Lakeside to Gembrook return

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.