Puffing Billy Railway

The basics

It’s possible to ride the Puffing Billy steam train in either direction, but most passengers start at Belgrave Station. From there, it’s 15 miles (25 kilometers) or almost 2 hours one-way to Gembrook Station, with passage over the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge and stops at Menzies Creek, Emerald, Lakeside, and Cockatoo. Tours from Melbourne often combine a ride on the historic railway with other regional highlights, such as the Healesville Sanctuary, wine tasting at Yarra Valley wineries, a Melbourne city tour, or a visit to Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets sell out, especially during the summer holidays, so be sure to book in advance.
• All stations have parking, restrooms, and a café or snack bar.
• Luggage space is limited, so bring a small day bag and opt for a fold-up stroller.
• Steam locomotives are sometimes replaced with diesel locomotives during Total Fire Ban (when dry weather increases the risk of forest fires).
• Wheelchair access is available at all stations, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.

How to get there

The Puffing Billy Railway runs from Belgrave to Gembrook through the foothills of the Blue Dandenong Ranges in the Yarra Valley. The starting point of the railway is at Belgrave Station, 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Melbourne. Trains run to Belgrave from Flinders Street Station in the city—just follow the blue line from Belgrave Station that leads to Puffing Billy Station, a short walk away. If you’re driving, it's around 1 hour from downtown Melbourne.

When to get there

The Puffing Billy Railway runs around 4 times daily, with both morning and afternoon departures from Belgrave. Trains run year round, but they get crowded in summer, so it’s best to book ahead.

Special events aboard the Puffing Billy

To add to the experience, you can book tickets for the special Steam & Cuisine package, in which you dine aboard the century-old steam train, or enjoy a themed jazz or "murder mystery" train ride by night. Those with kids in tow can treat the little ones to a Day Out with Thomas, when Puffing Billy is transformed into Thomas the Tank Engine, or ride on the Santa Special Christmas trains.

Ways to explore

Rides on the Puffing Billy steam train are all return trips, with most passengers starting at Belgrave station, although some weekend trains leave from Lakeside station. The most common experiences take around one hour one-way and give you 1–2 hours at your destination before returning, although the train from Belgrave to Gembrook on weekends takes almost two hours one-way. Book in advance during summer and school holidays as tickets often sell out.

Take a tour from Melbourne to conveniently combine a ride on the historic railway with other regional highlights, such as the Healesville Sanctuary, wine tasting at Yarra Valley wineries, or a visit to Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

Accessibility

All stations are wheelchair accessible. The train has accessible carriages with ramps, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Age limits

All ages are welcome; children under 4 cannot sit on the carriage sill, while children 4–13 must be supervised.

What to pack

Camera, water, a small day bag, fold-up stroller

What to wear

Clothes may get soot on them, so choose an outfit you don’t mind getting dirty.

Not allowed

Climbing the locomotive, stepping on the tracks, smoking, alcohol on trains, drones

Amenities

Restrooms, cafés at Belgrave and Lakeside

Address

The Puffing Billy Railway runs from Belgrave to Gembrook through the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne. The starting station is accessible by public transportation and car, although tours make visiting easier if you want to combine the railway with other attractions.

Driving

Belgrave is about 45 minutes from Melbourne by car, depending on your starting point. The fastest route is via the M1 and Ferntree Gully Road, but if you want to avoid tolls, take the M3 and Burwood Highway.

Public transportation

Trains run to Belgrave from Flinders Street station in Melbourne—just follow the blue line from Belgrave to Puffing Billy station, a short walk away.

Best times to visit

Trains depart between mid-morning and mid-afternoon; afternoon trains are often less busy.

Best days to visit

Trains run daily, but plan a trip between Monday and Thursday to avoid weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

Autumn and spring—March to May and September to November—provide colorful scenery and less extreme weather.

Special events

Puffing Billy holds special themed events throughout the year, so check its online calendar ahead of your visit to see what’s on.