Puffing Billy Railway Melbourne
Ride Australia's oldest steam train through lush rainforests, with a unique option to dangle your legs from open carriages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Puffing Billy Railway Melbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride Australia's oldest steam train through lush rainforests, with a unique option to dangle your legs from open carriages.
"A magical, nostalgic journey through breathtaking scenery that's a must-do for all ages."
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Tickets sell out months in advance. Book online ASAP!
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Layers are key! It can get cold with legs dangling.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dangle Your Legs
Open-air carriages
Experience the thrill of sitting on the carriage sill with your legs dangling out, a unique and iconic part of the ride.
Rainforest Scenery
Dandenong Ranges
Journey through lush rainforests and picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife.
Historic Steam Train
Belgrave Station
Ride Australia's oldest operating steam train, a meticulously maintained heritage icon offering a nostalgic and charming experience.
+1Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead, Way Ahead!
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Tickets sell out months in advance. Book online ASAP! +1
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Layers are key! It can get cold with legs dangling.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Sit in the last carriages for great views when the train turns.
🚌 Return Trip Options
Consider bus 695 from Emerald to Belgrave if you have one-way tickets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Tickets sell out months in advance. Book online ASAP! +1
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Layers are key! It can get cold with legs dangling.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Sit in the last carriages for great views when the train turns.
🚌 Return Trip Options
Consider bus 695 from Emerald to Belgrave if you have one-way tickets.
☕ Lakeside Stop
Allow ample time at Lakeside for the visitor centre & park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Puffing Billy Railway for its magical, nostalgic experience and the unique thrill of riding in open-air carriages with legs dangling. The scenic rainforest journey and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as positives. However, the primary drawback is the extreme difficulty in securing tickets due to high demand and early sell-outs, often requiring booking months in advance.
"My family experienced incredible emotions on this train. It was amazing! We saw lots of animals. Many people with smiles! For the kids, it was like a fairytale, very magical! The whole staff was incredibly kind! The only thing that upset me was that you need to book one to two months in advance! But it's worth it, and I would do it again! recommend it to everyone for the Puffing Billy Railway."
K K
"It's a true pleasure to share my experience with this historic railway. The scenic route through the lush forests is simply breathtaking and unforgettable. The meticulously maintained vintage train offers a charming and nostalgic experience. I highly recommend this delightful journey for families and anyone seeking a unique adventure. Overall, it's a wonderful experience that I would gladly repeat."
Mridul Patel
"Puffing Billy was such a beautiful experience! The calm, soothing ride paired with breathtaking views made it unforgettable. I truly enjoyed every moment, especially admiring the charming houses along the way. It’s definitely a must-visit attraction. Do make sure to book your tickets well in advance so you won’t miss a spot!"
Zubeidaa Noor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Puffing Billy Railway is about an hour's drive east of Melbourne. You can drive and park at Belgrave Station. Alternatively, take a train from Melbourne CBD to Belgrave Station, which is conveniently located next to the Puffing Billy departure point.
Yes, there is parking available at Belgrave Station. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can take a train from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station or Flinders Street Station to Belgrave Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour.
For a day trip, driving is often the most flexible option. Public transport is also viable, with trains to Belgrave Station being a popular choice. Tour operators also provide convenient day trip packages from Melbourne.
Puffing Billy Railway is located approximately 50-60 kilometers (30-37 miles) east of Melbourne's CBD, typically taking about an hour to reach by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your Puffing Billy tickets at least a week, and often several months, in advance, as they sell out very quickly, especially for popular dates and times. +2
The best place to buy tickets is directly from the official Puffing Billy Railway website. You can also inquire about tickets through tour companies if you prefer a package deal. +1
Yes, Puffing Billy offers various ticket options, including one-way and return journeys, with different routes like Belgrave to Lakeside or Lakeside to Gembrook. Prices vary based on the route and age.
