Questions

What is Puffing Billy?

Puffing Billy is a genuine relic of our more leisurely days. An historic steam train still running regularly in the mountain district it was built to serve at the turn of the century.

The Railway is the sole survivor of four experimental lines used to develop rural areas in the early 1900's. Puffing Billy is now a major tourist attraction, its operation depending on hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Puffing Billy runs every day of the year, except Christmas day, so why not take yourself and your family or friends on a sentimental journey along this 24.5 km operating museum. Enjoy the mountain scenery and panoramic views which pass by your carriage window. At Lakeside, the intermediate terminus of the railway is inside the beautiful Emerald Lake Park. You may stop over for a few pleasant hours bushwalking, swimming or just relaxing in the peaceful country setting.  The terminus of the line at Gembrook is a delightful country town with much to offer the visitor.

Where is Puffing Billy and how can I get there?

All Puffing Billy trips depart and return from Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges, only 40 km east from Melbourne, Victoria. However, a round trip may be commenced at any Puffing Billy station if the timetable permits. Individual tickets can be purchased on the day of travel at any Puffing Billy station.

A Map of the Puffing Billy route is available as is a Virtual Trip on the line.

BY CAR

Belgrave is located at the end of Burwood Highway, Melway Map 75 F10. Click here to see Map. Alternatively, take Wellington Road to Clematis, then turn left toward Menzies Creek or Right toward Emerald, Lakeside and Gembrook. Car Parking is available near these stations.

There is no parking area or road access to the Puffing Billy station at Belgrave.

Park your car at the Connex Trains Car Park and follow the signposted walkway under the main road bridge, the CFA carpark on Bayview road or park in the parking areas shown below on our map.

Additional parking is available during Victorian school holidays at Mater Christi College.

Parking at Menzies Creek:   FREE Parking available within the station grounds.

Parking at Emerald:               FREE Parking available within the station grounds. (excluding Thomas events)

Parking at Lakeside:              Located at Emerald Lake Park, via Wellington Road, Melway Map 127 K4

                                                     (Council operated Ticket machine)

Parking at Gembrook:           FREE Parking available within the station grounds.   

 

  Where To Find Us  

BY SUBURBAN TRAIN

Suburban trains run frequently from Flinders Street (City) to Belgrave in 70 minutes. The Puffing Billy station is a short walk from the suburban station (see the diagram above). Have a look at the Connex Trains website for the Belgrave line timetables or ring the Transport Information Service on 13 16 38 (in Australia) for timetable details. More public transport information is available at the Metlink Website

BY COACH DAY TOUR

Day Tours from the city, which include a trip on Puffing Billy, are operated by AAT Kings, Australian Pacific Tours,  Gray Line and  Great Sights.

General Enquiries and Bookings

For 24-hour recorded information on Timetables and Fares phone 1900 937 069 (Australia) or

+61 1900 937 069 (International). Cost for this service: 38c per minute (including GST).

For all other enquiries about regular Puffing Billy trains, special events, group bookings of 20 or more or special charter trains please contact our Belgrave office during business hours (9am- 5pm AEST) Monday to Friday.

See the Puffing Billy Country Getaways for what to do and where to stay in our area - Puffing Billy Country.

Telephone: (03) 9757-0700 Intl. +61 3 9757-0700

Fax: (03) 9757-0705 Intl. +61 3 9757-0705

• By Post

Puffing Billy Railway, PO Box 451, Belgrave 3160, Victoria, Australia

Email us here at the Belgrave office with your enquiries.

• Group Bookings

Puffing Billy is the ideal outing for your group. Discounts are available for pre-booked group travel (20 or more paying passengers on a return journey only) throughout the year, except on Sundays, Public Holidays and School Holidays.

You do not need to book if your group is under 20 however, it is a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the train departure to give you time to purchase your tickets and board the train.

Passengers with Special Needs

Our friendly staff can provide special attention to Seniors or passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend that you let us know about your requirements before you travel. (Telephone 9757-0700 during normal office hours)

For your information:

• Pathways to our stations are all wheelchair accessible.

• To assist passengers with reduced mobility and to avoid our pathway entrance, passengers may be dropped off at Gate 4  which is in front of our Belgrave station. The area from the station to the platform is on one level.

• Our station platforms are not at the same height as our carriage doors, however ramps are available to provide easy wheelchair access on many of our day trains.

• The wheelchair ramp width is 75cm.

• If you are travelling in a wheelchair, there are limited wheelchair spaces available. 

• Toilets with wheelchair access are located at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook.

• Wheelchair access on the Luncheon Special or the Dinner Special is limited. Please contact us before making a booking.

Senior Passengers and Students

Concession Fares are available for bearers of an Australian Health Care, Student, or Australian State Government issued Seniors Cards. Your Signature may be required for identification.

Refreshments

Refreshment Rooms at Belgrave, Emerald, Lakeside and Gembrook stations stock a wide range of snacks, confectionery, drinks, ice creams and Puffing Billy Souvenirs.

Prams

Due to the narrow carriage doors, only folding type pushers can be accommodated on Puffing Billy.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on any trains. (Guide Dogs excepted).

Accommodation

See the Puffing Billy Country website for more -

www.puffingbillycountrygetaways.com