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.

For more then 40 years, the historic Puffing Billy has been transporting thousands of tourists as we know it today through the lush forests of the Dandenong ranges. It is a railway with stunning scenery that is enjoyed by ages old and young. It is common for scores of people to safely sit and dangle their legs outside the train windows, while others choose to admire the scenery from luncheon carriages complete with 3 course meals.

The History of Puffing Billy

So how did this Puffing Billy Railway get here you might ask. It was originally opened in 1900 to transport potatoes and wood and at the same time became a popular scenic ride for locals and Melbourne people.

It closed in 1953 before being re-opened in 1962 due to public interest as a tourist route back into these fresh and scenic mountains. 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.

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.

Puffing Billy Route

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 (24kms), then returns to Belgrave. 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.

The railway is in the vicinity of other popular tourist attractions in Melbourne 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.

The route has its own Puffing Billy stations in Dandenong mountain towns and parks where it sits for a few minutes before departing on to the next destination. Some of these stops and towns are attractions in their own right and as such there is the option to get off at some of the stops and take a train back to Belgrave. One popular stop and worthwhile attraction is that of Lakeside\Emerald Lake.

Lakeside/Emerald Lake Park

Emerald Lake Park is a tranquil and enormous sprawling green park with 2 large lakes and a range of facilities and activities. The grounds encompass

• Picnic shelters – 5 for hire, each sized, located and equipped for different groups and needs
• Amphitheatres – 5 amphitheatres create ideal acoustics with scenic environments and backdrops to suit numerous occasions.
• Cafes, kiosks and tea rooms – Café for Devonshire tea, Kiosks for ice-cream and snacks or hire a tea room
• FREE Electric BBQs - are located throughout the park and around the lakes
• 2 playgrounds

http://www.emeraldlakepark.com.au

There are many activities to partake in at the park including water activities centered around the lake (swimming, boat paddling, fishing, pools) and out on the grass amongst the trees enjoying the park, strolling, running, frisbee and a big attraction that pulls the crowds is the Biggest HO Working Railway Model in the world, a must see (entrance fee).

For a detailed description of the route and stops, Click Here

Special Trains

In 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 with its great menu and excellent service. What's more, Puffing Billy has an interactive atmosphere with entertainment while 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 contact Puffing Billy [link to contact details below].

Want a full historic steam train experience? The climb aboard a special carriage for a 3 course meal or Devonshire tea

• Steam and Cuisine
• The Devonshire Journey

Dates and Timetables

During regular days, the steam train starts its operation as early as 9:00 a.m with 3 or 4 services per day.

For timetables Click Here

Ticket Prices

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.

For a full list of pricings, Click Here

Getting Here

• Train: The first main station is in Belgrave, the outer suburb of Melbourne serviced by a metropolitan train line. From here, there is clear signage and a strong blue line to take visitors on a short stroll to the Puffing Billy Station.
  See Metlink for bus information and other information regarding trains and trams http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/
• Car: The Burwood highway from Melbourne city will take visitors to Belgrave. Free Car Parking is available at Belgrave Metropolitan Train Station with a short stroll and clear signage to the Puffing Billy Railway Station

Contact Details

• Website: http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/
• Phone: (03) 9757 0700
• Email: info@pbr.org.au
  
• For full list of contact details, Click Here