Your journey starts at Belgrave station, the headquarters of the Railway. The station is only a short walk from Belgrave Township which has an abundance of shopping and dining options.
Setting out from Belgrave, Puffing Billy passes the southern reaches of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, a superb example of rainforest noted for its native 'Mountain Ash' trees, a form of eucalypt and the tallest flowering plant in the world.
Within minutes you will travel over Puffing Billy's most famous landmark - the iconic Trestle Bridge. Make sure you have your camera ready!
Your journey continues over the hill, down the valley and into the forest, with eucalyptus leaves (almost) close enough to touch!
![6A Crossing The Famous Monbulk Trestle Bridge Image By Kahla Webb 6A Crossing The Famous Monbulk Trestle Bridge Image By Kahla Webb](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/6A-crossing-the-famous-Monbulk-Trestle-Bridge_-Image-by-Kahla-Webb.jpg)
After a leisurely 1 hour journey you will arrive at Lakeside station, situated within the picturesque Emerald Lake Park. The park is home to the beautiful Lake Treganowan, Lake Nobelius, gardens, natural bushland, as well as both native and exotic plants, with many fern gullies and open eucalypt forests.
From Lakeside, the journey continues towards Gembrook through Wright Forest, before the landscape opens up to rolling hills and farmland.
Afterwards, your journey back to Belgrave finishes off a day full of shared memories.
![Head Out Of Carriage Looking Out To Gembrook Head Out Of Carriage Looking Out To Gembrook](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/head-out-of-carriage-looking-out-to-Gembrook-1.jpg)
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OPERATES FRIDAY - SUNDAY
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TIME
1 hour 50 mins each way
ALLOW 5.5 HOURS -
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING
PRE-ORDER A GRAZING BOX
Grazing boxes are available for pre-order with your tickets and can be collected at the ticket booth at the Lakeside during your 15-minute stopover at this location.
![Puffing Billy Grazing Box. Puffing Billy Grazing Box.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/PBR_PLATTER_35-1-landscape-ec8bcb7ec7a436e8a0ccb0bd582d1dee-5baifdl7j0ts.jpg)
![Puffing Billy Grazing Box and picnic blanket. Puffing Billy Grazing Box and picnic blanket.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/PBR_PLATTER_14-landscape-1fd015dca1324c8b6b1607b8d938846f-zwjh8a64ip15.jpg)
INCLUSIONS
- Chef’s selection of cheese Camembert or Brie
- Tasty Cheese
- Hommus Dip
- Shaved leg ham
- Mild Hungarian Salami
- Kalamata & Stuffed Green olives
- Semi Sun dried tomatoes.
- Box of Water Crackers
Make your picnic in the park complete with a Puffing Billy Picnic Blanket, available for prepurchase in conjunction with a Grazing Box.
Please note that the picnic blanket provided may differ from what is shown in the photo.
- Grazing Box for 2 - GLUTEN FREE | $45
- Grazing Box + Picnic Blanket - GLUTEN FREE | $80
Includes gluten free crackers. To pre-purchase, ensure you select the Gluten Free Grazing Box option at checkout!
Please note
- Grazing Boxes are non-refundable nor transferrable.
- Grazing Boxes are subject to availability.
- Bookings for Grazing Boxes close 24 hours prior to the day of travel.
- Where selected advertised items cannot be secured or are out of stock, an item close to the original product will be provided.
![PB SITTING ON SILLS ICON 01 PB SITTING ON SILLS ICON 01](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/PB-SITTING-ON-SILLS-ICON-01-150x150.jpg)
Please note
No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill from Lakeside Station to Gembrook Station at this time.
Buy tickets
All visitors are required to book tickets online.
EXPLORE GEMBROOK TOWNSHIP
Gembrook is a quaint town with ample opportunities for play, walks and exploring. View our map of Gembrook to find out where to eat, retail opportunities and local parks to relax in during your visit.
