Hop onto one of the world's most popular heritage steam trains and venture through the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges!
| Ticket type | E-ticket (direct entry) |
| Attraction type | Natural habitats |
| Natural scenery | Forests |
| Tour types | None |
Please arrive at the designated location 45 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Travellers are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen and insect repellent are also advised
Smoking on the platform or in the carriages is prohibited
Please refer to the voucher for the updated tour information
Trains depart regardless of the weather; refunds will not be granted for no-shows
Appropriate shoes must be worn if any child between the ages of 4-13 wishes to sit with their legs over the sills
No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill after sunset
No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill during special events (i.e., Day Out with Thomas, Puffing Billy Running Festival)
Although infants may board free of charge, please still book a ticket to ensure your seats. Please note your infant's date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) in the 'Requests & Remarks' section when booking
As departure times are subject to change, please refer to the departure & return time printed on the voucher
In case of emergencies and bookings updates, please enter a reachable phone number when making a booking
Please see Puffing Billy's Terms & Conditions here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ou2r5KyogeuRXVkOwXq4MPi3gyJNjSfc/view
Trains will not be cancelled due to inclement weather
The duration of your Puffing Billy Railway journey depends on the route chosen. A popular option is the return trip from Belgrave to Lakeside, which typically takes approximately 3 hours, including time for a stop at Lakeside. Shorter journeys, such as Belgrave to Menzies Creek or Emerald, are also available and offer a condensed experience of the scenic route.
The Puffing Billy Railway holds significant historical value as one of the best-preserved narrow-gauge steam railways in the world. Originally constructed in the early 1900s to serve communities in the Dandenong Ranges, it now operates as a living museum. It offers a unique opportunity to experience a bygone era of steam travel and understand the region's transportation heritage.
The Puffing Billy Railway provides several unique experiences. Passengers can enjoy the iconic tradition of dangling their legs out of the open-sided carriages, offering an exhilarating perspective of the scenery. The journey itself is an immersive trip through the lush fern gullies and temperate rainforests of the Dandenong Ranges aboard a historic steam locomotive, providing a nostalgic adventure.
Tickets for the Puffing Billy Railway can be conveniently purchased online through various travel e-commerce platforms. Using platforms like KKday allows you to secure your tickets in advance, which is highly recommended due to the railway's popularity and ensures availability, especially during peak seasons. This also simplifies the planning process, providing instant confirmation for a hassle-free experience.
To reach the Puffing Billy Railway from Melbourne's CBD, you can take a Metro train. Board either the Lilydale or Belgrave Line and travel to Belgrave Station. Belgrave Station is the starting point for most Puffing Billy services and is a short, well-signposted walk from the Metro station platform. The train journey from Flinders Street Station typically takes around 70 to 90 minutes.
The primary and most popular boarding station for the Puffing Billy train experience is Belgrave Station. This is where the majority of services commence, allowing passengers to enjoy the full, scenic journey through the Dandenong Ranges. While other stations like Menzies Creek and Lakeside are stops along the route, Belgrave is the main departure point for visitors arriving from Melbourne.
Along the Puffing Billy Railway route, visitors can expect breathtaking natural scenery as the train winds through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges. The journey passes through dense fern gullies, towering eucalyptus forests, and lush temperate rainforests. You'll witness vibrant native flora, charming trestle bridges, and glimpses of the quaint villages nestled within the hills, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
Yes, a standard Puffing Billy Railway ticket typically includes free entry to the Menzies Creek Museum. Located near Menzies Creek Station, the museum houses a fascinating collection of historical railway artifacts, restored locomotives, and various rolling stock. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn more about the railway's rich history and engineering heritage, enhancing the overall experience.