Puffing Billy Railway

Family fun at the Puffing Billy Railway Attraction

The Puffing Billy has long held a special place in the hearts of tourists, with families and day trippers alike climbing aboard Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway to enjoy the ride and check out the lush fern forest surroundings.

Located an hour outside of Melbourne’s CBD, the Puffing Billy winds around vibrant fern gullies and giant Mountain Ash trees, providing the most tranquil backdrop for a fun adventure out of town.

So, what is it about the Puffing Billy that makes it such a special place to visit? And why is it one of the best things to do to escape the hustle and bustle of the city?

It’s simply one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys

The lush fern forests of the Dandenong Ranges are the quintessential backdrop for weary Melburnians and eager travellers to take in some fresh air, and the Puffing Billy provides the perfect glimpse of this pristine part of Victoria!

Hopping aboard at Belgrave Station or Lakeside Station, passengers can either enjoy the peaceful surroundings in a standalone strip or part of a long journey across mountainous forests and rugged farmland. Either way, the Puffing Billy provides the best opportunity to see the vibrant forest and fern gullies in all their mystical wonder.

Have a picnic in the trees

The Dandenong Ranges are a place that people go hiking, take an awesome train ride and enjoy a picnic among towering Mountain Ash trees. There are a great number of beautiful picnic spots located right near the Puffing Billy’s starting point, including the serene Emerald Park Lake – the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing lunch with loved ones.

Hire your own carriage!

The Puffing Billy is a great place to host a special occasion, and you can even hire your own carriage to enjoy with friends and family! Perfect for birthdays, family get-togethers or just a memorable catch up with old friends, hiring your own Puffing Billy carriage is a great way to experience this beautiful terrain in absolute peace and tranquility.

Take the kids to the rail museum

The Menzies Creek Museum is home to over 80 railway themed exhibits and is the perfect place to take your rail-enthusiast young ones. Here, you can learn about the history of the Puffing Billy, as well as rare operational steam and diesel locomotives, before enjoying a nice refreshment at the Little Toot Cafe – all aboard!