Puffing Billy

Alternatively, beat the queue by pre-ordering a grazing box or basic scones and tea to take pleasure in at your leisure. Puffing Billy Railway is thrilled to unveil a new timetable packed with a lot extra adventure, working from 23 December 2024 to 26 June 2025 and obtainable to book from 18 September. Along with a fresh lineup of day by day tour prepare providers, passengers will soon be handled to an thrilling new expertise beneath the celebs; Twilight Trains, operating each Thursday evening and kicking off on 10 October.

The historic steam prepare departs from Belgrave and weaves by way of the vast Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy hearty meals, good company and reside music with a group of pals.Travelling aboard Dine Enjoy a 1-hour journey by way of lush rainforests, embracing the time-honoured custom of dangling your legs out of the train. Lakeside Visitor Centre combines its natural environment with the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Puffing Billy Railway to supply visitors a cultural hub with world class facilities. Attending a Rotary District Conference as a Rotarian offers a unique opportunity for inspiration, development, and connection.

Puffing Billy usually runs special family-friendly events corresponding to A Day Out with Thomas in Spring and Autumn and Santa Specials in December. You can peek inside people’s backyards, look out for wildlife within the fern gullies and respect the views of Cardinia Reservoir. You can select to go further to Gembrook, which is roughly one other 50 minutes away however the return journey takes 5 hours. In the spirit of reconciliation, Holidays with Kids acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of nation all through Australia and their connections to land, sea and neighborhood. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and lengthen that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

The railway was expensive to run and suffering from financial losses from the beginning – these have been further amplified by dwindling passenger numbers as car possession increased. The line finally closed in 1954 after a landslide destroyed a portion of the observe. In recognition of the extent of success that the event has loved, in 2010 the ‘Kids Fun Run with Thomas’ was awarded the Cardinia Shire ‘Community Projects Award’ and in 2011 was awarded the Rotary District 9810 ‘Community Service Award’. Rotary International Awarded the Club with a Significant Achievement Award for the occasion in 2015. The project has restored the Gembrook station’s facade again to its unique glory – celebrating its rich heritage dating back to the town’s initial settlement in 1873. When you disembark at Gembrook Station, you will have the opportunity to take unique pictures of the dazzling prepare and its illuminations.

For newer members, this could be eye-opening, whereas skilled Rotarians are reminded of the powerful position they play within this huge, impactful organization. The convention is a robust reminder that every Rotarian’s efforts contribute to a bigger mission, making the event a unifying expertise that reinforces the dedication to “Service Above Self.” The vacationer practice carried a report number of passengers in that interval, however working costs elevated dramatically because of ageing infrastructure and flood damage. A Puffing Billy volunteer who sexually abused two younger prepare enthusiasts has been sentenced to jail time however is unlikely to serve a day.

Puffing Billy makes for an exquisite opportunity to relax and breathe in the recent air while the prepare makes its means via the temperate rainforest. Passengers can disembark at numerous stations alongside the way, exploring charming cities and villages. The Lakeside Visitor Centre boasts a modern cafe, a gift store showcasing native crafts, and a gallery featuring historical railway artefacts.

Puffing Billy Railway’s Education Programs are designed to provide kids with hands-on learning opportunities in history, engineering, and the surroundings. These applications, tailored for numerous age teams, embody guided tours, interactive activities, and classroom resources—all based on the renowned steam practice. It’s a wonderful academic expertise that combines pleasure and important teachings in a unique historic setting. Our tour departs from Melbourne CBD and just an hour’s drive could have you standing on the platform at Belgrave Station able to climb aboard.

An extremely devoted staff of round 900 volunteers and dozens of employees hold Puffing Billy and all the opposite trains operational. Local Emerald resident Craig Appelby was the primary man to cross the end line within the 13.5km occasion, with a time of forty four minutes and eleven seconds. Cockatoo resident Sarah Klein was the primary female to take out prime spot with a time of forty eight minutes and eleven seconds. Both runners beat Puffing Billy, which arrived in 56 minutes and 12 seconds.The gruelling half marathon saw John Dutton take home the gold medal with a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 54 seconds.