![GEMBROOK TOWN MAP V2 Website Jpeg GEMBROOK TOWN MAP V2 Website Jpeg](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/GEMBROOK-TOWN-MAP-v2-website_jpeg.jpg)
EATERIES
- THE INDEPENDENT (Argentinian)
79 Main Street, Gembrook
https://www.theindependentgembrook.com.au
- THE STATION HOUSE PIZZERIA
66 Main Street, Gembrook
http://www.thestationhouse.com.au
- MAIN STREET FISH & CHIPS
66B Main Street, Gembrook
03 5968 1889
- HAIRY DOG CAFÉ
68 Main Street, Gembrook
https://www.hairydogcafe.com.au/
- THE LOCAL GEMBROOK (Pub)
81 Main Street, Gembrook
0439 635 197
- GEMBROOK BAKERY
2/83 Main Street, Gembrook
03 5919 2333
- SPENCERS STORE
97 Main Street, Gembrook
https://www.spencersstoregembrook.com
- WINGEN IT (Charcoal Chicken)
3/83 Main Street, Gembrook
03 5968 3852
RETAIL
- PANDORA’S BOX ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES
77 Main Street, Gembrook
https://www.pandorasboxantiques.com.au
- THE MOTORIST MUSEUM
77 Main Street, Gembrook
http://www.themotorist.com.au
- TBA
77 Main Street, Gembrook
- GEMBROOK IGA
85 Main Street, Gembrook
03 5968 1878
- K A ELEMENTS (Gems & Jewellery)
70 Main Street, Gembrook
0477 117 398
- AUSTRALIA POST
72 Main Street, Gembrook
03 5968 1209
- EARTHWISE CULTURE (Indigenous Art)
87 Main Street, Gembrook (by appointment only)
0491 346 090
- GEMBROOK COMMUNITY OP SHOP
89 Main Street, Gembrook
03 5968 1689
- GEMBROOK CRAFT GROUP
3 Redwood Road, Gembrook
PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
18. J.A.C. RUSSELL PARK
4 Station Street
19. GEMBROOK LEISURE PARK
(skate park and playground)
Corner Beenak East Road and Gembrook Road
20. REDWOOD ROAD RESERVE PLAYGROUND
Redwood Road
21. GEMBROOK COUNTRY MARKET
(4th Sunday of the month)
4 Gembrook Road, Gembrook
0437 664 121
Accessibility
Reduced Mobility
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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.
![Steep, paved wig wag pathway to Belgrave Station Steep, paved Wig Wag To Belgrave Station from Metro Car Park and Belgrave Metro Train station](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Steep-Wig-Wag-to-Belgrave-station-landscape-0087893b0c7baf4492e86c62c1e1c1ad-3foy5bgthx8e.jpg)
![Pathway From Belgrave Metro Train Station To Puffing Billy Railway Pathway From Belgrave Metro Train Station To Puffing Billy Railway. The path has a bitumen surface and is quite narrow. It shows a blue line directing visitors to Puffing Billy from Metro.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Pathway-from-Belgrave-Metro-Train-Station-to-Puffing-Billy-Railway-landscape-b91ad29c7296ad04710aa336a18de4ef-6wshveq2fnrg.jpg)
![Steps From Top Lakeside Car Park Concrete Steps From Top Lakeside Car Park. The steps has handrails and there is a wooden bench at the bottom of the steps. A concrete path continues on.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Steps-from-top-Lakeside-car-park-landscape-fb14da0dd27beb1c9e7eeb32dd5bff1e-j1lm3y8hnvft.jpg)
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). If you require further assistance getting from here to the platform, please contact us on 9757 0700 or 9757 0721.
![Belgrave Wig Wag And Station Building Paved pathway to station from Accessible Car Parks. The pathway is bitumen but steep. It has white, wooden handrails. The path turns right on it's way to the Belgrave booking office. A sign directs passengers to follow the path to the right to check in.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Belgrave-Wig-Wag-and-station-building-landscape-c8f1a3047ec4dd428cc36be30d5d4431-iyj3nxmqgw8e.jpg)
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.
