Puffing Billy Railway is proud to work with tourism businesses in our local community.

Find out where to STAY, DO and EAT in conjunction with your visit to Puffing Billy Railway.

VIEW OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
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    PLACES TO STAY

    Alkira Eco Glamping Retreat

    At Alkira Eco Glamping Retreat, guests can unwind in a unique straw bale Yurt, luxurious canvas tent or a cozy cabin designed with sustainability in mind.

    LOCATION | Emerald

    Cloud View Garden

    Cloud View Garden offers luxury accommodation and a choice of two suites, the Cloud Retreat & Garden Retreat. 

    LOCATION | Menzies Creek

    Emerald Ridge Bed & Breakfast

    Emerald Ridge B&B is set on a 10-acre property with rural views over valleys and gardens. This is a family-friendly property with animals to pat and feed. 

    LOCATION | Emerald

    Heavenly Holidays

    Providing a selection of luxury accommodation in the Dandenong Ranges, Heavenly Holidays are dedicated to providing you with a "heavenly" experience on your next short stay in the area.

    LOCATION | Sherbrooke

    Holiday Inn Dandenong

    Situated in Dandenong CBD, the hotel is a vibrant social hub to guests and surroundings local community to work, rest, and play.

    LOCATION | Dandenong

    Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park

    Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park sets a new standard of accommodation located in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, a mere 20 minutes from Puffing Billy Railway.

    LOCATION | Scoresby

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    Glen Waverley

    Relax with stylish, convenient & affordable accommodation at ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley. The hotel offers an ideal location close to Melbourne CBD, Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley.

    LOCATION | Glen Waverley

    PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne

    The hotel is anchored by modern comforts and friendly service that will make you feel at home as soon as you enter. PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne is just a 30-minute drive from Puffing Billy. 

    LOCATION | Clayton

    Pine Hill Caravan Park

    Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is central to Victoria’s famous Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges. Choose a cabin to suit, ensuite or drive thru site for your RV’s, or large rig. Powered and unpowered sites to compliment your budget.

    LOCATION | Lilydale

    Sage Melbourne Ringwood

    Sage Melbourne Ringwood spans five floors atop the Eastland Shopping Centre and offers guests 120 modern hotel rooms, only 30 minutes from Puffing Billy. 

    LOCATION | Ringwood

    The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood

    Explore beautifully appointed rooms and apartments at the Sebel Ringwood, only 30 minutes from Puffing Billy Railway. 

    LOCATION | Ringwood

    Sun-Kissed Forest Garden

    Located just a short 10-minute drive from Lakeside Station and the Lakeside Visitor Centre, Sun-Kissed Forest Garden offers a serene escape perfect for families, couples, and groups.

    LOCATION | Emerald

    Yering Gorge Cottages

    Yering Gorge Cottages features 13 self-contained, beautifully appointed one, two and five-bedroom cottages. All cottages include separate living and bedroom areas, and guests can relax on their wide balcony watching the kangaroos graze, whilst enjoying a glass of local Yarra Valley wine.

    LOCATION | Yering (Yarra Valley)

    WHERE TO EAT

    Bam Bam Italian

    A modern locally owned Italian family-friendly bistro, Bam Bam Italian celebrates the Italian spirit of ‘family first’.

    LOCATION | Avonsleigh

    Cognoscenti Food & Wine

    A cosy neighbourhood restaurant nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, located next door to the historic Cameo Cinema and 5 minutes' walk from Puffing Billy's Belgrave station.
    LOCATION | Belgrave

    The General Food Store

    The General Food Store welcomes customers to beautiful Emerald with their famous friendly service and a delicious, dietary friendly menu.

    LOCATION | Emerald

    Incy Wincy

    Hill's favourite Incy Wincy is known for its super friendly service, fantastic dietary friendly food, and drinks.

    LOCATION | Emerald

    The Independent Gembrook

    A heritage-listed building across the road from Gembrook station is the setting for chef-patron Mauro Callegari’s modern Argentinian cuisine. 

    LOCATION | Gembrook

    Micawber Tavern

    Set on the edge of the majestic Sherbrooke Forest, the Micawber Tavern is the perfect destination for lunch and dinner throughout the year.

    LOCATION | Belgrave

    Paradise Valley Hotel

    Be seated on the enclosed bistro deck, where we boast an immaculate view of the historic steam train as it passes by.

    LOCATION | Clematis

    THINGS TO DO

    Avoca Park Equestrian

    Donkeys, horses and ponies galore.... Come and experience their magnificence at beautiful Avoca Park. 

    LOCATION | Macclesfield

    Behind The Trees

    Featuring fashion, homewares, clothes and gifting, our team curates a collection of unique Australian brands with our customers finding the perfect gift every time.

    LOCATION | Emerald

    Blue Lotus Water Garden

    The Blue Lotus Water Garden is one of Australia's premier seasonal gardens. Visitors will get to experience one of the world’s most magnificent displays of spectacular lotus flowers and many other exotic blooms. The Water Garden is open from late December to Easter.

    LOCATION | Yarra Junction

    Chelsea Australian Garden

    A previous winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London, the re-creation of the garden is now on  permanent display at the
    Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.

    LOCATION | Olinda

    COG Bikes Australia

    Hire a bike from COG Bikes Australia's bike hire hub at Puffing Billy's Lakeside Station!

    LOCATION | Lakeside station, Emerald

    Emma Jennings Gallery

    Emma Jennings Gallery is an exciting addition to beautiful Olinda Village in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.

    LOCATION | Olinda

    Global Ballooning Australia

    Experience a birds-eye view of the bustling Melbourne CBD or the picturesque Yarra Valley with a sunrise hot air balloon flight.

    LOCATION | Yarra Valley and Melbourne CBD

    Killik Handcrafted Rum & Gininfinity

    Killik Handcrafted Rum & Ginfinity are a pair of unique craft distilleries, one focused on funky HOGO rum and the other on unique craft gins.

    LOCATION | Belgrave

    Lakeside Paddleboats

    Lakeside Paddleboats are located within the picturesque Emerald Lake Park and operate on the safe waters of Emerald Lake (also known as Lake Treganowan).

    LOCATION | Emerald Lake Park

    The Orchard at Montague

    Unlike any of the apple orchards in Victoria, the Orchard at Montague provides a memorable and fun experience with family and friends just 35 kilometres from Melbourne.

    LOCATION | Narre Warren North

    Selby Community House

    Community House in Selby offering a range of community exhibitions including ArtSpace and the annual SelbyFest. 

    LOCATION | Selby

    Tall Trees Studio

    Tall Trees Studio is in the heart of Olinda Village and is both Gallery and working Studio for Goldsmith Helene Campbell.

    LOCATION | Olinda

    Treetops Adventure Belgrave

    Victoria’s first tree ropes course, Treetops Adventure Belgrave has been running for over 12 years and is located just 500 metres from our Belgrave station. 

    LOCATION | Belgrave

    Warratina Lavender Farm

    Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this family run 5-acre lavender farm, an hour’s drive from Melbourne at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

    LOCATION | Wandin North

    Where the Wilde Things Are

    Where The Wilde Things Are is a store like no other, where you will find the most beautiful & unique handmade treasures & accessories from near & far, sourced sustainably from both global and local travels.

    LOCATION | Olinda

    Our region | Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges is a life experience away, quality local food and wine, breathtaking scenery, romantic hideaways and indulgent adventures.

    Eastern Dandenong Ranges

    The Eastern Dandenong Ranges is the perfect destination to stay, explore, and to create your own story. Family fun & picnics, scenic drives, amazing local cuisine, boutique wineries, unique quaint village shops and a local market on most weekends.