The excitement begins from the moment you arrive at the station with the sight of the historic locomotives, the odor of the steam and the sound of the train’s whistle. As with all 120-year-old steam locomotives, their race time varies primarily based on numerous components, including monitor situations, weather, and food (coal) consumption main into the race. We respectfully acknowledge the normal homeowners, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong folks of the Kulin Nation, because the custodians of the land and waters the place we stay, source, and share hospitality. We pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander neighborhood Elders, past, current and emerging.

It may also help Puffing Billy’s partnerships with the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley companies, including wineries and gourmet producers, to showcase the region and their merchandise to visitors. It provides a modern framework to future-proof the operations and governance of the attraction so it could operate extra successfully and continue to draw guests to the Dandenong Ranges. People from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally and linguistically numerous backgrounds, and folks with disabilities who have the relevant expertise, are inspired to apply. We have an exciting alternative for a hands-on and proactive Passenger Services Manager to affix our group based mostly in Belgrave, VIC and oversee the customer expertise of our passengers. The commissioners’ Train only runs a quantity of instances a year and passengers are shown the workshop the place the trains are maintained – engines are utterly overhauled. It stops in Menzies Creek the place the new Puffing Billy Museum is being constructed, before rambling off to Emerald, Lakeside, and Gembrook.

Puffing Billy Railway is committed to providing an gratifying expertise for everybody and has a variety of accessible services obtainable for our passengers. Rotary brings collectively a worldwide network of volunteerleaders who dedicate their time and expertise to tacklethe world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.Rotary connects 1.four million members from more than200 nations and geographical areas. Our members are dedicated people who share apassion for both group service and friendship.Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diversegroup of execs who share your drive to give again. Finally, a District Conference permits Rotarians to see the bigger image and gain a renewed sense of purpose. While club activities are integral, the convention highlights the broader scope of Rotary’s affect both regionally and globally. Sessions often showcase humanitarian tasks, focus on Rotary’s areas of focus, and supply updates on Rotary International’s targets.

For me, an interstate migrant, steam trains are a dream image from watching Thomas the Tank Engine. I had no concept that there was a super amazing choo-choo practice, an hours drive from the Peninsula, that whisked you away to that world of the past. However, doing a self-guided trip to the Dandenongs is so easy and a complete day can easily be spent up right here. Ride the steam train and discover Emerald Park Lake or do the return trip to Belgrave after which take a hike in the forest. Along the way you’ll cross the historic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, wave on the friendly locals from their backyards and spot the Cardinia Reservoir in the distance.

These months offer gentle, pleasant climate, good for having fun with out of doors actions like practice rides and exploring the scenic Dandenong Ranges. The panorama is gorgeous during these times, with spring bringing vibrant blooms and autumn showcasing beautiful foliage. Additionally, these seasons have a tendency to attract fewer crowds compared to the height summer and winter months, providing a extra relaxed and enjoyable experience. Or get pleasure from a unique kind of Puffing Billy Railway expertise in superbly restored heritage dining carriages as part of the railway’s first-class Steam You will see the historic locomotives being ready for departure at Lakeside Station and be waved aboard by the engine driver, wearing conventional blue overalls and cap, and their stately conductors.

In 1962 the Preservation Society formally opened the line from Belgrave to Menzies Creek, however this time as a tourist attraction. An extension to Emerald opened in 1965, to the Lakeside Station in 1975 and finally all the method in which to Gembrook in 1998. It’s an icon and nothing brings back more childhood memories than going on a journey on Puffing Billy. The odor of the engines and the clunks and grinds of equipment as you enter the Belgrave platform, is all a part of the expertise. Add in the volunteers wearing traditional uniforms blowing whistles and waving flags – you are feeling like you’re a part of the Thomas the Tank Engine story.

