Escape to the country and enjoy new experiences at Puffing Billy Railway
After being closed for 250 days—the longest amount of time since c. 1958 when services stopped for the conversion of broad-gauge electric for the Upper Ferntree Gully to Belgrave section, and c. 1962 when the Railway reopened to Menzies Creek—the renowned Puffing Billy Railway welcomed passengers back to the lush Dandenong Ranges on November 28, 2020.
Only 40 kilometres or one-hour east of Melbourne, the excitement begins from the moment you arrive at the station with the sight of the historic locomotives, the smell of the steam and the sound of the train’s whistle.
Excursion trains depart from the historic Belgrave Station to Menzies Creek Station, Lakeside Station or Gembrook Station on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as daily during school holiday breaks, with visitors now able to make the most of their trip on board Australia’s premier preserved steam railway with a range of new experiences to enjoy.
Private Carriages
Offering a unique outdoor experience full of adventure, enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own exclusive carriage with family or friends.
Whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones on a multigenerational outing, catching up with friends, a surprise marriage proposal, birthday party or engagement celebrations, our exclusive carriage hire offers you and up to nine guests the opportunity to sit back and relax in our generously spaced open-side carriages.
Train & lunch at the Nobelius Packing Shed
Enjoy a dining experience that mixes local fresh food with the striking beauty of the Dandenong Ranges at one of Puffing Billy’s finest hidden gems—the historic Nobelius Packing Shed.
Sit back, relax, and bask in the company of loved ones with a 55-minute ride on board Australia’s oldest preserved steam railway and a delicious two-course lunch, accompanied by a selection of wines and tea and coffee, at station stop Nobelius Siding.
Following lunch, visitors can explore the Nobelius Heritage Park—a four-and-a-half-hectare heritage site that was once part of the world-famous Nobelius Nursery started in 1886 by Swedish immigrant Carl Axel Nobelius, and the largest exporter of fruit and ornamental trees in the Southern Hemisphere.
Picnic & lunch packs
Pre-purchase a picnic or lunch pack to enjoy as you ride over the hills, down the valley and into the lush forest on the original mountain track or hold onto your afternoon snacks and set lunch up by Emerald Lake Park.
We have a range of delicious picnic and lunch packs available for adults, children, couples, and families. These are available for pre-order with train tickets and can be collected at Belgrave and Lakeside station.
Train, museum & morning tea
Passengers can enjoy a 30-minute journey from Belgrave, passing over the iconic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, before arriving at Menzies Creek to visit the museum and enjoy morning tea at the Little Toot Cafe.
The historic museum houses over 80 exhibits, including rare operational steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and a rail tractor, and an operational boiler house that services steam engines, fluid pumps and 500 brake horsepower generators!
Escape to the country and get into the great outdoors on board a living time machine! Online bookings are essential as passenger numbers currently remain restricted.
For FAQs or further information on our COVIDSafe Plan and how we will keep passengers safe, please head to: https://puffingbilly.com.au/covid-safe
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After being closed for 250 days the renowned Puffing Billy Railway welcomed passengers back to the lush Dandenong Ranges. Only 40 kilometres or one-hour east of Melbourne, the excitement begins from the moment you arrive at the station. 🚂 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/fi5JDeqIfg
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) January 23, 2021
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