They greet you every morning and wait for hours to see you again at the end of the day, but now your faithful canine companion can join in on the weekend fun with the arrival of the Puffing Billy Dog Express.

Beginning Saturday 29th of May, passengers and their four-legged family members can travel on a special monthly Lakeside to Gembrook service while in the comfort of enclosed compartment carriages.

Accommodating one dog per booking, all furry travellers will enjoy a 40-minute journey through the unspoilt Wright State Forest, over three historic timber trestle bridges – including the tallest on the entire line at 60 metres long and 15 metres high – and past Cockatoo and Fielder station as the train climbs towards Gembrook.

Journey: Lakeside – Gembrook, return.
Time: 12.15pm service departing from Lakeside
Cost: $15.00 per dog (maximum 1-2 per carriage booth)
Dates:

  • Saturday 29th May
  • Saturday 31st July
  • Saturday 28th August

Visitors can start the day at Emerald Lake Park, with plenty of walking tracks and trails for families and dogs to explore before boarding dog-friendly carriages at Lakeside Station.

Once arriving at Gembrook, passengers and dogs alike have ample time to play in the adjacent J.A.C Russell Park and wander through the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, making it an afternoon not to be missed with your family, friends, and furry pals.

“There are many people in our community who love their pets and with 40% of canines living in Australian homes, it made sense to include them in on an outdoor activity like Puffing Billy. It’s the pawfect day out with your family and furry friends,” said Peter Abbott, Puffing Billy Railway CEO.

For further information or to book, visit to https://puffingbilly.com.au/experiences/puffing-billy-dog-express/.

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