The project brings collectively practice fanatics and native park goers, creating a unique tourism amenity offering which collects the various users of the site in a single however complex building. Step right into a timeless world of wonder with Australia’s favourite steam prepare, Puffing Billy, located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and solely one-hour east of Melbourne. The dwelling legend that’s Puffing Billy was inbuilt 1900 to serve the native communities that lived in the hills, carrying something from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants. Today, the railway is a century old not-for-profit steam railway that connects and enriches people with the previous, the setting and each other. Start the outside journey on board Australia’s favorite steam practice as you dangle your legs from Puffing Billy’s conventional open-side carriages; a truly iconic expertise that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. Feel the wind in your hair and watch the trees move by in front of your feet because the train winds by way of probably the most magnificent scenery of the Dandenong Ranges, only one hour from Melbourne.

Bike racks at Belgrave Station make it straightforward to secure your experience whilst you explore. After Moonlit Sanctuary we arrive on Phillip Island, where we’ll visit Point Grant. You can take within the spectacular views of The Nobbies and Seal Rocks in this location.

At the time of the abuse Mr Drew was dwelling in Upwey and a student at Ferntree Gully Tech School, where he said different college students knew what was taking place to boys on the tourist railway. The court docket paperwork identify members of the preservation society and the board who knew that Whitehead was a paedophile as early because the Sixties. Mr Drew claims Victorian Railways failed to research Whitehead’s previous conviction, failed to investigate his activities with kids and enabled him to make use of his place within the organisation to satisfy youngsters. In 1983, Mr Drew’s fascination with trains led him to volunteer for Puffing Billy alongside dozens of different children and younger teenagers.

Ride in the open sides carriages because the historic steam trains proceed to run on their authentic mountain monitor between Belgrave and Gembrook, in the pure surrounds of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. The iconic Puffing Billy Railway is a much-loved tourist attraction located within the Dandenong Ranges, forty kilometres east of Melbourne. Emerald Lake Park is a scenic destination for many, centrally located on the railway.

You shall be liable for implementing initiatives and activities that enhance the expertise of our guests. This includes making certain the delivery of excessive standards of customer service for the complete buyer journey and the Lakeside Visitor Centre, on website passenger interplay and security management. Established in 1900, the railway served the local communities that lived within the hills and carried anything from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants. Today, we have become a tourism icon thanks to the tireless efforts of over 300 volunteers and staff of dedicated workers. The volunteers and staff who preserve the trains, organize excursions and the timetables are all a beautiful group of characters who make it such a particular expertise to experience on the trains.

Lakeside Visitor Centre Discover Puffing Billy Railway’s new state-of-the-art facility set within the scenic surrounds of Emerald Lake Park. Designed by renowned architects Terroir, Lakeside Visitor Centre’s light-filled occasion areas echo the railway’s heritage without compromising on consolation or facilities. Lakeside Visitor Centre options indoor and outdoor occasion areas, native meals and wine, and inspiring group experiences. The Railway was inbuilt 1900 to serve the native communities that lived within the hills, carrying something from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants.

Discover an array of activities Emerald Lake Park has to supply including bike rent, paddle boat rides, strolling trails, playgrounds, and a miniature model railway show. The Emerald and District Museum has an exquisite collection of family and agricultural items, private things, business information, and images that trace the community’s progress from its gold rush days in the late 1850s. The museum, situated within the Nobelius Heritage Park, provides a singular view into the previous on the grounds of a once-thriving wholesale nursery firm. The park is a dwelling tribute to Carl Axel Nobelius, who created the Gembrook Nurseries in 1893, and it maintains the reminiscence of the once-great Nobelius Nurseries, which played an necessary half in regional history. With the return of the iconic, decades-old custom of dangling your legs from Puffing Billy’s conventional open carriages, passengers can as quickly as once more experience the true thrill of sitting on the carriage sill from Belgrave to Lakeside.

The women perused the local Op Shop whilst us dads shepherded the youngsters around the quaint native lolly store, filling small paper luggage with a spread of sweets from quaint jars. Then, bursting with sugar-fuelled power, we unleashed the youngsters onto the train-themed playground that sits beside the station. There are some small shed-like stations alongside the track to Gembrook and transient emergence into the passing cities, but the main points of interest are the three wooden bridges that the train traverses. One of those is the largest on the Puffing Billy line, spanning over 60 metres in size and 15 metres in peak; an engineering feat of wood and steel to assist the good weight of the practice and its passengers. You will find inside native knowledge on parks, playgrounds, cafes, family actions, markets and extra all ready to be uncovered, rediscovered and loved. Puffing Billy, a famend Victorian tourist gem nestled in the coronary heart of the Dandenong Ranges, has been a beloved a half of the hills group for over a century.

