Puffing Billy Railway is committed to offering an enjoyable experience for everyone and has a range of accessible facilities available for our passengers.
This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our visitors.
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WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE CARRIAGES AVAILABLE
We cater for wheelchair users! Read on to find more specific information related to booking process, access, parking and boarding.
Booking tickets for an accessible carriage
We require advice of any accessibility requirements prior to travelling so we can appropriately accommodate your needs and booking. There are accessible carriages where a ramp can be used to assist passengers with access requirements (including wheelchair users). To pre-book these carriages, please contact our customer service centre via email info@pbr.org.au or phone 03 9757 0700.
If you have any questions, please contact us so we can provide more details specific to your circumstances.
Car Parking and Arrival
PATHWAYS | There are paved pathways to Belgrave and Lakeside stations and the Lakeside Visitor Centre from the car parks as well as the Metro Train Station in Belgrave. Please note that due to the topography of the area, the pathways are steep and/or narrow in places. Please find more detailed information and photos specific to each station below.
BELGRAVE STATION
- ACCESSIBLE CAR PARKING SPACES | There are two designated accessible car spaces at Gate 3 at Belgrave Station in Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave (view map here). From there, access to the station platform is via a ramp (the bottom of the "zig-zag path"). Wheelchair users should please note that this ramp is steep (refer photo below). If you require further assistance getting from here to the platform, please contact us on 9757 0700 or 9757 0721.
- DROP OFF AREA | To assist passengers with reduced mobility and to avoid our steep pathway entrance to Belgrave Station, passengers may be dropped off at Gate 4 (view map here) which is in front of our Belgrave Station building in Old Monbulk Road. The area from the station to the platform is on one level.
- There is also a paved walkway from the Belgrave Metro Train Station. Please note that this path is narrow in places.
Lakeside Station & Lakeside Visitor Centre
- ACCESSIBLE CAR PARKING SPACES | There are three accessible car spaces in the Lakeside Visitor Centre car park. From there, access to the station platform is via a ramp. Please note that this ramp is on an incline (see photo below).
- DROP OFF AREA | Wheelchair users and other visitors with access requirements are encouraged to contact the Lakeside Visitor Centre Booking Office on 03 9757 0642 between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm to arrange vehicle access to the building. A Puffing Billy Railway team member will assist with access and ensure easy entry into and exit from the centre.
- LAKESIDE VISITOR CENTRE ACCESSIBILITY | The Lakeside Visitor Centre, located within the Emerald Lake Park Precinct, Emerald Lake Road Emerald (view map here) is an accessible destination with ramp access throughout the centre and a Changing Places Adult Change Facility.
- EMERALD LAKE PARK PRECINCT ACCESSIBILITY | Emerald Lake Park features many wheelchair and pram friendly paths, as well as ramps in most locations.
Boarding and travelling onboard the train
- Our station platforms are not at the same height as our carriage doors. Please note that between the platform and the carriage there is a gap that will require passengers to step up/step down when boarding or disembarking the train.
- ACCESSIBLE CARRIAGES WITH RAMPS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS | Ramps are available for wheelchair users to board our accessible carriages. Our friendly volunteers on the day of travel will operate the wheelchair ramp. Please note that the width of the wheelchair ramp is 75cm.
Accessible Toilets
- ACCESSIBLE TOILETS | Available at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook station.
- CHANGING PLACES | A Changing Places toilet is available in the Lakeside Visitor Centre. There are no toilets on board our heritage carriages.
Our heritage open side carriages are narrow and have limited space. As a result, you may find the space restrictive, depending on your circumstances. Below, you will find a set of measurements and images that provide further information about our carriage dimensions. Kindly note that due to differences in height between platforms and carriages, some measurements may vary and the below is to be seen as a guide only.
Dimensions - outside carriage
- Height of carriage door: 1,750 mm
- Width of carriage door: 600 mm
- Height from platform to step into the carriage (approximate only): 150 mm
- Space from platform to step up into carriage (approximate only): 250 mm
- Height from step to the floor in the carriage: 300 mm
Dimensions - inside carriage
- Height of carriage door: 1,750 mm
- Width of carriage door: 600 mm
- Depth of bench seat: 400 mm
- Height underneath bench seat: 500 mm
- Width from bench seat to wall: 400-450 mm
SMALL STROLLERS RECOMMENDED | Due to the narrow carriage doors, we highly recommend that you bring a small, folding-type stroller or pram for your trip onboard Puffing Billy Railway. For you to have the pram with you in your carriage, it must fit underneath the seats. Prams that don't fit underneath the seats of the carriages will be stored in a different carriage and will be available for you when the train stops at your destination.
