Puffing Billy Train Journey

The Puffing Billy Railway is one of Australia's most iconic heritage steam train experiences, located in the Dandenong Ranges, about an hour east of Melbourne. This scenic train journey offers passengers a chance to travel through lush forests, fern gullies, and charming villages, all while riding an open-sided heritage steam locomotive.

The train is powered by authentic steam engines, offering a nostalgic experience and the distinctive sound of steam hissing as you travel through the mountains.

The railway is run primarily by passionate volunteers, adding a personal and friendly touch to the service.

Puffing Billy Stations
Puffing Billy travels from Belgrave to Gembrook, covering about 24 kilometers.

Belgrave: The starting point, with a visitors' centre and heritage museum.
Lakeside: A family-favorite destination with a park, picnic grounds, and Lake Treganowan.
Gembrook: The end of the line, a quaint village with shops, cafes, and parks.

Journey Time
The full round trip between Belgrave and Gembrook takes around 5 hours.
Some passengers opt for shorter trips, such as Belgrave to Lakeside (2-3 hours return).

Family-friendly
Kids love sitting on the open ledges and riding through the forest. It’s a great way to introduce them to heritage railways.

Open-sided carriages:
Passengers are allowed to sit on the carriage ledges and dangle their legs out (except on certain restricted sections).

Puffing Billy Timetable

From Belgrave Station

• Menzies Creek Station | 30 Minutes
• Emerald Station | 50 Minutes
• Lakeside Station | 60 Minutes
• Gembrook Station | 1 Hour 50 Minutes

Puffing Billy is very popular, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking your tickets ahead is recommended.

Getting there
By Car: Parking is available at Belgrave Station.
By Train: You can take the Metro from Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station to Belgrave, and the Puffing Billy station is just a short walk away.

Pricing
Tickets vary based on the route and experience. A standard return ticket from Belgrave to Lakeside is around AUD 50-60 for adults and AUD 30-35 for children, though prices may vary for specialty journeys.

Daily Excursion Trains
Travel through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, with lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead. Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest.

Check-in Procedure
When travelling on Puffing Billy, guests are required to check-in at the booking office 60-minutes before the departure of the train. Check-in at the booking office closes 30-minutes before the train departs.

Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge

The Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge is one of the most iconic and picturesque landmarks along the Puffing Billy Railway. It’s a beautiful reminder of Australia’s early railway engineering and a highlight of the journey through the Dandenong Ranges. Here’s everything you need to know about this historic bridge:

The bridge is located near Belgrave, about 1.5 kilometers from the Puffing Billy's starting station. It crosses over Monbulk Creek and is surrounded by lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees.

Built in 1899, the bridge is a traditional timber trestle design, constructed with sturdy wooden beams and supports.
It stands 15 meters (49 feet) high and stretches 91 meters (300 feet) across, with 12 trestles supporting the span.
It’s a classic example of the craftsmanship used in Victoria’s narrow-gauge railway infrastructure at the time.

Originally built to serve logging and farming communities, the bridge is still in use today as part of the Puffing Billy Railway, carrying passengers on this scenic heritage journey.

Sherbrooke Forest

Part of the Puffing Billy train route runs through the Sherbrooke Forest, giving passengers a unique perspective of the scenery. Sherbrooke Forest is a breathtaking section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Renowned for its towering mountain ash trees and lush undergrowth, this forest is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and bird enthusiasts. It is also a significant stop along the Puffing Billy Railway, as the train meanders through part of the forest, giving visitors a chance to admire its beauty from the rails.

Walking and Hiking Trails
Sherbrooke Forest offers several walking tracks, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Popular trails include:

Sherbrooke Falls Loop (2.4 km, 1 hour):
A leisurely walk through ferns and tall eucalypts, ending at Sherbrooke Falls, a small but picturesque waterfall. Best enjoyed after rain when water levels are higher.

Lyrebird Walk (4.8 km, 1.5–2 hours):
This trail offers a chance to spot the superb lyrebird in its natural habitat. Walkers are more likely to hear their impressive mimicry early in the morning.

Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk (7 km, 2–3 hours):
A longer loop for those wanting to immerse themselves in the forest. It offers scenic lookouts and quiet spots for birdwatching.

Picnicking at Grants Picnic Ground
Grants Picnic Ground is a popular spot with picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and restrooms. It’s also a great starting point for many of the walking trails.
Bird Feeding: Visitors can purchase birdseed (only from the official kiosk) to feed the friendly king parrots, crimson rosellas, and cockatoos that frequent the area.