![Reduced mobility drop off zone at Belgrave station's Gate 4. Belgrave Station's drop off zone at Gate 4 is on one level with a bitumen surface. A steel gate is open, and a Puffing Billy building in heritage colours can be seen to one side.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/IMG_1605-landscape-0f076f975bd12b968c813980d10711a6-e91cvtsxknw8.jpg)
![Female Wheelchair user outside the Belgrave ticket office A woman in a wheelchair in front of a yellow and brown painted wooden building. An old-style clock can be seen in the background, showing the departure of the next train. The woman is holding her Puffing Billy tickets and smiling at the camera.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/IMG_2508-landscape-b32f999db8e07fb1f3ec16d55b9bd02a-mqyzbarl4d9s.jpg)
Lakeside Station & Lakeside Visitor Centre
ACCESSIBLE CAR PARKING SPACES | The Lakeside Visitor Centre has accessible car parking spots in two different locations, both located within the Emerald Lake Park Precinct, Emerald Lake Road Emerald (view map here):
- Lakeside Visitor Centre Main Car Park: Three accessible car spaces. From there, access to the station platform is via a ramp. Please note that this ramp has a moderate gradient (see photos below).
![LVC Loading Dock Entrance Road sign showing the directions to two accessible car parking areas as well as a public car park.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/LVC-Loading-Dock-Entrance-landscape-4147c4730cbf7597980cf17c28a7a591-zpdron3ie5fl.jpg)
![LVC Main Accessible Car Park Three accessible car parking spots, with a zebra crossing opposite.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/LVC-Main-Accessible-Car-Park-landscape-43aa100095664846843e08cca93a5d47-w9oegdac4uvl.png)
![Wig Wag From Lakeside Car Park To Station A paved pathway curves to the right down to main entrance of the Lakeside Visitor Centre. The modern centre can be seen on the right, with a black roof, while the heritage Lakeside station is on the left with warm yellow walls and red roofs. There are handrails along the path, which is on an incline.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Wig-Wag-from-Lakeside-Car-Park-to-station-landscape-b26d0efe515096ca779072388a16b82b-7iwra9xg2qps.jpg)
- Lakeside Visitor Centre Loading Dock: Two accessible car spaces. From there, you can access the Centre via a short wig wag pathway and step-free access to the alfresco deck entrance (see photos).
![LVC Loading Dock Accessible Car Parks Two accessible car parking spots next to a building with black cladding.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/LVC-Loading-Dock-accessible-car-parks-landscape-432a20a6068a9dca2186edb0f20f22d4-25eq7jdlvrg4.jpg)
![LVC Pathway from loading dock to alfresco entrance. Paved walkway with white picket fence to a train platform.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/IMG_1657-landscape-8a8df59839e13298f7e985ff97104db5-ab07kvdcpwfh.jpg)
![LVC Alfresco Ramp Ramp up to an alfresco deck. A train platform is located adjacent to the ramp.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Image-19-landscape-ca1d31ecee93c514207510de925ef2fb-imcw6b0krse2.jpg)
LAKESIDE VISITOR CENTRE ACCESSIBILITY | The Lakeside Visitor Centre has step-free access throughout and features one of the Dandenong Ranges' few Changing Places Adult Change Facilities.
![Lakeside Visitor Centre Corridor Next To Cafe A concrete corridor next to a cafe](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Lakeside-Visitor-Centre-corridor-next-to-cafe-landscape-e533ab88a686671596ed4fcfadab9f10-a0r4tm9q6guf.jpg)
EMERALD LAKE PARK PRECINCT ACCESSIBILITY | Emerald Lake Park features many pathways to explore the precinct. The pathways around the lake have some paved and some gravel sections. Please note that due to the topography of the area, the pathways are steep and/or narrow in places.
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.
