We know this is a challenging time for all as we continue to receive updates and follow the Australian Government’s advice surrounding this global health emergency.

Like many other organisations, the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, volunteers, staff and the community is our top priority.

At present, Puffing Billy Railway remains open and operational daily (except Christmas Day) from 9.00am – 5.00pm, under the guidance of precautionary measures provided by the Victorian and Australian Government’s Health departments.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • The practice of safe social distancing amongst passengers, volunteers and staff
  • The cancellation of non-essential organised mass gatherings of more than 500 people
  • The practice of good, thorough hand and respiratory hygiene amongst passengers, volunteers and staff, which involves:
    • Regular hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating
    • Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow, before disposing of the tissue into a bin and washing your hands afterwards.
  • Increased cleaning and hygiene protocols throughout the Railway, which includes all carriages, facilities and public spaces.

With our historic steam trains carrying less than 400 people per journey and each carriage seating less than 30, with measures in place at this time to hold only 20 passengers per carriage, we are committed to the prevention of further spread. Being open air carriages in the majority, with plenty of air and space in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, the risk of exposure remains low.

The mild Autumn temperatures makes it an ideal time for an outdoor Aussie adventure, where you can safely enjoy the fresh air with minimal crowds, alleviating any anxiety you may be feeling, and take advantage of our special Easter deals and incentives.

However, we politely ask that you do not visit us if you are feeling unwell or displaying any flu-like symptoms, fever or shortness of breath and instead seek medical attention immediately. Similarly, no person should visit the Railway if you have been overseas in the previous 14 days or been in recent contact with any high-risk persons.

After 119 years of being here, rest assured Puffing Billy Railway will still be here when you return.

As the situation develops, we are monitoring and assessing all our activities daily and will keep you informed of any changes that have occurred at Puffing Billy Railway.

If at any stage we believe there is an unacceptable risk, we will cease operations. Until then we will tailor the number and frequency of trains to meet the demands of our patrons whilst maintaining our highest standard of safe operation.

We urge you to please take care during this time and continue to follow the latest health advice given by the Australian Government Department of Health.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. We look forward to a time when it is safe to welcome visitors from all parts of the world back to Australia’s favourite steam train.

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