Whether it’s energetic adventure, a contact of nostalgia or cultural experiences, there is something for everybody at Puffing Billy Railway. With a particular whistle that travels throughout the hills, the practice winds its means by way of towering forest, round bends and over timber trestle bridges, whereas children onboard wave at passers-by. The Lakeside Hall at Puffing Billy Railway’s Lakeside Visitor Centre offers an overview of the railway’s historical past in addition to the Dandenong Ranges.

Embodying the meandering rail route by way of the panorama, the visitors journey is nuanced across the bush landscape. Menzies Creek MuseumLet your friends be really immersed in some of Australia’s rarest and most unusual railway artifacts as they dine and dance the night time away on the Menzies Creek Museum. The museum is an hour’s drive from the CBD – or board Puffing Billy at Belgrave for an iconic 30-minute rail journey passing over the historic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge and thru the forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Travel by way of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, with lush fern gullies brushing previous and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead.

Puffing Billy operates daily besides Christmas Day, and is definitely accessible from Melbourne by Metro Train on the Belgrave Line. Function spaces may be employed independently or mixed with our steam prepare journeys, including non-public constitution trains, exclusive carriages for teams, and onboard dining in enclosed heritage first-class carriages. Experience the time-honoured custom of sitting on the carriage sill – a real thrill for young and old! Ride in open-sided carriages over the rolling hills, down the valley and into the forest on the original 24km mountain observe between Belgrave and Gembrook and enjoy the simplicity and great thing about the region on board our Excursion prepare journey. With lush fern gullies brushing past your open side carriage and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, the whole household will love riding the Puffing Billy steam prepare in your subsequent weekend journey or college holidays excursion. Thanks to Puffing Billy’s signature open-side carriages, you’ll have front-row seats to the journey’s mountains, forests, valleys and iconic timber trestle bridges.

You can even pre-purchase delectable grazing bins along with your prepare tickets to gather at Lakeside and picnic in style. Alternatively, you’ll have the ability to sit in the Lakeside Visitor Centre Railway Café for a scrumptious menu full of seasonal produce. At The Nobbies, you possibly can explore the boardwalks and luxuriate in panoramic coastal views of Bass Strait, stroll alongside the clifftop boardwalks with views out to the Nobbies and Seal Rocks.

The Puffing Billy train is Australia’s premier preserved steam prepare, transporting guests back to the golden age of steam travel. Puffing Billy is positioned in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, only an hour east of Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for journey, a taste of historical past, or a cultural expertise, Puffing Billy Railway has one thing for everyone, making it a preferred vacation spot for locals and vacationers. Today, Puffing Billy Railway is a serious vacationer attraction and incites visitors to come back and experience a century old custom.

It’s also probably the most picturesque and well-known part of the monitor, allows a return journey back to Belgrave and takes 60 minutes a technique (2 hours return). For spectacular panoramic views of Melbourne, visit the Melbourne Skydeck, on the 88th level of the Eureka Tower. This observation platform provides a unique view of the metropolitan skyline, with sweeping panoramas that reach the Dandenong Ranges.

Climax 1694 is the only wood-fired locomotive working on the Puffing Billy Line and the one one operating in Australia. Built in 1928 by the Climax Manufacturing Company in Pennsylvania, this excellent little train hauled timber for 21 years in Gippsland before the line was closed in 1949. (Sadly, there was an incident that, although not too critical, it has meant that sitting together with your legs out of the practice is no longer allowed). Although parts of the location had been identified as having potential to comprise Aboriginal artefacts, after extensive archaeological surveying no artefacts had been identified. The Biosis heritage team developed the Cultural Heritage Management Plan to incorporate tips for action should any artefacts be discovered in future, and ongoing site management situations have been agreed with Wurundjeri elders.

