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2 Puffing Billy Crossing The Famous Monbulk Trestle Bridge Image By Kahla Webb 1

Puffing Billy

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Step back in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and only one hour from Melbourne CBD.

With lush fern gullies brushing past the open side carriages and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy Railway makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest.

Puffing Billy Railway Train Prices, Ticket Booking, Map & Timetable, VIC

Puffing Billy is operational as a tourist train and puffs across the original railway track that spans 25kms from Belgrave to Gembrook. The train ride is a beautiful scenic tour that has visitors marvelling at the beautiful Dandenong Ranges as the train rumbles by.

Puffing Billy is indeed a family-friendly activity where you can take your kids in one of the open window carriages. Jump on board the open side carriages for a serene ride over the hills, across the iconic timber trestle bridges, down the valley and into the forest on the original mountain track between Belgrave and Lakeside.

Pre-purchase a picnic pack to enjoy as you ride over the hills, down the valley and into the lush forest on the original mountain track or hold onto your afternoon snacks and set lunch up by Emerald Lake Park. We have a range of delicious picnic and lunch packs available for adults, children, couples and families. These are available for pre-order with your train tickets and can be collected at Belgrave and Lakeside station.

For a great day out, pack a picnic and hop off at Lakeside (Emerald Lake). This is the perfect location for those travelling with children as there are picnic tables, parklands, playground facilities, a wading pool (open in the summer months), paddle boats for hire, the Emerald Lake Model Railway and a cafe where you can purchase lunch. Families often stop at Lakeside for a relaxing day in the outdoors and then catch Puffing Billy back to Belgrave Station (the headquarters of Puffing Billy).

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a great day out with family and friends or a new location for the next morning and afternoon tea social, Puffing Billy Railway is the perfect place to head to. Passengers can enjoy a 30-minute journey from Belgrave, passing over the historic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge and through the forests of the Dandenong Ranges, before arriving at Menzies Creek to visit the museum and enjoy their morning tea, including scones, jam and cream with a hot beverage. A themed children’s play area and the Little Toot Café provide space to sit down, relax and await the 30-minute train journey back to Belgrave.

Toilets are located at each of the stops, but there are no restroom facilities on the train itself. For those travelling from Belgrave to Lakeside, the train trip takes about 1 hour each way.

Check out the Puffing Billy train timetable for a current schedule of trains, as numerous trains are travelling in each direction throughout the day. It is wise to book early during peak times, as Puffing Billy is the most popular activity for families visiting the Dandenong Ranges.

Ticket prices vary based on whether you purchase a one way or return ticket, and depending on how far along the line you intend to travel. Children and concessions are cheaper, and family tickets are also available for purchase. Children under four years of age not occupying a seat are free (but must be booked prior to travel).

So if you are planning a visit to the Dandenong Ranges, add Puffing Billy to the top of your list. It is a fun day out that you will never forget! Buy your tickets online and save on admission prices!

72 Comments

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  • Hello, we plan to arrive in Melbourne airport someday in Jan 2018, in the morning and try to catch up the 12.30 train, do you think we have enough time for the tour and back to the Belgrave Station ? Puffing Billy, and the winery visit if possible? Thanks.

    Regards
    Brianna

    • Hi Brianna,

      This depends on your time of arrival. It takes around 45 minutes to get from the Melbourne Airport into the City, and then another hour to get from the city to Belgrave Train Station (where Puffing Billy departs). So you would need to leave the city no later than 11am in order to give yourself plenty of time to get out there. Also be mindful that the 12.30pm is rather busy, so you might want to get there even a little earlier to make sure you get a ticket.

      The 12.30 departure on Puffing Billy gets to Lakeside at 1.30pm. A return train departs from Lakeside at 2.30pm and gets back to Belgrave Station at 3.30pm. If planning to then visit wineries, you will need to check what time the particular one you want to visit closes. If you have a car, this will make things a lot easier.

      Best regards,
      Jess

  • I’m planning to take a group of approximately 30-35 ladies (most concession) on Puffing Billy from Belgrave 10:30am to Lakeside (March 20th 2018) then to continue to Grants on Sherbrooke. Could you suggest the best way for me to prebook /purchase tickets (and price) please? Could you also suggest other attractions nearby that would be suitable for the group to visit.
    Thanks

    • Hi Sandra,

      I would contact Puffing Billy directly as discounts are available for pre-booked group travel (20 or more paying passengers on a return journey). You can email them here: [email protected] or call: (03) 9757 0700.

      As for other attractions, Grants on Sherbrooke is a great idea, tickets cannot be pre-purchased for this activity. You purchase a token at the kiosk if you want to feed the birds, otherwise you just enjoy nature without paying a fee. I believe the tokens are around $4.00 each.