Belgrave to Lakeside

Your 1 hour journey starts at Belgrave station, the headquarters of the Railway. The station is only a short walk from Belgrave Township which has an abundance of shopping and dining options.

Setting out from Belgrave, Puffing Billy passes the southern reaches of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, a superb example of rainforest noted for its native 'Mountain Ash' trees, a form of eucalypt and the tallest flowering plant in the world.

Experience the time-honoured tradition of sitting on the carriage sill.

Within minutes you will travel over Puffing Billy's most famous landmark - the iconic Trestle Bridge. 

Your journey continues over the hill, down the valley and into the forest, with eucalyptus leaves (almost) close enough to touch!

After a leisurely 1 hour journey you will arrive at Lakeside station, situated within the picturesque Emerald Lake Park. The park is home to the beautiful Lake Treganowan, Lake Nobelius, gardens, natural bushland, as well as both native and exotic plants, with many fern gullies and open eucalypt forests.

Lakeside is a popular mid-point station along the Puffing Billy Railway, offering a great place to relax, explore, and enjoy nature before continuing the return journey to Belgrave. Nestled within Emerald Lake Park, this scenic spot offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Here's what you can explore and do at Lakeside.

Explore Emerald Lake Park
Walking Trails: Stroll along the Emerald Lake Loop or Wright Forest Walk to enjoy scenic views of the lake, forest, and wildlife.
Lake Views: Relax on the grassy lawns by the lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the park, ideal for picnics and unwinding after the train ride.

Paddleboats and Rowboats
Rent paddleboats or rowboats to glide across Lake Treganowan. It's a family-friendly activity that’s especially enjoyable on sunny days.

Playground and Splash Park
There’s a playground with slides, swings, and climbing equipment to keep children entertained.
During warmer months, kids can enjoy the splash park area with fountains and water features.

The Lakeside Visitor Centre and Café
Check out the Lakeside Visitor Centre, which offers exhibits about the history of Puffing Billy and the local area.
Grab a coffee, snack, or light lunch at the Lakeside Café overlooking the lake.

Miniature Railway and Model Railway Museum
Take a ride on the Emerald Lake Model Railway, a miniature railway perfect for younger visitors.
Explore the Model Railway Museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of miniature trains and layouts.

Picnics and Barbecue Facilities
There are several picnic areas with tables and barbecue facilities for visitors who want to cook and enjoy a meal outdoors.
Alternatively, you can pack your own picnic and relax by the lake or under the shade of the trees.

Lakeside to Gembrook

From Lakeside, the 45 minute journey will take you towards Gembrook through Wright Forest, and over three historic trestle bridges before the landscape opens up to rolling hills and farmland.

Gembrook is the final destination on the Puffing Billy Railway, and it offers visitors a charming mix of history, nature, and local attractions. Located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Gembrook is known for its quaint village atmosphere, boutique shops, scenic parks, and connections to Victoria's early rail history.  

Gembrook Town Centre
Wander through the village streets and explore specialty shops selling handmade crafts, gifts, antiques, and local produce.
Enjoy coffee and homemade treats at one of the cozy cafés, such as Spencers Store or The Independent Gembrook, which offers delicious Argentinian-inspired meals.

Puffing Billy Railway Station
Rail History: Gembrook Station is a key part of Puffing Billy’s history—it was the original terminus when the railway opened in 1900. It has been carefully restored, preserving its old-world charm.

After your arrival, enjoy watching the locomotive being turned around for the return journey. It’s a great opportunity to take photos of the steam engine and vintage carriages.

Gembrook Market (Monthly Event)
Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Gembrook Market features stalls with fresh produce, local crafts, and homemade goods, making it a great stop for unique finds.

J.A.C. Russell Park
Just a short walk from the station, J.A.C. Russell Park is a beautiful open space with a playground, barbecue facilities, and picnic areas. It’s perfect for families to relax and enjoy a meal outdoors.

The park often hosts community events and is a good place for kids to burn off some energy before the return train trip.

Gembrook Leisure Walks
There are several short walking trails around Gembrook, offering opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty. You might spot wildlife such as wallabies, echidnas, or parrots along the way.

Gembrook’s History Trail
Explore Gembrook’s History Trail, which takes you through key historical sites in town. Look out for signs along the way that provide insights into the area’s heritage, including its early days as a timber town and its role in the development of the Puffing Billy Railway.

Wine Tasting and Farm Experiences
Several wineries and farms around Gembrook offer tours, tastings, and hands-on activities. For example, you can visit a berry farm in summer to pick your own fruit or stop by a local winery for a tasting of regional wines.