For those in search of an adrenaline rush, the Edge—a glass-floored platform dangling 300 metres above ground—is a tremendous experience. This place consists of panoramic views of Melbourne and its environs, the exciting Edge expertise, interactive exhibitions and multimedia shows, and a café and bar the place you may benefit from the views while ingesting refreshments. That mentioned, Puffing Billy Railway operates year-round, and each season presents its distinctive appeal. In summer season (December to February), warmer climate makes it ideal for picnics and other outside activities, although it can be busier with greater temperatures.

As daylight fades and the crisp winter air sets in, passengers embark on a charming 2.5-hour journey from Lakeside Station to Gembrook. Along the historic narrow-gauge monitor, the train comes alive with a mesmerising array of lights and colors, casting an enchanting glow towards the evening sky. The Train of Lights is again on the tracks for 2024 and ready to captivate passengers with a magical winter journey by way of the Dandenong Ranges. Australia’s favourite steam prepare Puffing Billy might be your conductor for this two-and-a-half-hour round journey that illuminates the natural great factor about the region with hundreds of dazzling lights. Puffing Billy Railway is situated at the finish of the Belgrave metro line or a straightforward 40km drive from Melbourne GPO (free automotive parking is available). If you’re able to construct lifelong friendships, contribute to the group and be a half of living historical past – we might like to have you ever on board!

For additional info or to e-book a Twilight Train experience, go to /experiences/excursion/thursday-twilight-train/ . You can benefit from the beloved custom of sticking your legs outside the window of Puffing Billy Railway’s historic open-side carriages. Free for all prepare ticket holders, passengers can even explore the Menzies Creek Museum which is residence to greater than eighty railway-related exhibits. These embody uncommon operational steam and diesel locomotives, an operational boiler house that companies steam engines and the Little Toot Café for all of your morning tea wants.

The park has two pretty lakes, Lake Treganowan and Lake Nobelius, surrounded by magnificent timber, some of that are so spectacular that they’re listed with the National Trust of Australia. Visitors could enjoy many walking pathways that run via the pure bushland, offering peaceable vistas and alternatives to reconnect with nature. The park additionally has a playground and a wading pool that are open in the summertime, making it an ideal location for families and nature fanatics. Ask any Melburninan about it and they’ll little question bear in mind a time they climbed on board to make the scenic journey via the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing Billy’s steam engine billows smoke as you allow the stration and leaves a trail by way of the trees as you cruise alongside the tracks. Puffing Billy is certainly one of the finest preserved steam railways on the planet and operates because of the tireless efforts of their volunteers.

In preserving with the Fun Run’s theme of ‘Kids Helping Kids’, all of the cash raised has been donated to tasks supporting and aiding children. The Fun Run is structured around 5 occasions, the place children aged three to 8 years, run in opposition to Thomas the Tank Engine, and a sixth event sees 9 to 12 12 months olds working against Puffing Billy. Sign as a lot as our free publication and receive weekly updates on occasions and issues to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula. The return journey lasts for a serene 2.5 hours, with a stopover in Gembrook Station the place you’ll be able to grab refreshments and winter warmers. It provides passengers the opportunity to experience the natural surrounds of the Dandenong Ranges at night time while being immersed in a wide ranging gentle show designed by acclaimed lighting production company Resolution X. The century-old tradition of sitting on the carriage sills was banned about six years ago, after a minibus did not cease for an activated stage crossing outside Menzies Creek and collided with the heritage train.

Enjoy your entrée within the enclosed eating carriages before arriving at the unique operate venue, the Nobelius Packing Shed, the place mains and desserts are served. The evening’s entertainers will make certain your evening out is gratifying with stay music that everybody is conscious of and loves! Whether you want to dance or prefer to have a chat with your fellow passengers, you’ll be certain to enjoy the ambiance of ‘The Shed’ till it’s time to return to the train. Add a trendy twist of steam to your subsequent occasion, with options to constitution a prepare, hire unique carriages for your group, or enjoy First Class wine and dine experiences in beautifully restored heritage eating carriages. Plus, there are various experiences off the rails – from paddle boating to bike rent – to reconnect and inspire your group. The Lakeside to Gembrook return journey departs from the picturesque Lakeside station inside Emerald Lake Park.