The 'Train of Lights' is a special, highly anticipated event that sells out extremely fast, often within minutes. Tickets are released on specific dates and are best secured by being online exactly when sales open. +1
It is very unlikely to get tickets on the day, as they are usually sold out well in advance. It's best to book online ahead of time. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Belgrave to Lakeside route is often cited as the most scenic, offering beautiful rainforest views. Sitting on the carriage sill is permitted on this route.
Yes, a signature experience of Puffing Billy is sitting on the carriage sill with your legs dangling out, providing fantastic views. This is generally permitted on the Belgrave to Lakeside section.
Stop durations vary. The 11 AM train on Fridays-Sundays offers a longer stop of almost 4 hours at Lakeside, allowing time to explore the visitor centre and park. Weekday stops are typically shorter.
At Lakeside Station, you can visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre, explore Emerald Lake Park with its playgrounds and cafes, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Puffing Billy aims to be accessible. Some carriages have wheelchair access, but it's best to contact them directly to discuss specific needs and arrangements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals from the buffet car on board the train. There are also cafes and picnic spots at Lakeside Station.
Belgrave Station has a cafe and gift shop. Lakeside Station also offers a cafe and picnic areas. You can also bring your own food and drinks.
Food options typically include sandwiches, pastries, hot snacks, and beverages. Special dining experiences like the 'Steam and Dine' are also available for pre-booked meals.
The cafe at Lakeside Visitor Centre offers convenient refreshments and light meals, perfect for a break during your visit to Emerald Lake Park.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy during your journey or at the picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
For great photos, sit in the last carriages so you have the view when the train turns. Also, consider the left side of the train before Lakeside for scenic shots. +1
Yes, the open carriages are fantastic for photography, allowing you to capture the surrounding rainforest and the train itself. Just be mindful of your belongings.
Yes, Belgrave Station offers a classic steam train backdrop. Lakeside Station and the surrounding Emerald Lake Park provide beautiful natural settings for photos.
Absolutely! The scenic journey and unique experience make it ideal for video recording. Just ensure your equipment is secure.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the rainforest. Late afternoon can also offer lovely golden hour light, but check the timetable for return times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The journey through the rainforest is captivating, and the stops at places like Lakeside offer playgrounds and space to run around. 💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a special dining experience like 'Steam and Dine' for an extra touch of romance. [^R] The open carriages offer a fun and intimate way to enjoy the views together. Remember to book well in advance to secure your preferred time slot. 🚶 Solo Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Sitting in the rear carriages provides excellent vantage points for capturing the train's movement and the landscape as it turns. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic 'Legs Dangling' Experience
It's a thrilling sensation that many visitors find exhilarating and a highlight of their trip. Remember to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings while enjoying this special feature. This practice is generally permitted on the Belgrave to Lakeside section of the journey. It's a fantastic way to get unobstructed views and capture memorable photos and videos of the lush scenery.
Many travelers describe it as a 'fairytale' or 'magical' experience, especially for children. [^R]While exhilarating, it's important to be prepared. The wind can be quite strong, so wearing layers, including a jacket and perhaps a scarf, is highly recommended, especially during cooler months.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets & Timetables
The most popular route is the Belgrave to Lakeside journey, which takes about an hour each way. However, to fully enjoy the Lakeside Visitor Centre and Emerald Lake Park, it's recommended to allocate at least four hours for the entire experience.
If you find tickets are sold out, don't despair entirely. Some Redditors suggest checking for cancellations a few days before your desired date or inquiring with tour companies that might have group bookings.
Exploring the Dandenong Ranges
The train journey itself offers a fantastic way to experience the heart of this picturesque area, with stunning views of towering trees and verdant landscapes. Beyond the train ride, the Dandenong Ranges offer numerous attractions. Consider visiting the nearby villages like Sassafras or Olinda for boutique shops, art galleries, and delightful cafes.
For those interested in the history of the railway and the region, the Menzies Creek Museum, a stop on some Puffing Billy routes, offers insights into the steam train's past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit