Update: Expression Of Interest closed
We are thrilled that so many of you want to take part in celebrating our 125th anniversary at the Community Open Day! It has been heartwarming to see the level of interest from our locals.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in tickets. Due to the significant number of applications received, we are now closing the Expression of Interest process. In the next five working days, we will be in touch with all who have expressed interest to advise if you were successful in securing up to 4 of the almost 1,000 tickets offered. All stations will also have free entry on the Community Open Day, so come and join in for the festivities even if you miss out on tickets for the train itself.
There are no other train services operating on the Community Open Day - the railway operates exclusively for the local community, and we can’t wait to see some of you there. This is the inaugural Community Open Day, and an event that we will be offering each year from now on. Applicants who miss out on tickets for this year will be placed on a waiting list and offered tickets first for the 2026 event.
Puffing Billy, Australia’s most beloved heritage train and one of the world’s best-preserved steam railways, is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a special Community Open Day dedicated to the local community.
To mark this milestone, the railway will offer complimentary train services to residents living within a 10-kilometre radius of any Puffing Billy Railway station. Throughout the day, various local community groups will host a range of engaging activities for all attendees to enjoy.
-
Event Date
Sunday 14 December 2025
-
Eligibility
Open to residents living within 10 kms of a Puffing Billy station. Expression Of Interest | Proof of address required.
Did you know?
Originally launched on December 18, 1900, Puffing Billy is a treasured remnant of a more leisurely era. Built to carry goods and passengers through Victoria’s mountain district, the historic railway was a vital lifeline for the region.
The line, which ran between Upper Ferntree Gully and Gembrook, faced numerous challenges. By the early 1930s, it had become a financial burden for Victorian Railways, and following a major landslide in 1953, the decision was made to close the line in 1954.
However, a series of farewell trips in 1955 sparked public interest and community efforts that eventually led to the line’s revival. Tourist services resumed in 1962 between Belgrave and Menzies Creek, with extensions to Emerald in 1965, Lakeside in 1975, and finally Gembrook in 1998. Since its reopening, more than 11 million passengers have experienced the magic of Puffing Billy.
The 125th anniversary celebrations will honour the rich history of the railway and its enduring impact on the local community.
The 125th anniversary program is a proud milestone being curated and delivered by Puffing Billy Railway under the authority of the Puffing Billy Railway Board. This celebration is made possible through the commitment of our accredited volunteers, whose passion and support—alongside our dedicated staff - continue to connect us with our local community and bring our heritage to life.
Train journeys
View timetables
| TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|
| 8.30 AM | Arrive at Belgrave station, check in at Booking Office Window. |
| 9.30 AM | Train departs Belgrave. |
| 9.55 AM | Train arrives Menzies Creek. Visit the Menzies Creek Museum. |
| 10.45 AM | Train departs Menzies Creek. |
| 11.00 AM | Train arrives Emerald station. Visit Emerald Township. |
| 12.00 PM | Train departs Emerald station. |
| 12.10 PM | Train arrives Lakeside station. Visit Emerald Lake Park and the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre. |
| 1.30 PM | Train departs Lakeside station. |
| 2.30 PM | Train arrives Belgrave station. Experience concludes. |
| TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|
| 10.10 AM | Arrive at Belgrave station, check in at Booking Office Window. |
| 11.10 AM | Train departs Belgrave. |
| 11.35 AM | Train arrives Menzies Creek. Visit the Menzies Creek Museum. |
| 12.10 PM | Train departs Menzies Creek. |
| 12.35 PM | Train arrives Lakeside station. Visit Emerald Lake Park and the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre. |
| 1.10 PM | Train departs Lakeside station. |
| 1.25 PM | Train arrives Cockatoo station. Visit Cockatoo Township. |
| 2.10 PM | Train departs Cockatoo station. |
| 2.30 PM | Train arrives Gembrook station. Visit Gembrook Township. |
| 3.30 PM | Train departs Gembrook station. |
| 4.05 PM | Train arrives Lakeside station. Visit Emerald Lake Park and the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre. |
| 4.40 PM | Train departs Lakeside station. |
| 5.35 PM | Train arrives Belgrave station. Experience concludes. |
| TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|
| 11.30 AM | Arrive at Belgrave station, check in at Booking Office Window. |
| 12.30 PM | Train departs Belgrave. |
| 12.55 PM | Train arrives Menzies Creek. Visit the Menzies Creek Museum. |
| 2.15 PM | Train departs Menzies Creek. |
| 2.30 PM | Train arrives Emerald station. Visit Emerald Township. |
| 3.30 PM | Train departs Emerald station. |
| 3.40 PM | Train arrives Lakeside station. Visit Emerald Lake Park and the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre. |
| 5.15 PM | Train departs Lakeside station. |
| 6.15 PM | Train arrives Belgrave station. Experience concludes. |
Townships and Actvities along the railway line
Belgrave
When Puffing Billy opened on 18 December 1900, this station was called Monbulk, before being renamed Belgrave in 1904. From 1900 until 1962, it was not the starting point of the line; Puffing Billy's journey commenced in Upper Ferntree Gully—today, part of the suburban railway line to Belgrave.
Catch a glimpse of the locomotive depot and workshop, where our skilled maintenance and restoration teams deliver ongoing care to each locomotive so that they can run at their best every day! We encourage you to venture into town to enjoy some special offers from our local community.
Menzies Creek
Named after an early miner who worked in the area, Menzies Creek is a bustling station stop where trains in opposite directions often ‘cross’ each other. Immerse yourself in history at the Menzies Creek Museum, located adjacent to the station and showcasing a fascinating collection of locomotives and railway artefacts.
Explore the Menzies Creek Museum, where you can peruse over 80 railway artifacts and hear from our accredited volunteers. The kids can have their faces painted before you head over to the CFA BBQ for a sausage! Fielderberry Farm will be there selling coffee and ice cream.
Emerald
Between Clematis and Emerald is where you will find the steepest grade on the line as it ascends to Emerald. The highest station sits at an altitude of 318.5 metres (1045 feet)! This is also where you will find the Railway’s carriage repair workshop.
Delve into Emerald's rich history as you wander along the ANZAC Walk, hosted by Emerald RSL and venture into town to enjoy some special offers from our local community.
Lakeside
The line to Lakeside, which reopened in 1975 following the landslide, connects passengers to the serene surroundings of Emerald Lake Park and serves as the starting point for Lakeside to Gembrook journeys.
Stroll along the walking trails of Emerald Lake Park to Art in the Park, or venture further to discover how Puffing Billy Railway's heritage entwines with that of Emerald at the Emerald Museum display.
Cockatoo
Originally named Cockatoo Creek, the station was later shortened to Cockatoo because of the many Sulphurcrested and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos that lived in the area! This station was also an important loading point for timber from the various sawmills in the area.
Reminisce about how the Cockatoo community was changed forever in 1983 at the Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre. Head over to The BASE for a range of family activities. Santa might make an appearance too - have the kids been naughty or nice this year?
Gembrook
Located 24 kilometres from Belgrave at the end of the line is Gembrook Station, once a busy centre for the transportation of timber and farm produce from the district.
Listen to the tunes from the Bush Band as you relax in J.A.C. Russell Park. Explore Gembrook's history at the Motorist Destillery. Take in the art of spinning as showcased by the Gembrook Craft Group.
Trader offers
Puffing Billy Railway is committed to supporting local families and businesses. We’ve listened, and it's now the community's opportunity to showcase our beloved local icon and celebrate the incredible businesses that make our community unique.
On Sunday, your train journey will include stopovers along the way to Lakeside station. To make the most of your day, you are invited to enjoy the following special trader offers from businesses in Belgrave and Emerald. Simply present your Puffing Billy Community Open Day ticket to the traders to redeem! Please note that these offers are available for Community Open Day ticket holders only.
Belgrave
BELGRAVE BOOK BARN
20% discount (excl. items already discounted)
1630 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
BELGRAVE HOTEL
Weekly specials
1645 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
BELGRAVE PIZZA HOUSE
15% discount
19/21 Bayview Rd, Belgrave
EARTHLY PLEASURES CAFE
10% discount
1627 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
SUSHI EXPRESS
Buy one handroll, get one free. Limit of 2 per customer.
1688 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
THE BLACKSMITH
Buy one, get one free large coffee. Limit of 2 per customer.
1700 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
THE BLACK BEE
$10 Pint of Draught Special
$10 Prosecco Special
7 Bayview Rd, Belgrave
WHERE THE WILD THINGS GROW
15% discount
1642 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
emerald
BEHIND THE TREES
15% off storewide
Shop 11/5-7 Kilvington Dr, Emerald
GRACE AND LOUIE BOOKSELLERS
20% discount
Shop 8/5-7 Kilvington Dr, Emerald
INCY WINCY
All house-made cakes, cookies, and Pure Pops popsicles are just $3 each
Shop 12/5-7 Kilvington Dr, Emerald
gembrook
ALL ABOARD TAKE AWAY
10% discount on all orders over $20. Offer valid from 2-4 pm Sunday 14 December 2025 only.