Something that has made driving on Puffing Billy an thrilling experience for a number of years is the custom of sitting in the carriage window sills. Including trees ferns, ground ferns and the towering mountain ash eucalyptus bushes. The space is known for having cool temperatures and is the right place to escape the summer season warmth. The journey by way of the Dandenong Ranges is what makes this an even more particular expertise. However, in 1953 a landslide blocked the track and prevented the train from operating. It was solely due to the onerous work of volunteers that the line was in a place to be reopened.

Opened in 1900 as the rail connection between Upper Ferntree Gully and Gembrook, the line was unique in its slender gauge building (one of solely four in Victoria), permitting the train to negotiate the Dandenong Ranges’ mountainous terrain. Step again in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, situated within the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and only one hour from Melbourne CBD. Visit the brand new state-of–the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre at Emerald Lake precinct to study more concerning the railway and the region.

Puffing Billy Railway is a child-safe organisation committed to protecting youngsters and young people from hurt. Employees are required to signal our Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct and undergo a Rail Safety Medical, take part in a National Criminal History Check, and hold an worker standing Working with Children Check. Evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination status is required from the profitable applicant. You shall be a part of a caring and supportive staff of go-getters who love what they do and who’re keen about guaranteeing our prospects have the best possible experience. There is a superb stroll from Belgrave to Sassafras, 12 km or so, but really pretty.

You can benefit from the iconic steam practice journey all the method in which to Menzies Creek station. After a brief while the place this wasn’t allowed – but it has returned to be a part of the expertise again. You can climb in regards to the railway carriages, sit on the window sill along with your legs hanging out, and be proper on the sting as you cross over the trestles bridges, and previous rolling hills. The magic is within the whistle blowing, the steam billowing and the practice chugging out of the station. The Puffing Billy Steam Train and railway line is maintained by a dedicated staff of volunteers. Today the century-old steam practice nonetheless runs on the mountain monitor between Belgrave and Gembrook.

Whether it’s an lively journey, a contact of nostalgia, or cultural experiences, there is something for everybody at Puffing Billy Railway. There are also several specialty prepare occasions happening all yr long similar to ‘Day Out with Thomas’, ‘Jazz on Puffing Billy’, ‘Rock N Roll Train’ and ‘Murder Mystery Train’. The railway has been properly cared for and maintained by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. The journey aboard Puffing Billy takes you through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, positioned only one hour east of Melbourne.

It has a contemporary café with the most effective produce on offer within the area, a devoted reward store that includes locally designed treasures and a gallery of steam artifacts within the Lakeside Hall. Take within the lush fern gullies brushing past the open facet carriages and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead. A journey on the Puffing Billy Railway is an excellent opportunity to relax and breathe within the contemporary air whilst the practice makes its method through the temperate rainforest. Puffing Billy is Australia’s favorite steam practice and one of many finest preserved steam railways on the planet. This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track within the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne.

Step back in time to Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, located within the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and solely 60-minutes from Melbourne CBD. The prepare will take you past old depots together with Menzies Creek, Emerald and Lakeside. Here, you will be able to go to a museum, take a look at the gift store, and enjoy a delicious lunch or snack. Parents and grandparents can relive their very own childhood recollections while introducing the next technology to this unforgettable a part of Victorian history. Share the grandeur and charm of a three hour steam practice journey whilst savouring the First Class menu aboard the ‘Steam From Monday 26 September to Sunday 2 October, passengers travelling to Lakeside Station will discover a free spring-themed arts and crafts exercise zone on the Lakeside Visitor Centre for little ones to get pleasure from.

Embark on a guided tour and delve into the rich history and natural wonders of Puffing Billy Railway. Expert guides will lead you through lush forests, charming villages, and iconic landmarks, offering fascinating insights alongside the way. Providing limitless return travel on any excursion practice journey, entry to the Menzies Creek Museum and soon-to-be Lakeside Visitor Centre, special discounts on distinctive eating experiences and events, as properly as major meals Even four-legged members of the family can get in on the steam prepare enjoyable, with special month-to-month Lakeside to Gembrook Dog Express journeys on board enclosed compartment carriages. Enhance your expertise with audio guides, studying concerning the historical past, culture, and natural wonders as you explore.

