Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s best-known preserved steam railway, travelling through the forests and townships of the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge line opened in 1900. The classic journey begins at...
Dandenong Ranges Suburb – Belgrave
Belgrave is one of the main gateways to the Dandenong Ranges and a strong base for combining major attractions with forest walks, family activities, cafes and village culture. The current Dandenong Ranges Point listings include Puffing Billy Railway, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Trees Adventure, Cameo Cinema, Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Lake Park and other attractions around the town.
The town’s biggest drawcard is Puffing Billy, but Belgrave offers much more than the railway. Visitors can explore mountain ash forest, tackle outdoor adventure courses, catch a film at the historic cinema, visit reserves and playgrounds or spend time around the village’s cafes, shops and live-music venues.
Explore Belgrave Attractions
- Puffing Billy Railway – Ride the historic steam train from Belgrave through fern gullies and forest toward Emerald and Gembrook.
- Forest and national park – Explore Dandenong Ranges National Park, nearby walking tracks and mountain ash forest close to town.
- Family adventure – Trees Adventure offers high ropes, obstacle courses and zip lines in a forest setting near Puffing Billy.
- Cinema and village culture – Cameo Cinema, cafes, restaurants, shops and live music give Belgrave a stronger town-centre experience than many smaller villages.
- Parks and nature reserves – Visit Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Lake Park and nearby reserves for walking, picnics, wildlife and quieter outdoor time.
Browse the listings below to discover Belgrave attractions, family activities, forest experiences and things to do in this popular Dandenong Ranges village.
Puffing Billy
Belgrave, VIC
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Belgrave, VICDandenong Ranges National Park protects tall Mountain Ash forest, fern-filled gullies, waterfalls and steep volcanic hills on Melbourne’s eastern edge. Its walking tracks, picnic grounds and wildlife make it one...
Treetops Adventure Belgrave
Belgrave, VICTreetops Adventure Belgrave is one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most distinctive active attractions, offering high ropes courses, ziplines and aerial challenges among the trees near Belgrave. Formerly known as Trees...
Cameo Cinema
Belgave, VICCameo Cinema provides the perfect experience for the movie lover looking to enjoy the best of the big screen. This independent cinema offers both blockbuster movies, showcases excellent art-house movies and also offers...
Birdsland Reserve
Belgrave Heights, VICBirdsland Reserve is an amazing getaway tucked away between Lysterfield Lake Park and Belgrave. This bushland reserve is best known for its rich birdlife and diverse species of native animals. The reserve’s rich...
Burrinja Cultural Centre
Upwey, VICBurrinja Cultural Centre is the principal arts and cultural hub of the Dandenong Ranges, presenting visual art exhibitions, theatre, live music, comedy, workshops and community programs in Upwey. The centre combines...
Belgrave Lake Park
Belgrave, VICBelgrave Lake Park is a sizable reserve, located just south of Belgrave, that plays a significant role in maintaining the biodiversity of flora and fauna in the region. Belgrave Lake Park is the critical link between...
Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Reserve
Belgrave South, VICThe Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Reserve is a small park in Belgrave South; southwest of the Dandenong Ranges. It’s an important sanctuary for many flora and orchid species in the area and is a popular...
Borthwick Park Playground
Belgrave, VICBorthwick Park Playground is an expansive playground specially designed to give young kids the chance to get lost in the world of play. This playground is a popular attraction for families touring the Dandenong Ranges...
Sooki Lounge Belgrave
Belgrave, VICSooki Lounge Belgrave is a lively gastropub that takes pride in being one of the Dandenong Ranges most incredible locations for live events. Best known as a venue for music lovers and night owls, Sooki is a must visit...
What are the best attractions in Belgrave?
Popular Belgrave attractions include Puffing Billy Railway, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Trees Adventure, Cameo Cinema, Birdsland Reserve and Belgrave Lake Park.
What is Belgrave best known for?
Belgrave is best known as the main starting point for Puffing Billy Railway and as an important gateway to the forests, walking tracks and attractions of the Dandenong Ranges.
What can families do in Belgrave?
Families can ride Puffing Billy, visit Trees Adventure, explore Belgrave Lake Park, enjoy playgrounds and picnic areas, walk in the national park or see a movie at Cameo Cinema.
Are there free things to do in Belgrave?
Yes. Dandenong Ranges National Park, Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Lake Park and several local walking and recreation areas can be enjoyed without general admission charges.
