Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
Promenade · Belgrave, Victoria
Puffing Billy Railway
A 1900 steam train that departs from Belgrave and crosses the forests of the Dandenong Ranges, with passengers sitting on the window seats with their legs out.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Puffing Billy Railway
The Puffing Billy is a narrow-gauge railway opened in 1900 to carry timber, fruit and locals through the Dandenong Ranges. The line was closed in the 1950s after a landslide and reopened by volunteers as a tourist railway. Today it is one of the best-known historic steam railways in the world.
The train departs from Belgrave station and climbs through eucalyptus and fern forest to Gembrook, passing Menzies Creek, Emerald and Lakeside. Right at the start it crosses the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, a timber trestle bridge that is the line’s most iconic image.
On the open-sided carriages, passengers can sit on the window ledges with their legs out—a tradition of the ride. There are shorter return trips to Menzies Creek or Lakeside, the full line to Gembrook, and trains with onboard dining.
The railway is largely maintained by volunteers and has a locomotive museum at Menzies Creek.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 2 to 5 hours, depending on the section chosen.
Best time
In the morning, on the earliest departures. In summer, on total fire-ban days the steam locomotive may be replaced by a diesel or the trip may be cancelled.
How to get there
By suburban train from central Melbourne to Belgrave station; the Puffing Billy station is a few minutes’ walk away.
Tip
To sit on the window ledge with your legs out, choose the open-sided carriages and arrive early at the platform. Book in advance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Puffing Billy Railway
How far does the Puffing Billy go?
From Belgrave to Gembrook, passing Menzies Creek, Emerald and Lakeside. There are shorter return trips to Menzies Creek or Lakeside.
Does the Puffing Billy run in summer?
Yes, but on total fire-ban days the steam locomotive may be replaced by a diesel or the trip may be cancelled. Check before you go.
Can you really sit with your legs out?
Yes—on the open-sided carriages, seated on the window ledge. It’s a tradition of the ride, with safety rules given by the staff.