66b Main St, Gembrook
| Suburb name | Postcode |
|---|---|
| Avonsleigh | 3782 |
| Bayswater | 3153 |
| Beaconsfield Upper | 3808 |
| Beenak | 3139 |
| Belgrave | 3160 |
| Belgrave Heights | 3160 |
| Belgrave South | 3160 |
| Boronia | 3155 |
| Clematis | 3782 |
| Cockatoo | 3781 |
| Dewhurst | 3808 |
| Emerald | 3782 |
| Endeavour Hills | 3802 |
| Ferntree Gully | 3156 |
| Ferny Creek | 3786 |
| Gembrook | 3783 |
| Harkaway | 3806 |
| Hoddles Creek | 3139 |
| Kallista | 3791 |
| Kalorama | 3766 |
| Kilsyth South | 3137 |
| Knox City Centre | 3152 |
| Knoxfield | 3180 |
| Lysterfield | 3156 |
| Lysterfield South | 3156 |
| Maryknoll | 3812 |
| Macclesfield | 3782 |
| Menzies Creek | 3159 |
| Monbulk | 3793 |
| Montrose | 3765 |
| Mount Burnett | 3781 |
| Mount Dandenong | 3767 |
| Mountain Gate | 3156 |
| Nangana | 3781 |
| Nar Nar Goon North | 3812 |
| Narre Warren East | 3804 |
| Narre Warren North | 3804 |
| Olinda | 3788 |
| Pakenham Upper | 3810 |
| Rowville | 3178 |
| Sassafras | 3787 |
| Sassafras Gully | 3787 |
| Selby | 3159 |
| Sherbrooke | 3789 |
| Silvan | 3795 |
| Tecoma | 3160 |
| The Basin | 3154 |
| The Patch | 3792 |
| Tremont | 3785 |
| Upper Ferntree Gully | 3156 |
| Upwey | 3158 |
| Wantirna South | 3152 |
| Yellingbo | 3139 |
TICKETS SOLD FOR THE PUFFING BILLY RAILWAY BOARD TRADING AS PUFFING BILLY RAILWAY ARE GRANTED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Complimentary tickets for the Puffing Billy Railway Community Open Day on Sunday 14th December 2025 is available exclusively to residents living in one of the following postcodes:
- Avonsleigh 3782, Bayswater 3153, Beaconsfield Upper 3808, Beenak 3139, Belgrave 3160, Belgrave Heights 3160, Belgrave South 3160, Boronia 3155, Clematis 3782, Cockatoo 3781, Dewhurst 3808, Emerald 3782, Endeavour Hills 3802, Ferntree Gully 3156, Ferny Creek 3786, Gembrook 3783, Harkaway 3806, Hoddles Creek 3139, Kallista 3791, Kalorama 3766, Kilsyth South 3137, Knox City Centre 3152, Knoxfield 3180, Lysterfield 3156, Lysterfield South 3156, Maryknoll 3812, Macclesfield 3782, Menzies Creek 3159, Monbulk 3793, Montrose 3765, Mount Burnett 3781, Mount Dandenong 3767, Mountain Gate 3156, Nangana 3781, Nar Nar Goon North 3812, Narre Warren East 3804, Narre Warren North 3804, Olinda 3788, Pakenham Upper 3810, Rowville 3178, Sassafras 3787, Sassafras Gully 3787, Selby 3159, Sherbrooke 3789, Silvan 3795, Tecoma 3160, The Basin 3154, The Patch 3792, Tremont 3785, Upper Ferntree Gully 3156, Upwey 3158, Wantirna South 3152, Yellingbo 3139
- Complimentary tickets are offered upon presenting proof of residency e.g. bill, rates notice, Victorian Driver License.
- Complimentary tickets for the Puffing Billy Railway Community Open Day will be offered on a first come, first served basis and is subject to availability.
- A maximum of 4 (four) tickets can be requested per person.
- Complimentary tickets are limited to services operating as part of the Puffing Billy Railway Community Open Day on Sunday 14th December 2025 only and excludes travel on any other date.
- All tickets for the Puffing Billy Railway Community Open Day must be requested via an Expression of Interest process available on the Puffing Billy Railway website.
- No tickets will be available to be purchased on the day.
- Complimentary tickets cannot be booked directly online. They are only offered as part of the Expression of Interest process.
- The Complimentary Tickets for the Puffing Billy Railway Community Open Day are non-refundable, non-transferrable and complimentary tickets issued cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash.
- On the day of travel, complimentary ticket holders must present their booking confirmation email and photo ID matching the name in the booking to Puffing Billy Railway team members. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the complimentary tickets.
- Upon completing the Expression of Interest process, you give Puffing Billy Railway the right to email or text you a copy of your tickets and/or information relating to your Complimentary Tickets.
- Trains will NOT be cancelled due to inclement weather.
- Passengers are required to retain their booking confirmation and/or tickets, as they may be asked to present them at any time during their travel.
- Whilst every attempt is made to honour all bookings, Puffing Billy Railway reserves the right to alter events, timetables, or locomotives without prior notice.
