Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy

Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy (previously known as Kids Fun Run with Thomas) is an annual fundraising event that raises money to create vibrant murals in the Children’s Ward, including spaces where kids wait before and after surgery. The murals will help make hospital visits less clinical and more comforting for young patients and their families.

Each year, hundreds of kids aged 3 to 12 participate in this fun running event, which builds confidence and raises money for a worthy cause.

• Kids aged 3–12 can take part in one of six fun runs alongside the famous Puffing Billy train (some even manage to beat it!). So get those running shoes on and start practicing!!
• Every runner receives a showbag and certificate, and there are trophies for the fastest boy and girl in each age group, too.
• Enjoy family-friendly activities, market stalls, and entertainers providing fun for everyone!
• This is truly an event where kids run for kids!

The Fun Run Rides depart from the station, head up the track to the start of the fun run, then return to the station, with the children running alongside. Passengers on the train have the added joy of having the little ones running with them. The length of the train ride corresponds with the fun run.

Kids are encouraged to raise funds before the big event, and awards are given to those who raise the most. On the day, kids pay an entry fee and can compete for certificates presented to each child.

The day would not be possible without the members of The Rotary Club of Emerald & District, their families and friends who turn out year after year with limitless energy and enthusiasm – many thanks.

The inaugural Kids Fun Run with Thomas was held in October 2002. The annual event has grown to become the signature fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc., raising over $812,250 since its inception. In recent years, the children run alongside Puffing Billy; therefore, the event is now called ‘The Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy’.

In keeping with the Fun Run’s theme of ‘Kids Helping Kids’, all the money raised has been donated to projects that support and assist children. The Fun Run is structured around six event runs, where kids aged 3 to 12 years run against Puffing Billy.

Puffing Billy Rides

The Rides go from the station, up the track to the start of that particular fun run, and then set off back to the station with the children running alongside – trying to beat the train.

Passengers on the train have the added joy of having the little ones running with them. The duration and length of the train ride correspond with the fun run.

Joyrides 1 & 2 go from the station up the track and then return to the station – a 20-minute (approx.) round trip.

Getting There

Driving (from Melbourne CBD)

• Head east via the M1 (Monash Freeway) / Burwood Highway toward the Dandenong Ranges.
• Continue onto Burwood Hwy / Belgrave/Gembrook Road (C412) towards Belgrave and Emerald.
• From Emerald, continue toward Gembrook — the township is nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
• Once you reach Gembrook, turn onto Main Street and look for signage for “Puffing Billy Station”. The address is 1 Main St, Gembrook.

Parking: Free parking is available at or near the station in Gembrook.

Public Transport

• From Melbourne CBD, take the Belgrave line suburban train to Belgrave Station.
• From Belgrave, transfer to bus route 695 toward Gembrook.
• Alight at the “Puffing Billy Station / Belgrave-Gembrook Rd” stop in Gembrook – only a short walk to the station.

Make sure to allow ample time — depending on connections, it may take ~2 hours from Melbourne CBD.

Travel Tips

• The railway recommends checking in at least 60 minutes before departure.
• If you’re driving, it’s about 1 hour from Melbourne, depending on traffic.
• If using public transport, allow ~2 hours or more for connections.

Once you arrive at Gembrook station, you’ll find the township and some eateries right nearby — lovely for a pre- or post-rail ride stroll.