Before you go

Your trip to Belgrave.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Belgrave – Victoria Destination Melbourne about 42 km from Melbourne

How to get there

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL) Tullamarine · 60 km
Estação Belgrave (trem suburbano) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

By train from Melbourne city centre on the Belgrave line in just over an hour; the Puffing Billy station is a few minutes’ walk from the suburban station. By car, via Burwood Highway.

How many days

One day: the Puffing Billy in the morning and a hike in the Dandenong Ranges in the afternoon. Those who want to explore mountain villages like Sassafras and Olinda can stay overnight in the area.

When to go

All year round. In autumn the leaves change colour in the village gardens; in winter it is cold and it sometimes snows at higher elevations. In summer, on total fire ban days, the Puffing Billy may switch from a steam locomotive to a diesel one or cancel services.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For the Puffing Billy, no: the suburban train reaches Belgrave. To get around between trails and mountain villages, a car is helpful; roads are narrow and winding, and in Australia you drive on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Belgrave

Morning
Puffing Billy
Catch the Puffing Billy at Belgrave and sit by the window, legs out, riding over the timber bridge and through the forest.
Afternoon
Lakeside and villages
Alight at Lakeside or continue to Gembrook and return via mountain villages such as Sassafras and Olinda.
Late afternoon
1000 Steps
Climb the 1000 Steps staircase in the fern forest at Upper Ferntree Gully if you have the stamina.
Evening
Return to Melbourne
Return to Melbourne by train from Belgrave or Upper Ferntree Gully.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Belgrave from Melbourne?

By suburban train on the Belgrave line in just over an hour from the city centre. The Puffing Billy station is a few minutes’ walk away.

What to do in Belgrave?

Ride the Puffing Billy, hike in the Dandenong Ranges (such as the 1000 Steps), and visit the mountain villages.

Do you need to book the Puffing Billy?

Recommended, especially on weekends and during holidays. Buy on the official website.

Can you do Belgrave as a day trip?

Yes, by train from Melbourne. It’s one of the easiest day trips to do without a car.

Back to Belgrave