- Puffing Billy Railway reserves the right to request proof of age. Children 15 years and under must be supervised by an accompanying adult. An adult is deemed to be any person aged 16 years or older.
- On declared days of TOTAL FIRE BAN or extreme weather events in the Central Zone or the whole state of Victoria, no trains will operate, and no Puffing Billy Railway staff or volunteers will be on the premises.
- From time to time Puffing Billy Railway or other authorised parties carry out photography and / or filming on its premises, which may feature visitors. By requesting complimentary tickets for the Community Open Day, you agree that Puffing Billy Railway or any authorised party may use such images in perpetuity in any promotional, advertising or publicity material in any format whatsoever. You further agree that copyright in these materials rests with Puffing Billy Railway or such authorised party (as the case may be).
- If you are a wheelchair user, there are limited wheelchair spaces available on board our heritage carriages. Please inform us of this and any other accessibility requirements in the Expression of Interest form, so that we can assist you in accommodating your needs.
- In the event that Puffing Billy Railway is unable to operate the scheduled train, we will notify you of the cancellation by email and / or phone as soon as possible.
- The Puffing Billy Railway Board practices the responsible service of alcohol. In accordance with the law, no alcohol will be sold or supplied to anyone under 18 years of age.
- Puffing Billy Railway reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to refuse admission to its premises and ban from entry to the railway, or remove from the railway, any person who:
- Has been convicted of a criminal offence, which, in the opinion of Puffing Billy Railway is likely to affect the enjoyment of other visitors.
- Has behaved on railway premises in a manner, which, in the opinion of Puffing Billy Railway has or is likely to affect the enjoyment of other visitors.
- Uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or in any way provokes or behaves in a manner, which may provoke a breach of the peace.
- Is believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Does not follow the written or verbal safety instructions or behaves in a manner which may endanger the safety of the individual or other visitors on railway premises.
- Puffing Billy Railway is a non-BYO venue.
- Assistance dogs are the only dogs permitted on the train.
- All passengers are responsible for their own personal property as Puffing Billy Railway will not be responsible for any loss or damage.
SAFETY NOTICE - WHEN VISITING PUFFING BILLY RAILWAY
- For the safe operations of sitting on the sills experience, all passengers will be asked to verify the age of each travelling child, both when booking tickets online and on the day of travel when checking in at the Station Ticket Window.
- All passengers must follow all directions from staff and volunteers to ensure the safety of everyone. This includes:
- Children under 4 years of age are not permitted to sit on the carriage sills and will be given a red wristband to indicate ride restriction.
- Adult supervision is required for children 4-13 years of age when sitting on the carriage sill – this means a maximum of 2 supervised children per adult within arm’s reach.
- Supervised children between 4-13 years of age will be given a green wristband to wear. This indicates the child’s age and helps our friendly conductors know that all children are being correctly supervised.
- All adults travelling with children must maintain the physical ability to monitor and provide supervision at all times.
- No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill after sunset.
- No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill during special events (i.e., Day Out with Thomas, Puffing Billy Running Festival, and Train of Lights) or guided and self-guided school excursions.
- Some of the other requirements to ensure your experience is safe, include:
- Remain on the station platform behind the yellow line at all times.
- Do not touch or climb onto the locomotive.
- Do not open any carriage doors. Please allow the train conductors to open and close your carriage door.
- Smoking is not permitted on the train, platforms or under roofed areas.
- Alcohol is not permitted on the train.
RESALE & COMMERCIAL USE
THIRD-PARTY RESALE
- Tickets purchased through Puffing Billy Railway may only be resold through authorised distribution channels, including approved travel trade partners. Any unauthorised resale or bulk purchasing of tickets for commercial gain, including but not limited to reselling at inflated prices or circumventing official booking processes, will result in ticket cancellation without refund. The original cardholder who made the purchase remains the owner of the ticket unless transferred through an approved channel.
PREMIUM RESALE
- You cannot resell or offer for resale tickets at a premium (including via online auction or other unauthorised resale sites) without the prior written consent of Puffing Billy Railway.
COMMERCIAL USE
- Tickets cannot be used for advertising, promotion, or other commercial purposes (including competitions and trade promotions) or to enhance the demand for other goods or services.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
- The personal information that we obtain from or about you is collected for the operational purposes of health, safety and arranging your travel on Puffing Billy Railway.
- The Privacy Policy details why we collect this personal information, who we may disclose it to (including whether we are likely to disclose it outside of Victoria), and the main consequences (if any) if we do not collect it. The Privacy Policy also contains information about how you may seek access to, or correction of, the personal information held about you, and our complaint resolution procedures.
- Our Privacy Policy is available on our website at https://puffingbillyrailway.org.au/privacy/ or by request to us.