      I would highly recommend the National Rhododendron Gardens for a visit, and also William Ricketts Sanctuary.

      Have a great time!
      Regards,
      Jess

  • Hi, i’m from Malaysia, plan to take day excursion ride on 5th Sept 2017, next week. I don’t have enough time to go for the return trip, hence planning to only depart from lakeside and stop at belgrave, and that’s it. I know there’s no way to pre-purchase one way journey online, but I’m scared we can’t get the ticket for that day. I plan to buy online return ticket. Which one shud I choose, and is it possible to just depart from lakeside anytime as it is an open return ticket.? Really hope u will answer me promptly. And also would like to know regarding the possible crowd for that day. Thank u so much.

    • Hi Ana,

      In order to travel one way from Lakeside to Belgrave, you will need to purchase a Belgrave/Lakeside open return ticket. Being that the 5th of September falls on a Tuesday, and we are still in winter, I do not think that the crowds will be too large.

      You can refer to the lakeside departure times on our page. There are 4 times on your chosen date being: 12.30pm, 2.25pm, 3.40pm and 4.15pm.

      Kind regards,
      Jess

  • hi,I wish to take the trip for tomorrow 21.04.17 12:30 pm depart from Belgrave is lakeside ,is that possible I come back on same days.because my flight back to my country is 10pm on same night?

    • Hi Kim,

      Yes, you can make this trip and get back in time. Check the timetables but the 12.30pm from Belgrave arrives at Lakeside at 1.40pm. A train then departs from Lakeside at 2.25pm and arrives at Belgrave at 3.30pm.

      Belgrave is 70kms from Melbourne Airport, so as long as you have arranged transport, you should be fine.

      Kind regards,
      Jess

  • Hi, I have 4 adults and 1 child (aged 3yrs). How do I book my tickets either online or by phone? And how much are the tickets, I would like to go on the 24th of April 2017.

    • Hi Kevin,

      Puffing Billy runs all throughout the year. If going there in May, make sure to dress warmly as the Dandenong Ranges can get fairly chilly during winter and, as the carriages are open, it can get quite cold. As long as you rug up, you can still have a lovely time at Puffing Billy in winter and the best part is that the crowds will be a lot smaller!

      Kind regards,
      Jess

  • Do you any special fare for senior citizen along with family return trip.In fact we are four adults including one senior citizen and two children aged five and two yrs.old.So can you just let us know that how much family or total ticket charges will cost.

    • Hi Anil,

      The prices are posted on our page and are as follows:
      Adult Return: $54
      Child Return: $28
      Concession Return: $43
      Family Return: $108

      Your two year old will be free (children’s tickets are aged between 4-16yrs) and the senior citizen can purchase a concession ticket if they have a concession card, otherwise they will be charged as an adult.

      The regular pricing is $244.00 if you buy the tickets individually. You are better off purchasing a family ticket to cover 2 adults and 1 child, and then purchasing an additional 2 adult tickets:
      Without seniors concession: 1 family ticket (2ad & 1ch) + 2 adults = $216.00
      With seniors concession: 1 family ticket (2ad & 1ch) + 1 adult + 1 concession: $205.00

      Have a great time on Puffing Billy!

      Kind regards,
      Jess

  • Hi! I would like to visit the Dandenong Ranges, Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary and Grant’s Picnic Ground. I am currently staying at Clement Street (near Dandenong Market) Which is the nearest station for me to board Puffing Billy? May I know the ticket price and details for visiting the 3 places mentioned above? Thank you!

  • Hi, we will be visiting your country in early May’17. May we know where is the best place to visit if we wish to take photos of maples? Where is the nearest railway station if travelling from Flinders Street Station?

    Thank you.

What is the Puffing Billy address?
What are the Puffing Billy opening hours?
First train from Belgrave leaves 10am
Last Train from Lakeside leaves at 4:45pm

Please visit our website for more information on the Puffing Billy.
What are the Puffing Billy entry prices?
Belgrave to Emerald or Lakeside OR Emerald or Lakeside to Gembrook
Adult Return: $61
Child Return: $31.50
Concession Return: $48
Family Return (2Ad & 2Ch): $153.50

Belgrave to Menzies Creek
Adult Return: $36
Child Return: $19.50
Concession Return: $29
Family Return (2Ad & 2Ch): $91.50

Family fares are valid for up to 2 adults and 2 children
Child fares apply to ages 4 -16yrs
Children aged 0-3 travel free!

Please visit our website for more information on the Puffing Billy.
What is the Puffing Billy phone number?

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