TRAIN OF LIGHTS HAS SOLD OUT!

Tickets for the 2026 Train of Lights event season sold out in record time!

We know many were eagerly anticipating securing tickets for this much-loved winter experience, and while we understand there may be a few disappointed faces, we hope you’ll join us in 2027!

Thank you to everyone for your incredible support, and to the lucky ones who secured a ticket, we will see you in June!

 

We encourage you to follow @puffingbillyrailway on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all things Puffing Billy!

  • EVENT DATES | 26 JUNE - 19 JULY

Get ready to ditch the winter blues and hop on board the most magical steam train ride of the season with the highly anticipated return of Puffing Billy Railway’s Train of Lights. Now in its fifth year, this much-loved event has become a cherished tradition, enchanting locals and visitors as it turns the Dandenong Ranges into a mesmerising light show.

Embark on a return 2.5-hour journey that travels from Lakeside Station to Gembrook. As dusk falls and the chilly winter air sets in, the train will come to life with a dazzling display of moving lights, colours, and immersive patterns, captivating passengers from the comfort of open-side carriages as the train winds its way along the historic narrow-gauge track.

Arriving at the picturesque Gembrook Station, passengers are treated to a 55-minute stopover filled with winter delights. Gather around crackling open fire pits and sip on indulgent hot chocolate, immerse yourself in the tunes of live music, snap a photo of the beautifully illuminated train, or strike a pose with the friendly Puffing Billy Railway volunteers!

An illuminated train with blue hues sits at a platform. The front of the locomotive has a headboard saying Puffing Billy Railway Train of Lights. The blue hues illuminate the trees in the background.
Train Of Lights (3)

The Emerald and Gembrook CFA will join in the fun as they fire up the grill for a sizzling sausage sizzle! All proceeds raised will go directly to their respective brigades, while hot and cold drinks, as well as a range of snacks, will be available at Gembrook Station during the interlude.

When it’s time to return, passengers are in for another breathtaking experience. This leg of the trip presents a fresh perspective, allowing travellers to marvel at the light show from a new vantage point as they make their way back to Lakeside.

Ticket prices

ADULT (16 YEARS+)$88.00
CHILD (4-15 YEARS)$44.00
TODDLER (1-3 YEARS)$28.60
INFANT (0-11 MONTHS)$0.00

TICKETS INCLUDE:

  • A two and a half hour return journey
  • A moving light show like no other
  • Unique Photo opportunities
  • Live music at Gembrook
A illuminated steam train in the darkness. The train and steam are lit up in purple, pink, red, blue and green hues.
Photo credit: Tracy Dasler
The Lakeside Hall Museum, located within the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre. Puffing Billy's original locomotive 3A can be seen sitting on a plinth, as can a variety of other historic assets and interpretive displays.
The Lakeside Hall Museum, located within the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre.

Dining options

The Lakeside Visitor Centre offers a delightful prelude to the Train of Lights journey and is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat before your experience begins. The Railway Cafe will be open late, offering our full cafe menu between 3.15 pm - 5.30 pm ahead of your Train of Lights journey. The Lakeside Visitor Centre is open from 9 am - 6 pm.

A cafe inside a building. The interior is made up of wood and black along with concrete. A large number of visitors are seen sitting at tables in the cafe.

The Emerald and Gembrook CFAs will be organising a sausage sizzle at Gembrook station, with all proceeds raised going to their respective brigades. Hot and cold drinks, as well as a range of snacks, will be available.

What to bring

The Train of Lights runs rain, hail or shine. The Dandenong Ranges can get very cold at night, and with passengers seated in open-side carriages, we suggest you prepare for cold and inclement weather by dressing accordingly and bringing extra layers for the evening.

Woman travelling onboard Puffing Billy's Train of Lights. She is looking out of the open side carriage to the illuminated landscape and is wearing a warm winter coat and beanie.
PB SITTING ON SILLS ICON 01

Please note

No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill onboard the Train of Lights.

Accessibility

Social Story

Use this social story to plan a visit to Puffing Billy's Train of Lights with children. You can read it online or download the PDF document to print.

Puffing Billy's Train of Lights Social Story (PDF)

Families with small children
  • ONLY FOLDABLE PRAMS ON THE TRAIN | Due to the narrow carriage doors, folding or narrow type pushers are the only types of prams that can be accommodated on Puffing Billy Railway. 
  • BABY CHANGE FACILITIES | Baby change facilities are available at the Lakeside Visitor Centre, Lakeside station and Gembrook station.
  • BOTTLE WARMING | Please approach the staff at the Railway Café, and they will be able to assist.
  • HIGHCHAIRS | Highchairs are available in Lakeside Visitor Centre's family-friendly Railway Café.

Family selfie on board PBR - Puffing Billy Railway

Carriage Dimensions

Our heritage open side carriages are narrow and have limited space. As a result, you may find the space restrictive, depending on your circumstances. Below, you will find a set of measurements and images that provide further information about our carriage dimensions. Kindly note that due to differences in height between platforms and carriages, some measurements may vary and the below is to be seen as a guide only.  

External dimensions

Photo showing external carriage dimensions. Read below for a list of bullet points outlining the dimensions.

List of external dimensions

  • Height of carriage door: 1,750 mm
  • Width of carriage door: 600 mm
  • Height from platform to step into the carriage (approximate only): 150 mm
  • Space from platform to step up into carriage (approximate only): 250 mm
  • Height from step to the floor in the carriage: 300 mm

Internal dimensions

Photo showing internal carriage dimensions. Read below for a list of bullet points outlining the dimensions.

List of internal dimensions

  • Height of carriage door: 1,750 mm
  • Width of carriage door: 600 mm
  • Depth of bench seat: 400 mm
  • Height underneath bench seat: 500 mm
  • Width from bench seat to wall: 400-450 mm
Assistance Dogs

Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals are permitted to visit and travel onboard Puffing Billy Railway in accordance with Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Assistance dogs must be always restrained by a harness or leash.

BOOKING TICKETS | When booking online, please advise us in the "Notes" section of the booking that you will have an assistance dog accompanying you on the day. If you have any questions, please contact our friendly Customer Service Centre team on [email protected] or (03) 9757 0700 during their opening hours: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday and 8.30 am - 12.30 pm Saturday - Sunday.

Frequently Asked Questions