If you’re looking for something unique to do in the big city of Melbourne, take the metro out to Belgrave to experience Puffing Billy, one of the most famous heritage railways in the world!
What is Puffing Billy?
Puffing Billy is a narrow gauge heritage railway in the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne, Australia. Simply, it’s an old-fashioned steam train!
This railway was one of five that opened in the beginning of the 20th century. Originally it ran through Upper Ferntree Gully, wound through the Dandenong Ranges, and ended in the town of Gembrook. Today, the full journey starts in Belgrave, easily accessible via public transit, and ends in Gembrook. It makes stops in Menzies Creek and Lakeside.
During its heyday, it ceased operation in 1953 when a landslide blocked operation between Selby and Menzies Creek. The train officially stopped operating in 1954. However, in 1955, the Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed and worked to save the railway with volunteers acting as conductors and ticket checkers. The society worked to repair the lines, reopening Emerald in 1965, Lakeside in 1975, and finally Gembrook in 1998.
Today the train infrastructure is fully restored and runs like it would have between 1900 and 1930. You truly get to ride on a piece of Victorian railway history!
The train is most popularly known for its open-air carriages, which allow you to sit and dangle your legs off the side. This has been a tradition since the 1920s!
When and How to Book
Due to popularity, this is an attraction you won’t want to put off until the last minute, and I recommend looking at dates for at least a month ahead of time! For reference, I booked mine in early February for early March, and only one date during my trip had availability. This can of course fluctuate with the seasons.
The train offers a few different experiences. Personally, I did the full line from Belgrave to Gembrook, which is about six hours round trip. If you don’t want this to be your entire day, there are shorter itineraries so you can still experience this incredible piece of history.
Routes include Belgrave to Lakeside, Lakeside to Gembrook, Belgrave to Gembrook, and Belgrave to Menzies Creek.
These typically include a return trip to your starting station, but you also have the option to return on your own.
Riding the Train
If you arrive at Belgrave, make sure you’re an hour early because they stop check-in 30 minutes before boarding! If taking the metro, there are signs pointing to Puffing Billy, so it’s very easy to find.
You’ll head to the ticket counter where you’ll show your reservation confirmation. In exchange, you’ll be given a physical ticket, which will be checked before boarding the train and punched.
You’ll board the car listed on your ticket when directed and await departure. The people working are great about taking a photo for you! Even during the stops, multiple times people would offer but are often happy to if you just ask.
This is when, if you’re physically capable, you can dangle your legs on the side of the train! This makes the experience so much more fun! I will admit my thighs at some points got uncomfortable, but I would just get up to stretch between stops. Your girl here has some big thighs, and they can only cushion so much….
As this is a steam train, you’re likely to be hit with soot, especially if you’re hanging out of the train. I would highly recommend wearing sunglasses to help keep it out of your eyes. You can also wear a hat to prevent it from getting into your hair if you’d like. Soot is just part of the experience, so be prepared to shower when you get home or back to your accommodation.
Stops at Menzies Creek and Lakeside are made. At Lakeside there’s a bit of a switch for those ending their journey there and new riders continuing on to Gembrook. You’ll stay in your same car if you’re continuing on!
End of the Line
Once you get to Gembrook, you’ll have about an hour to walk around, grab something to eat, etc. before getting back on the train.
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, I highly recommend Gembrook Bakery! Their pie of the month was Moroccan Camel—yes, CAMEL. Fun fact: Did you know Australia actually has one of the world’s largest wild camel populations? Right? Insane. Regardless, the pie slapped. Try one of their pies!
You’ll get back on the train and start your journey back to your starting station!
After the Ride
If you return to Belgrave, you’ll have the opportunity to look through the gift shop again. Otherwise, that’s it! Get any final pictures you might want with the train, as it will hang out in the station for a bit. The conductor I had was also super cool with you taking pictures with him.
After this, I was completely beat and covered in soot, but the joy this experience brought me was immense. Should probably also note that I did this all by myself, so solo travelers have no fear!
If you’re going to Melbourne, 10/10 you have to ride Puffing Billy!
