of the year (except Christmas day!). Thank you for choosing to come back again. We hope the visit won't be so far in between with your next one!
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway Team
Written 30 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
deepikarocks22
98 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
A special mention to the customer service..
We missed our train, which we had booked online..
When asked can we board the next available, the station master was so kind & spoke so nicely & allowed us to take the next train with out any much Hussle..
Coming to the train experience, it's s steam engine ride through scenic site, nature lover would love it..
Overall wonderful experience..
It's a nice to see onlookers wave with a smile to everyone..
If one as time, can spend whole day visiting local place..
They also do have souvenir shop to check out for some interesting stuff..
We missed our train, which we had booked online..
When asked can we board the next available, the station master was so kind & spoke so nicely & allowed us to take the next train with out any much Hussle..
Coming to the train experience, it's s steam engine ride through scenic site, nature lover would love it..
Overall wonderful experience..
It's a nice to see onlookers wave with a smile to everyone..
If one as time, can spend whole day visiting local place..
They also do have souvenir shop to check out for some interesting stuff..
Written 31 January 2020
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.
Hi there. Thank you for the lovely feedback. We are thrilled to hear you had such a great time, especially with our friendly volunteer Station Master who helped out with your missed train! We have plenty of wonderful Station Masters that are always happy to help. Thank you for visiting and spending the day with us! The scenery is picturesque and our local community are fantastic, so we hope to see you here again soon!
Kind regards,
The Puffing Billy Railway Team
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have been checking PUffing Billy Railway availability for November. We will be there from Nov 8 to 15th. I see tour from Melbourne but we stay in Philip Island, I would like to purchase ticket for train ride only. How can I purchase tickets?
Written 23 October 2024
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
Written 15 January 2022
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?
Written 2 March 2020
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
Written 20 March 2020
I heard the train “requires some agility to board”. What does this mean? Is the step high?
Written 14 January 2020
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.
Written 15 January 2020
Should i do Puffing billy from Belgrave to Emerald or do full thing to Geembrook
Written 26 October 2019
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.
Written 28 October 2019
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?
Written 20 September 2019
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.
Written 28 October 2019
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?
Written 5 September 2019
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.
Written 28 October 2019
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
Written 2 July 2019
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,
Written 3 July 2019
any promotion for Myki travel pack or other promotion, when booking it online for Puffing Billy Railway? If so, how do use it?
Written 24 June 2019
I booked on the phone no problem - they were great
Written 25 June 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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