Welcome to Puffing Billy Railway, be part of our story!
Located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and only one-hour east of Melbourne is Puffing Billy Railway, one of Australia's oldest (over 120 years old, in fact!) and best-preserved heritage steam railways in the world.
Originally opened in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived here, Puffing Billy Railway's steam trains have carried everything from timber and livestock to potatoes, plants and people inside its traditional open side carriages.
Today, through the tireless efforts of more than 300 current volunteers, it is now a major Victorian tourist attraction that welcomes passengers every day of the year, except Christmas Day, to come and experience a century old tradition that still travels on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook.
Volunteer Roles
We have a number of roles where you can begin your volunteering journey with minimal training! These entry level roles are a great way to understand how the railway works and start on the training pathway towards becoming a Station Master, Guard / Signalman, Fireman, Steam Locomotive Driver, and more!
Entry Level Roles
Pathways to other roles
Starting out in one of the roles above provides a pathway to undertake further training for the following roles:
Contact Our People & Culture Team
If you are looking for more information or have any questions about volunteering with Puffing Billy Railway, please contact our People & Culture Team. You can also request a call back if you prefer this option.
Phone: (03) 9757 0715
Email:Â [email protected]
Mail: People & Culture Team, PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160
UPCOMING ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS
Join us in early 2026 for an Information Night to learn all about volunteering at Puffing Billy Railway!
Watch this space for more information, or reach out to us directly via [email protected]
Volunteer Stories
Do you want to know what it means to be a volunteer at Puffing Billy Railway? Discover stories from volunteers that have been involved with the railway from anywhere between 3 to 65 years!
Benefits of Volunteering
Puffing Billy Railway Volunteers enjoy a range of benefits including discounts and promotional offers from likeminded attractions and accommodation providers in our region.
The Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB), the operator of the Puffing Billy Railway is committed to involving volunteers in maintaining and delivering a heritage experience for our visitors. View our full commitment to volunteers’ policy.
The PBRB is also committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals’ Personal Information, Sensitive Information and Health Information that it may collect and hold. View our full privacy policy.