![](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/plugins/bb-plugin/img/pixel.png)
![Older Male Exiting The Stationary Carriage A man is disembarking the open side carriage. He is stepping down onto the platform and is holding on to the carriage doorway for balance.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Older-male-exiting-the-stationary-carriage.jpg)
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 carriage with double doors Accessible carriage with double doors. The doors are open and the carriage is located at a Puffing Billy platform.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/DSC_0244-landscape-d9088d7365347501cf471454571c010a-faobd7h12tq3.jpg)
![DSC 0249 A ramp is attached to one of Puffing Billy's accessible carriages with open doors. A Puffing Billy volunteer can be seen operating the ramp to put it in place.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/DSC_0249-landscape-4beb11ff53ca78a21ce38aec4fcd0884-qeuxwj7o90yb.jpg)
![Accessible carriage with ramp fitted Accessible carriage with ramp attached so wheelchair users can board the carriage.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/DSC_0256-landscape-d269b14c0237a401330fc14838aa97cd-lemhqtk2nax0.jpg)
![Wheelchair user Laura Pettenuzzo travelling in carriage at the trestle bridge 2 Young woman in a motorised wheelchair sits in one of Puffing Billy's accessible open side carriages. The train is travelling over a trestle bridge and green ferns can be seen outside. The young woman has warm clothes on and is wearing a face mask, and it looking out at the scenery.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/418210238_366232756169256_1586530720495837399_n-landscape-4224a6a270b785852cab029697a24b01-vmcy2sr8jxz4.jpg)
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.
Carriage Dimensions
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.
External dimensions
![Carriage Dimensions Outside Photo showing external carriage dimensions. Read below for a list of bullet points outlining the dimensions.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Carriage-Dimensions_Page_2.jpg)
List of external dimensions
- 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
Internal dimensions
![Carriage Dimensions inside Photo showing internal carriage dimensions. Read below for a list of bullet points outlining the dimensions.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Carriage-Dimensions_Page_1.jpg)
List of internal dimensions
- 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
Families with Children
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.
![PRAM IMAGE FOR WEBSITE Accessiblity Page Decorative](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/PRAM-IMAGE-FOR-WEBSITE-Accessiblity-page-300x300.png)
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.
![Family Departing Belgrave Station On Board Family Departing Belgrave Station On Board](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Family-departing-Belgrave-Station-on-board.jpg)
To help the little ones prepare for their day out at Puffing Billy Railway, a social story is available below.
Social Story
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.
Journeys starting at Belgrave
- 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)
Journeys starting at Lakeside
Sensory
Introduction
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.
![Railway Cafe Cafe inside the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre. The cafe is busy, with many people sitting down to eat at the same time.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/10-DSC_5755.jpg)
![View of Lake Treganowan View of Emerald Lake (Lake Treganowan)](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/40-DSC_5259.jpg)
Listen to Puffing Billy's Whistle
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.
Assistance Dogs
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.
Audio Guide
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.
Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
Both Belgrave and Lakeside station platforms have tactile ground surface indicators installed.
![Tactile Ground Surface Indicators At Puffing Billy's Belgrave Station Platform Tactile Ground Surface Indicators At Puffing Billy's Belgrave Station Platform](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Tactile-Ground-Surface-Indicators-at-Puffing-Billys-Belgrave-station-platform-portrait-01caabc5505acbce64de1cd4a3ade49b-cko2mbzyhjx3.jpg)
![Tactile Ground Surface Indicators At Puffing Billy's Lakeside Station Platform With Open Side Carriages Visible. Tactile Ground Surface Indicators At Puffing Billy's Lakeside Station Platform With Open Side Carriages Visible.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Tactile-Ground-Surface-Indicators-at-Puffing-Billys-Lakeside-station-platform-with-open-side-carriages-visible-portrait-0cd207c384384e022a8e2719885a9a59-d2hnws16lk4u.jpg)
![Platform Tactiles 2 Tactile ground surface indicators at the Lakeside station pedestrian crossing.](https://puffingbilly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Platform-tactiles-2-portrait-6de7d2879432c202912034a4fd53de1c-gx32djesfqv1.jpg)
Companion Card Holders
DAILY 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.
Other journeys
Belgrave to Lakeside return
1 hour each way
Allow 4 hours
Explore Lakeside Visitor Centre, Emerald Lake Park and its beautiful surrounds.
Lakeside to Gembrook return
50 mins each way
Allow 4 hours
Explore Gembrook township and its many eateries.