Puffing Billy Train - Victoria, Australia
As someone who genuinely enjoys train travel, the Puffing Billy Railway had long been on my must-experience list for Victoria. When I mentioned this to a friend in Melbourne, he immediately offered to join me and drive us out for the day. After choosing a date, I booked our tickets online, and on the morning of our excursion he picked me up from my accommodation in Melbourne’s CBD and we set off.
The drive to Belgrave took roughly an hour, and we were lucky to find parking near the station. After checking in at the booking office, we received our actual tickets and had some time to wander before departure. We browsed the souvenir shop, grabbed a drink from the café, and soaked in the atmosphere of the platform. I was buzzing with excitement—I probably took far too many photos before the train even arrived. Eventually, the unmistakable sound of the locomotive echoed through the station, and Puffing Billy made its iconic entrance, greeted by a crowd of eager passengers.
Puffing Billy originally served as a vital transport link for communities living in the Dandenong Ranges. Built in the early 1900s as one of four low-cost narrow-gauge lines, it helped open up remote agricultural areas by carrying passengers, mail, parcels, newspapers, produce, and supplies for local farms. After declining usage and storm damage forced its closure mid-century, community volunteers and rail enthusiasts banded together to preserve and restore the heritage line. Today, Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s best-known preserved railways and a nostalgic reminder of early transport in regional Victoria.
One of the experiences I was most excited for was sitting on the carriage sill—dangling your legs outside the train as it winds through lush forest and open clearings. Although everyone has assigned seats, the majority of passengers who were eligible eagerly climbed onto the sills once the train departed. Seeing almost the entire train with feet swinging over the edge was both amusing and incredible. It’s easily one of the most unique and memorable train experiences I’ve had.
When we arrived at Lakeside Station, we followed the short path to the Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre, where my friend and I stopped for lunch at the café. Afterwards, we explored some of the nearby attractions. The short walking trails lead to Lake Treganowan, Lakeside Hall Museum, and the Emerald Lake Model Railway. While we didn’t linger long by the lake or the museum, we spent a surprising amount of time at the model railway. The massive display features over a thousand metres of indoor tracks, complete with miniature trains travelling through intricate landscapes. It sparked our inner kids—we were both mesmerized by the level of detail.
We eventually returned to the platform for our train back to Belgrave, accompanied by a few colourful macaws perched around the station. As we waited, my friend handed me a small train whistle he had bought—a sweet souvenir that instantly made me grin. Once the train started moving, we matched its whistle with ours, laughing like children. I also learned that the railway hosts the annual Puffing Billy Running Festival, where runners race the train itself—a quirky and challenging tradition that blends athleticism with heritage rail culture.
After arriving back at Belgrave, we made our way to the car, still riding the high of an incredibly fun and nostalgic day. Puffing Billy exceeded my expectations in every way.
History & Background
The Puffing Billy Railway is one of the best-preserved steam railways in the world, originally built to support settlement and commerce in the Dandenong Ranges. Completed in 1900 as a narrow-gauge line, it was part of a larger railway initiative designed to support isolated Victorian communities by improving transport of goods and mail. After a major landslide and low ridership led to its closure in the 1950s, a volunteer-led preservation group revived the line, restoring locomotives, rebuilding track, and eventually reopening it as a full heritage operation. Today, Puffing Billy is a beloved cultural icon and a testament to Australia’s railway history.
Getting There
Puffing Billy operates from Belgrave Station, which is located in the Dandenong Ranges about an hour’s drive east of Melbourne’s CBD. Driving is the most convenient option, especially if travelling with others, as parking is available near the station. Public transit is also possible via a combination of Metro Trains and local buses. Once at Belgrave, the station area is easy to navigate, with clear signage directing visitors to the booking office, platform, souvenir shop, and café. Lakeside Station is the most popular destination, offering walking trails, lake views, and nearby attractions, all accessible by a short stroll from the platform.
Route Overview
Train: Belgrave Station → Lakeside Station
Duration: 4 hr 30 min (1 hr each way & sightseeing at Lakeside Station)
Route Note: Must reserve online in advance as walk-up tickets are not available. It frequently sells out so it’s essentially to book ahead to secure your spot. Check in is 60 minutes prior to departure and check in closes 30 minutes before departure. Make sure you arrive at the station on time. There is souvenir shop and cafe at the station so you can relax in before departure. As this train allows sitting out on the carriage sills, passengers 4 years and above are not allowed to sit on the carriage sills.
Booking Info: You can book the ticket on the official website. Only return tickets are available and seats will be assigned and you must sit in the same seat on the return journey.
Cost Breakdown
Train: Belgrave Station → Lakeside Station — C$140.57 (2 person)
Grazing Box for 2: AU$50
Food: AU$75.26
