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.

Experience the time-honoured tradition of sitting on the carriage sill – a true thrill for young and old! 

Father And Son Sitting And Looking At Views Of Forest

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!

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 and a face mask, but you can see that she has a big smile on her face.

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.

As a visitor to the park you can make use of the many walking trails, paddleboats, picnic tables and shelters and two playgrounds. A model railway is situated close by.

The Lakeside Hall Museum, located within the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre. Puffing Billy's original locomotive 3A can be seen sitting on a plinth, as can a variety of other historic assets and interpretive displays.

Nestled amongst the towering rainforests, cool fern gullies and native flowers of the Emerald Lake Park precinct, the Lakeside Visitor Centre combines its natural surroundings with the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Puffing Billy Railway to offer guests a cultural hub with world class facilities.

The Centre's family-friendly Railway Café offers a relaxed indoor and outdoor setting surrounded by green rainforest trees and lush ferns. With something for eveyone, our tasty menu offers options for both adults and kids.

As a full licensed venue, our drinks bar is also stocked with a local line-up of beer, wine and cider varieties.

Afterwards, your journey back to Belgrave finishes off a day full of shared memories.
CLASSIC BEEF BURGER - 180g of char grilled beef with cos lettuce, dill pickles, white onion and American cheese, topped with burger sauce and ketchup, served with fries.

PRE-ORDER A GRAZING BOX

Grazing boxes are available for pre-order with your tickets and can be collected at the Railway Cafe, located inside the Lakeside Visitor Centre.

Puffing Billy Grazing Box.

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.

Pre-order Classic Scones and Tea

Scones with jam and cream.

After a scenic steam train journey from Belgrave to Lakeside, sit down at the Railway Cafe and enjoy our Classic Scones and Tea! Once your tastebuds are satisfied, get busy exploring the Lakeside Hall Museum before it's time to board your train for the return trip!

CLASSIC SCONES AND TEA$12.00 per person

Please note:

  • Classic Scones and Tea is non-refundable nor transferrable.
  • Bookings for Classic Scones and Tea close at 12 pm on the day prior to travel.
  • Classic Scones and Tea  is subject to availability.
  • No alterations can be made to the Classic Scones and Tea.
  • Where selected advertised items cannot be secured or are out of stock, an item close to the original product will be provided.

Carriage Hire

Young Family Smiling On Board

Perfect for reconnecting with loved ones on a multigenerational trip, catching up with friends, a surprise marriage proposal, a birthday party, or engagement celebrations! Our exclusive carriage hire offers a unique outdoor experience full of adventure, enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own exclusive carriage with family or friends.

CARRIAGE HIRE$1,700.00

Carriage Hire cost includes:

  • Train journey for up to 28 people
  • A premium railway experience in the comfort of a private carriage

Carriage hire is available for trains from Belgrave to Lakeside return only.

Buy tickets

All visitors are required to book tickets online.

COG BIKES Australia Bike Hire

Discovering the Dandenong Ranges just got more fun on two wheels! In partnership with local family-owned and operated bike company, COG BIKES Australia, you can now hire a bike from Puffing Billy Railway's Lakeside Station bike hub!

Whether travelling by train or driving into the precinct on a lovely sunny day, choose from a range of standard trail bikes, e-bikes, balance bikes or children's pedal bikes, and explore the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail that runs alongside Puffing Billy between Emerald and Gembrook.

Accessibility

Other journeys

Lakeside to Gembrook return

OPERATES FRIDAY - SUNDAY
45 mins each way
Allow 3 hours

Explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre and Emerald Lake Park before boarding the train to Gembrook township, home to a selection of eateries and a lovely playground. 

Belgrave to Gembrook return

OPERATES FRIDAY - SUNDAY
1 hr 50 mins each way
Allow 6 hours

Travel the Puffing Billy Railway line in its entirety! At your destination, you will find Gembrook Township with a selection of eateries along with a lovely playground adjacent to the station.Â