Puffing Billy

Well-preserved and existing for about a century now, the popular Puffing Billy steam train in Melbourne, Australia is something that would surely delight and enable locals and foreigners to experience nostalgia and to feel what it was like to commute in the old days. With almost every part of the ride retaining its authenticity, Puffing Billy not only provides a different time and train travel experience to its passengers but also offers other exciting treats that are unique from its historical significance.

Preservation

The train, along with its steam railway, has been maintained and operated by Emerald Tourist Railway Board (ETRB) since the Victorian Railways' (VR) management turnover in 1977; but even before ETRB was set up, the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, a group founded in 1955 composing of volunteers, has already been assisting the VR in the management of Puffing Billy. With the collaboration of the board and the society, the train is now considered as one of the historical treasures in the country.

Because the train is in the vicinity of other popular tourist attractions in Melbourne, Puffing Billy is always checked on and maintained to occupy people that also would want to visit other places. For instance, through Puffing Billy, tourists can head on to the Dandenong Ranges National Park to hike, picnic, or just stroll while appreciating the place's flora and fauna features.

Trips

Situated in Dandenong Ranges, the Puffing Billy steam train is the oldest and still functional of its kind in Australia. With regular trips everyday except on Christmas day, Puffing Billy gives its passengers incredible scenery by passing through the forests and along the mountains. The steam train chugs from Belgrave, stops at its intermediate terminal at Emerald Lake Park, heads to its last destination at Gembrook, then returns to Belgrave. Indeed, by offering picturesque views and a glimpse of the relaxing atmosphere in Dandenong Ranges, the steam train has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country.

To get a ride, Puffing Billy has tickets that can be purchased from any of its stations at the day of the trip. However, tickets for the round-trip may not be available regularly. Nevertheless, during regular days, the steam train starts its operation as early as 9:00 a.m.

Dining

As other people may claim, there is no better thing to do on a steam train than to eat and mingle with fellow travelers. This is true with Puffing Billy. Even with its enclosed and aged carriage-styled compartments, Puffing Billy allows its passengers to feel the train's classic ambiance when dining for lunch or dinner. Although having smaller train spaces compared to those of trains of today, Puffing Billy is not to be left behind with its great menu and excellent services. What's more, Puffing Billy sets a conducive and interactive atmosphere by providing entertainment in the area when dining.

Because the train features a different kind of dining and riding experience, Puffing Billy has become a unique choice for parties, private functions, wedding receptions and business dinners. For inquiries, bookings, or reservations, Puffing Billy can be reached through its website or by telephone; payments can be made with the use of credit cards.