Puffing Billy Steam Train, Australia

Discover Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges on a Historic Railway Journey

May 17, 2009

Kids of all ages will enjoy the excitement of a trip on Australia's oldest steam train, taking in spectacular rainforest views and some quaint old towns along the way.

Nothing quite beats the thrill of riding in an open train carriage, legs dangling, while the plaintive sound of the steam whistle echoes across the valley. Traveling for 24 kilometers through cool, temperate rainforest and offering glimpses of the state’s railway heritage, Puffing Billy is one of Victoria’s most loved tourist attractions.

Puffing Billy is Australia’s oldest steam locomotive and was originally used to haul timber in the Dandenong Ranges, east of Melbourne. The railway line it runs on is an example of the experimental narrow-gauge lines that were constructed at the turn of the century. Although the track was first built in 1900 to open up the remote area for settlement, it soon became a popular means for city dwellers to enjoy the tranquility of the Dandenongs during the holiday period.

However, the construction of roads in the area during the 1950s saw fewer people taking up this option, and, following a landslide in 1953, the railway line was closed. It wasn’t until nearly ten years later that the Puffing Billy Preservation Society succeeded in reopening part of the line for tourists. Restoration was completed in stages. The completion of the Emerald to Gembrook section in 1998 means that tourists can now travel the whole of the original line.

From Belgrave Station, Puffing Billy winds its way through the Sherbrooke Forest, providing spectacular views of the lush rainforest and hills. As it crosses Trestle Bridge, the train curves gently around, allowing passengers to photograph the steam engine in all its glory from the open-sided carriages. Along the way, remnants of the railway’s past can be seen, including goods trucks and former stations.

At Emerald, the highest point on the line, the remains of small gold-mining town can be seen, together with the workshops used to repair Puffing Billy. Four kilometers later, the train arrives at Emerald Lake Park, a popular picnicking area set in 50 hectares of parkland. Passengers can disembark here to enjoy lunch, try their hand at fishing or take a leisurely paddle-boat ride on Lake Treganowan. The more energetic will enjoy the 15 kilometers of walking tracks around the park, while train buffs will lap up the giant model railway housed nearby.

From Emerald, Puffing Billy passes over several historic bridges as it descends through the forest to Gembrook, where it terminates. This quaint township is a pleasant place to enjoy afternoon tea and offers a variety of shops to tempt visitors before the trip back to Belgrave.

As well as the daily train rides, Puffing Billy runs special trips such as the ‘Steam and Cuisine’ luncheon and ‘The Dinner Special’. Children’s events, featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, take place in September and October. Train enthusiasts can even arrange to become a train driver for a day.

How to Get to Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy departs from Belgrave, 40 kilometers east of Melbourne at the end of the Burwood Highway. Trains to Belgrave depart regularly from Flinders Street Station in the central city. Puffing Billy operates on a separate train line, a short walk from Belgrave Station.

Many tourist operators also run day trips to the Dandenong Ranges that include a ride on Puffing Billy. Puffing Billy operates every day except Christmas Day.

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