WHO WE ARE

Puffing Billy Railway is Australia's premier preserved steam railway

Step into a timeless world of wonder with Australia’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy, located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and only one-hour east of Melbourne. Whether it’s energetic adventure, a touch of nostalgia or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone at Puffing Billy Railway.

Built in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived in the hills, carrying anything from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants, the railway is now a major tourist attraction that invites visitors to come and experience a century old tradition every day of the year, except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 300 volunteers.

Station Master At Menzies Creek By Susan Zentay

All Aboard a Living Time Machine

Take in the magic of steam train travel from the moment you arrive, with the sight of the historic locomotives being prepared for departure at the station, the smell of steam billowing out of the vessel’s chimney and the evocative sound of the train’s whistle. Before long, our friendly conductors will help you 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 Gembrook.

Ideas for a great day out

Visitors can enjoy travelling on board Puffing Billy Railway as a stand-alone experience with the excitement beginning at Belgrave Station, or start the adventure from Lakeside Station, riding over the rolling hills, across iconic timber trestle bridges and through the open farmlands that surround Gembrook Station.

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.

  • Visit the state-of–the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre to learn more about the railway and the region. Entry is free, with indoor and outdoor dining options available.
  • Delicious Grazing Boxes are available to pre-order.
  • Discovering the Dandenong Ranges just got more fun on two wheels! In partnership with local family-owned and operated bike company, COG BIKES Australia, you can now hire a bike from Puffing Billy Railway's Lakeside Station bike hub! Whether travelling by train or driving into the precinct on a lovely sunny day, choose from a range of standard trail bikes, e-bikes, balance bikes or children's pedal bikes, and explore the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail that runs alongside Puffing Billy between Emerald and Gembrook.
  • At Puffing Billy Railway, business events become extraordinary experiences. Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, the Lakeside Visitor Centre offers a unique blend of heritage charm and modern functionality. For a truly unique event destination where old-world charm meets modern world-class facilities all in one location, look no further than Australia’s premier preserved steam railway, Puffing Billy Railway.
  • Join us for one of our incredible events, including Day Out with Thomas™, Puffing Billy's Train of Lights and the Puffing Billy Running Festival! Tickets for these events sell out fast, so sign up to receive our e-newsletters so you never miss an exciting announcement.

Keeping Children &
Young People Safe

We're proudly a Child Safe organisation. 

Safety Notice

Safety instructions (in multiple languages) to ensure you and your fellow passengers have an enjoyable experience.

Governance

Learn more about the Puffing Billy Railway Act 2022 and the Puffing Billy Railway Board. 

Locos & Rolling Stock

Learn more about our historic fleet of locomotives, carriages and goods wagons. 

Environment

How we preserve and maintain the scenic surrounds of the Rail Corridor.

Community Committees

Puffing Billy Railway (PBR) values public participation and recognises that community and stakeholder support is critical to progressing its vision of preserving and sharing a world renowned, community-based heritage steam rail experience that captures the natural beauty and rich social history of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges.

Puffing Billy Railway encourages community members, groups, and volunteers to engage with projects, policies, and areas of interest and provide valuable feedback that help with the strategic direction of the railway.

Find out more

Gembrook Station: 62 Main St, Gembrook VIC 3783, Australia

Lakeside Visitor Centre: Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia

Lakeside Station: 50 Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia

Belgrave Trestle Bridge: Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160, Australia

Railway Cafe: Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia