Come and experience a journey of endless discovery at Puffing Billy Railway!
Education Programs at Puffing Billy Railway incorporate multiple learning activities with a focus on an exploration of history through storytelling, a journey into nature, endless discovery, emotional and cultural connection, adventure and fun.
Whether your class is onsite or online, engage in a curriculum-aligned program with our Educators and Puffing Billy Railway Volunteers today!
Our excursion programs offer:
- An adventure through the magnificent forests of the Dandenong Ranges onboard Puffing Billy Railway.
- An exploration of the Lakeside Visitor Centre.
- A range of guided programs to suit all abilities and age groups.
- Pre and post resources for teachers and leaders.
- Enthusiastic and passionate educators.
- Programs that are linked to The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and The Victorian Curriculum.
PLEASE NOTE
No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill during a guided or self-guided excursion.
Early Years, Foundation - Year 2
ALL ABOARD! | Calling all students for a journey of endless discovery aboard Puffing Billy and connect with nature on an adventure through the magnificent forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Develop an understanding and appreciation of place and importance of community. Visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre, use your curiosity and imagination to explore technology and stories of the past and present.Â
Year 3 - Year 4
STEAM MACHINES | Join our education officers on Puffing Billy and connect with nature, on an adventure through the magnificent forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Develop an understanding of natural areas and the importance of protecting places of special significance. Disembark at Lakeside Station to explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre. Learn about design, materials and tools, to meet community needs.
Year 5 - Year 6
STEAMING STEM | Using the power of STEM-based inquiry, examine and explore the past and present design and technology systems of the railway. Students commence their journey at Belgrave Station, developing an understanding of the logistics, energy sources, skills and systems used to power the train. Students disembark at Lakeside Station to explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre. Learn about materials, tools and innovative ideas to meet community needs, for a sustainable future.
Year 7 - Year 8
INNOVATION STATION | Join our education officers on Puffing Billy to examine and explore the past and present design and technology innovations and solutions. Students learn about systems, materials, components and tools required to make an informed design solution. Students disembark at Lakeside Station to explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre and consider design options with society, ethics, economic and social sustainability factors in mind.
YEAR 5 - 8 MATHS
MATHS IN MOTION! | Join our education officers at Puffing Billy Railway and explore Maths concepts in real life situations. Learn about Measurement and Geometry by developing solutions for the water tanks at the railway, which are a vital part of the locomotives. Develop an understanding of Algebra through patterns and games. Explore Statistics and Probability by creating your own survey questions and collecting your own data at the Lakeside Visitor Centre. Develop an understanding about the importance of Time at the Railway.
YEAR 9 - YEAR 10
PUFFING BILLY PATHWAYS | Through the lens of both staff and volunteers, students evaluate the job roles on offer at the railway and the effectiveness of various departments to enhance visitor experience at Puffing Billy. They investigate the growth of tourism at Puffing Billy and examine management and techniques being used to ensure Puffing Billy is environmentally, socially, culturally, and economically sustainable with many jobs for young people in the future.Â
VCE - YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT THE RAILWAY | Through the lens of ethical tourism, students evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken at Puffing Billy Railway to enhance the positive and/or minimise the negative impact of the Railway on the surrounding environment. They investigate the growth of tourism at Puffing Billy and examine management and techniques being used to ensure Puffing Billy is environmentally, socially, culturally, and economically sustainable.
VCE - YEAR 11 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
STEAMING SYSTEMS | Join our engineers on a guided tour of Puffing Billy Railway’s locomotive workshops. Students will learn about the concepts, principles and components of the mechanical systems that have allowed the railway to operate for over a century. Students will learn how to document and diagrammatically showcase engineering principles. They will observe engineers working safely with materials, tools, equipment, components and machines in an active workshop.
Is your year level not listed? Contact us at info@pbr.org.au to enquire about what programs available for other year levels.
Enquiries
Enquire about our guided excursions via our online form.
Please contact the Education team for any further questions by emailing info@pbr.org.au or calling 03 9757 0700.
Program details and information
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DURATION
Half Day (approx. 10.30 am - 2.30 pm)
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AVAILABILITY
Monday - Friday during the Victorian School Terms
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LOCATION
OPTION 1 | RETURN JOURNEY
Meet the Education Officer at Belgrave Station at 10:15am for an 11:15am departure (approx. 1-hour journey). Disembark at Lakeside Station at 12.15pm. Enjoy lunch, the Lakeside Visitor Centre, an Educator led workshop and the natural surrounds. Board Puffing Billy at 2pm and return to Belgrave Station at approx. 3pm.ÂOPTION 2 | SINGLE JOURNEY
Meet the Education Officer at Belgrave Station at 10:15am for an 11:15am departure (approx. 1-hour journey). Disembark at Lakeside Station at 12.15pm. Enjoy lunch, the Lakeside Visitor Centre, an Educator led workshop and the natural surrounds. Depart on your school bus from Lakeside at 2pm. Other options can be scheduled according to Puffing Billy Railway timetable.
Excursion Rates & Ratios
Please see below for all of the Puffing Billy Railway Guided Education rates. We are committed to offering programs that cater for all abilities.
If your group has specific requirements, please let us know by contacting or team. Our programs can be adapted to suit a variety of needs.
Teacher and Student Resources
Puffing Billy offers a range of curriculum-linked resources, based around the topics of Energy / Force / Motion, Past and Present, Design and Technology and Biodiversity.
Plan your visit
Find information that will help you plan your excursion at Puffing Billy Railway and provide guidance to make the process as easy as possible. Please contact the Education team for any further questions by completing our Enquiry Form or calling 03 9757 0700.
Self-Guided Excursions
Take advantage of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges and journey aboard Puffing Billy at your own pace. Puffing Billy is an endless learning opportunity for students.
Puffing Billy Virtual Excursions!
Join a Puffing Billy Railway Education Officer live in an interactive online learning experience. Students connect with nature on an adventure through the magnificent forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Learning about the importance of community and environment, students will hear stories of the past and present and begin to treasure the characters of the railway.
Each program includes a 1-hour online workshop with a qualified Education Officer, a workbook to support student learning and pre and post visit learning resources for use in the classroom. While not a journey on Puffing Billy, students will have direct access to their own Railway expert and view unique videos and content.