BABY CHANGE FACILITIES | Baby change facilities are available at all stations.
BOTTLE WARMING | A microwave is available in the baby change room at Belgrave station and in the Lakeside Visitor Centre. Alternatively, please approach the staff at our refreshment rooms or the Railway Café, and they will be able to assist.
HIGHCHAIRS | Highchairs are available in Lakeside Visitor Centre's family friendly Railway Café, along with a kids menu for the little ones to enjoy. Find out more about dining at the Lakeside Visitor Centre here.
To help the little ones prepare for their day out at Puffing Billy Railway, a social story is available below.
Use this social story to plan a visit to Puffing Billy Railway with children. Read it online or download the PDF document to print.
We have developed social stories for journeys departing from Belgrave station as well as journeys departing from Lakeside station, as the arrival between these two stations differ. Below, you will find both these social stories.
View the Puffing Billy Social Story for journeys departing BELGRAVE here (HTML version)
Download the Puffing Billy Social Story for journeys departing BELGRAVE (PDF 2.1 mb)
View the Puffing Billy Social Story for journeys departing LAKESIDE here (HTML version)
Download the Puffing Billy Social Story for journeys departing LAKESIDE (PDF 2.5 mb)
At Puffing Billy Railway, some areas are busy with a mix of multimedia, loud noises, low light, indoor exhibits, loud trains and/or strong smells. However, there are also quiet, light areas that are further from the train and with fewer people.
Ever wondered what Puffing Billy's train whistle and engine sound like? Have a listen here!
SENSORY MAP
We have a Sensory Map available for the Lakeside station and Lakeside Visitor Centre precinct.
Puffing Billy Railway welcomes visitors who use assistance dogs certified by a registered authority.
Assistance dogs must be restrained by a harness or leash at all times.
Please note: Assistance dogs are the only dogs allowed aboard Puffing Billy Railway, except onboard the Dog Express event.
BOOKING TICKETS | When booking online, please advise us in the "Notes" section of the booking that you will have an assistance dog accompanying you on the day. If you have any questions, please contact our friendly Customer Service Centre team on info@pbr.org.au or (03) 9757 0700 during their opening hours: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday and 8.30 am - 12.30 pm Saturday - Sunday.
A Puffing Billy Railway audio guide is available.
The player includes transcripts and is compatible with screen readers.
Puffing Billy Railway’s Story and History
Australia’s favourite historic steam train, Puffing Billy, is found in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges just one hour east of Melbourne.
Built-in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived in the hills, the famous Puffing Billy Railway provided transportation for a wide variety of cargo ranging from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants. It’s an iconic survivor of a turn-of-the-century initiative that included the development of four low-cost, narrow-gauge lines constructed in Victoria to open up remote areas, providing a lifeline to people living in the hills. Along with its passengers, Puffing Billy Railway would depart Melbourne laden with all manner of parcels, goods and supplies, and return from the hills with timber and farm produce.
But the line’s journey through time was not without its challenges. In 1953, a major landslide closed the tracks, and continued economic losses resulted in the closure of the line in 1954. Thanks to the strong public interest and the determined efforts of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, the line was eventually cleared and reopened for train travel to Menzies Creek in 1962, Emerald in 1965, Lakeside in 1975 and Gembrook in 1998.
From its earliest days, the scenic track to Gembrook attracted tourists and day trippers seeking to escape the city and take a leisurely ride through the picturesque countryside. Today, Puffing Billy Railway continues to invite visitors to experience this century-old tradition every day of the year, except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 300 dedicated volunteers.
Embark on a journey back in time and indulge your nostalgia for yesteryear by taking a trip aboard this living piece of history!
Introduction to the Steam Train Experience
Feel the magic of steam train travel from the moment you arrive, as you become captivated by the aromatic mist of steam swirling around the locomotive’s chimney and are greeted by the evocative sound of the train’s whistle.
Climb aboard the open-side carriages for a peaceful journey through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. Relax and inhale the fresh air of the surrounding temperate rainforest, brushing past lush fern gullies and under towering mountain ash trees.
Be lulled by the gentle rhythm of the engine as it meanders over the hills. Feel the rumbles and bumps of the track below and be invigorated by the wind rushing across your face as the train rumbles over trestle bridges, down the valley and into the fresh crisp forest on the original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook.
