This was such a fun and unique experience! Puffing Billy is a classic looking red and black steam train that travels through the Dandenong Ranges. The special and cool aspect about this train is that you can choose to sit along the side with your legs dangling out. This way, you have an even better view of the stunning Dandenong mountain Ranges, full of ash trees and lush green foliage. We went from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park, where there was a charming lake, little museum, cafe, and gift shop. I'm glad I had a chance to experience this! read more

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This is one of those things that I have always wanted to do since I was a kid, and did eventually manage to go for a ride of it years afterwards. The great thing about this railway is that it is quite accessible, being located right next to the Belgrave railway station. Mind you, it is a steam train, and a rather small one as well, but the route that it takes is certainly quite impressive. However, I have noticed that it is pretty expensive, so it certainly isn't something for a budget traveller. However, it you have the cash, it is definitely a fun day out for the kids. read more

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This was an awesomely unique experience! The train takes you on a gorgeous ride through the forest and they allow you to sit up on the windowsils (restrictions for small children are in place)! Riding with your legs dangling is a happy little thrill that I haven't experienced anywhere else. The views are increadible, the park where you break has a lake, picturesque scenery, a cafe, a gift shop, and lots of birds. I purchased our tickets as part of a package where we also went to Healesville Sanctuary and a chocolate factory in the Yarra Valley, so our trip was one way only. Despite what they will tell you on the platform, it did seem like one side of the train had better views. If you end up with a one-way pass, I recommend the right side of the train (if you're facing front (toward the engine)). The left side was also lovely and if you have a round trip pass, I suggest swapping sides on the way back. Note, the windowsils do get tight as the cars were crowded and the wind was chilly (we visited in late fall) - we needed to bundle up (gloves, hat, scarf, jacket). It is great for all ages and not much walking is required. read more

Great day out with family. It's very child-friendly. We went to Lakeside and everyone loved it. Highly recommended! read more

Puffing Billy Railway - Travel Services Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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One hundred years ago, experimental rail lines were set to help develop rural areas in the hills. Today, the line between Belgrave and Gembrook is still taking passengers back and forth every day on Puffing Billy, the historic steam train. Whether you're a locomotive enthusiast, or just want a refreshing day in the crisp Dandenong Ranges air, it's easy to grab a ticket and jump on board. The experience, especially for kids, is one they'll always remember. (I recall riding Puffing Billy, sitting with my legs hanging precariously out the window as a wee lad.) Although safety standards have risen since those days, and limbs must remin in the carriage, the cost is still reasonable, with adults grabbing a ticket for $23 one-way, or $40 return. It may be a little, and the way Metro fares are priced, I mean little, jump from a regular ticket, but this is on par to taking a family to the movies, plus a great way to get outdoors. He train leaves from Belgrave and heads to Emerald, then onto Gembrook. Riding to Emerald is fun enough as you can jump off at the lake and spend the arvo in the sun, taking part in the many activities on offer, before riding back. read more

Puffing Billy Railway - Travel Services Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Certainly Puffing Billy has historical roots and I definitely appreciate that, but the thing about train rides is that I have found they can be a little one-dimensional. Puffing Billy, however, is not. The ride provides a glimpse into historical Victoria but it also shows the modern day affection and dedication of the people. Combine that with one of the most affable guides I've met and the result is a fantastic way to spend part of your day. read more

Sincere disappointment that Puffing Billy have chosen to disallow people to sit on the ledge of the carriages and dangle legs out. It was an absolute highlight in an otherwise fairly ordinary journey and takes away so much from the experience. Whilst I understand there may have been an incident, I think it's important to weigh up the possible risk (very low) and incidents (rare) with what they're taking away from the overwhelming majority. Overstating the risk is a detriment to everyone's enjoyment and operating to the lowest common denominator. Total nanny state decision read more

We really enjoyed our ride on puffing Billy from Emerald to Lakeside round-trip. It is beautiful scenery, a perfect day with great weather, and great Company with Ken and Kylie. read more

Puffing Billy Railway - Travel Services Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Really enjoyable day with the family on the Puffing Billy Railway despite the holiday crowds. The folks running this operation were very kind, informative and patient. The scenery is spectacular and we spotted several types of wildlife along our ride. I recommend you book on-line to ensure you get the train departure time that you are seeking. If you want to go to its furthest point you will need to depart in the morning. read more

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a little bit of history a little bit of fun if you can handle the pollution from it's steam engine....this is the LAST train that allows its passengers to hang your head, arms, AND legs outside the rails so that's what those tourists are doing...and the locals have a tradition to wave at them at the crossroads! *note* it's long enough that if you sit at the front or back cars you can take pictures of the train passing over wide curve bridges and friends and family in the dangling out of the next car ~*~ traveling thru rolling hills by train? it's almost like stepping back in time! fun for the random experience and photo ops! read more

Slightly expensive for what it is but very much worthwhile. The kids and the parents love the trip and the Lakeside parklands are beautiful. A great bit of preserved history. It's amazing what could be done 100 years ago but not anymore. read more

Great day out for all the family. You take a ride on an rickety old steam train (albeit lovingly preserved), and you have the option of sitting on the window ledge, arms propped up on bars and your legs dangling over the side. The less adventurous can sit down inside the train, but that's completely missing the point! The landscapes are beautiful, ranging from forests to mountains to rivers, and at the end of the line you can stop for a picnic and a boat ride, and then ride all the way back again. Highly recommended. read more

A Melbourne institution, puffing billy is a wonderful day out. I've been here about five times in my life and loved it every time. Don't miss it. read more

A family fun day out is a ride on the old steam train Puffing Billy up to Emerald Lake to go swimming, have an ice cream, walk around the lake, play games or go bushwalking. The fun thing about Puffing Billy is that you can sit on the window ledge, which is all barred in, and dangle your legs out of the train while chugging along through the beautiful forest watching the landscape change. You can easily get to Puffing Billy from the city of Melbourne by taking the Belgrave line to Belgrave and walking under the bridge to Puffing Billy's station. Because the train is run by volunteers, the prices are high, although you can get many discounts for concessions, seniors, disability, family and groups. But this is an experience not to miss and one you'll never forget. read more

Loved it! My wife and two kids, ages 7 and 10, had a wonderful time. Felt a little like a time-warp ... and you can really hang your feet outside the carriages. Ten out of ten! read more

This is a lovely day out. You can take the steam train out through some beautiful countryside and watch it changing from forests to farmland. The train itself is sweet, most people climb up on to the windows and swing their legs out the sides, which makes you feel very close to the great outdoors. They do also have a 'first class' carriage too though (on some trains, at least), where you can have a little privacy and some proper seats. Take your pick. If you do the full trip, it is quite long, and when you get to the destination, there is a bit of a wait and not an enormous amount to do - but this is kinda nice too. visit the coffee shop (lovely, lovely lady), play minigolf, chill out - and then do the whole journey back again read more