Enhance the Steam Train Experience
Puffing Billy Railway proudly hosts a diverse lineup of exciting events that guarantee unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. From enchanting seasonal celebrations such as the captivating Train of Lights and the intrigue of Murder Mystery dinners to family-friendly fun like Day Out with Thomas™ or the adrenaline of the Puffing Billy Running Festival, each event invites guests into the rich heritage of steam train travel and the scenic wonders of the Dandenong Ranges.
Getting to Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy Railway is located in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, only 40 kilometres (or one hour drive) east of Melbourne. Puffing Billy Railway’s Belgrave Station is accessible via public transport, either via the Belgrave Metro Train line from Melbourne CBD, or bus from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. To find your way from the Metro Train Station in Belgrave to Puffing Billy Railway's Belgrave station, follow the blue line painted on the platform for a short 2-minute walk along an accessible pathway to Puffing Billy Railway. If you require verbal directions, please ask the station attendant. For public transport journey planning information please visit the Public Transport Victoria website at ptv.vic.gov.au/journey.
If driving to Puffing Billy Railway, there is parking available near both Belgrave and Lakeside stations, including accessible car parking spots. In Belgrave, there are two accessible car parks adjacent to the station. The nearby Metro Multilevel car park has 640 car spots and 16 accessible car spots. Lakeside has two main parking areas, including the Lakeside Visitor Centre Car Park with 3 accessible car spots.
If you are travelling on an experience departing from Lakeside Station, please note that public transport, taxi and Uber services are limited in the area, so self-drive is the main option.
Guests are required to check-in at the ticket window 60 minutes prior to the departure of their train, with check-in closing 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
Puffing Billy Railway is committed to offering an enjoyable experience for everyone and has a range of accessible facilities available to help ensure a comfortable, safe and enjoyable journey.
Puffing Billy Railway is an affiliate of the national Companion Card Program, offering free or reduced cost travel to carers assisting registered Companion Card holders with disability. To make a booking using a Companion Card, or for any other accessibility enquiries, please contact the friendly Customer Service Centre team on info@pbr.org.au or (03) 9757 0700 during their opening hours: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 12.00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Puffing Billy Railway welcomes visitors who use assistance dogs certified by a registered authority. When booking online, please advise in the "Notes" section of the booking that you will have an assistance dog accompanying you. Tactile ground surface indicators are installed at both the Belgrave and Lakeside Station platforms.
Guests with mobility-related access needs must contact Puffing Billy Railway directly to ensure they can accommodate your needs and booking appropriately. Accessible carriages are available, where ramps can be used to assist passengers with access requirements (including wheelchair users), but these must be pre-booked. The ramp width is 75 centimetres. All other carriages require passengers to step up or down over a gap between the platform and the carriage when boarding or alighting the train.
Pathways to Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook stations as well as the Lakeside Visitor Centre are all wheelchair accessible. Designated accessible parking is available at both Belgrave and the Lakeside Visitor Centre. The Lakeside Visitor Centre, located within the Emerald Lake Park precinct is an accessible destination with ramp access throughout, and a Changing Places Adult Change Facility. Accessible toilets are located at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook stations.
Puffing Billy Railway is a rich, sensory experience. A sensory map for Lakeside Station and the Lakeside Visitor Centre precinct, and a social story about the Puffing Billy Railway experience are available online. For these and other detailed information about accessibility, please visit puffingbilly.com.au and navigate to the dedicated Accessibility page in the ‘Visit’ tab.
Both Belgrave and Lakeside station platforms have tactile ground surface indicators installed.
- EXCURSION TRAIN | Companions travel Free Of Charge onboard Puffing Billy Railway's daily, open side Excursion Trains and their client (who holds an Australian Government issued concession/health care card) pays a concession fare.
- EVENTS |Companions receive a 50% discount off the adult fare. Please note that there are no Concession fares available for events, so their client pays an Adult fare.
- BOOKING TICKETS | To book tickets with a Companion Card, please contact our friendly Customer Service Centre team on info@pbr.org.au or (03) 9757 0700 during their opening hours: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday and 8.30 am - 12.30 pm Saturday - Sunday. Companion card must be presented at the Booking Office on the day of travel.
CONTACT US
General Website Enquiry - with topic drop down list
Prefer to call? (03) 9757 0700
For general enquiries and bookings, contact our Belgrave office during their opening hours:
- 9.00am – 4.00pm AEST, Monday to Friday
- 9.00am – 12.00pm AEST, Saturdays and Sundays