Whether you’re craving thrilling adventures, serene nature escapes, or family-friendly outings, there’s one thing for everyone to get pleasure from along the Puffing Billy Railway route. More than four hundred,000 guests enjoy the preserved heritage steam railway yearly, and the return of leg dangling all the way from Belgrave to Gembrook is a very welcome development. It joins the recent upgrade to both the Gembrook Historic Station and Menzies Creek Station. Embark on a fascinating afternoon journey with us, starting your journey via the verdant Dandenong Ranges aboard the long-lasting Puffing Billy steam train. Marvel at the lush landscapes and historic locomotive because it winds its way from Belgrave to Lakeside throughout this hour-long expedition. At The Nobbies, relish panoramic coastal vistas of Bass Strait from the clifftop boardwalks and witness the awe-inspiring blowhole.

Puffing Billy Railway travels through the Dandenong Ranges, just one hour east of Melbourne. Experience the charm of Puffing Billy and the magic of the Penguin Parade in a single unforgettable day journey. Proceeds from the 2024 Puffing Billy Running Festival shall be donated to heritage railway projects, similar to the construction of Puffing Billy Railway’s Belgrave Station Signal Box. Puffing Billy Railway acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Bunurong folks as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Puffing Billy Railway operates, and pay our respects to their Elders previous, current and emerging. Puffing Billy Railway is proud to work with tourism businesses in our area people.

Each carriage was full of children, teens and adults chatting, snapping selfies and closing their eyes as they leaned out into the wind. The whistle sounds as it approaches every curve within the monitor, the engine turning into its own plume of steam and disappearing momentarily from sight. Passengers were photographing and Instagramming like mad as they tried to capture the fantastic thing about this journey. Now, the carriages are the place the Harry Potter connection departs as they are not closed-in compartments but open-sided home windows to the world. We all caught our heads out the aspect of the prepare because it chugged its way out of Lakeside station and commenced the 40-minute adventure to Gembrook.

The Lakeside Visitor Centre is an all-weather facility, accommodating up to 300 friends seated or 540 in cocktail type throughout its versatile occasion spaces. The complete centre can be booked for unique use in the evenings, offering the freedom to customise your occasion. Existing individuals shall be automatically transferred to the brand new occasion dates or can request a refund if they can’t attend. Due to unsafe circumstances and the necessity to assess risks to individuals and volunteers, in addition to impacts on train operations, Puffing Billy Railway and SingleTrack Events have determined to postpone the festival.

You can also enjoy an early lunch at the Lakeside Visitor Centre’s Railway Café, the place canine are welcome in the outdoor dining space. The operators of Victoria’s iconic Puffing Billy steam prepare say it faces an uncertain future without larger monetary assist from the State or Federal Governments. Welcome the end of time period three and the beginning of college holidays with a visit to Puffing Billy Railway – it’s the right time to get exterior, hold the youngsters shifting and exploring, and make household reminiscences that last a lifetime. Emerald Lake Park is essential to the festival, hosting the 1.2km and 5km occasions, the finish areas for the 13.5km and 21.1km races, as well as the race trains and parking.

When the steam engine is ready to depart the depot, you’ll hear the practice whistle blow. As you begin exiting Belgrave, there will be plenty of workers and visitors waving to you. With a novel experience and plenty to see, there isn’t any going incorrect with a Puffing Billy practice experience. Linear plan arrangement The linear association of perform is simple, legible and accessible.

For birdwatching lovers, Puffing Billy Railway presents various habitats and plentiful birdlife to look at. Whether in search of adventure, leisure, or cultural immersion, Puffing Billy Railway guarantees an unforgettable experience for all. Plan your journey right now and embark on a journey to discover the wonders of this iconic destination. Nestled amidst Victoria’s picturesque landscapes, this iconic railway offers charming experiences for visitors of all ages.

Discover great wildlife and spectacular landscapes made for adventure while sitting on the carriage sill of Puffing Billy’s open-side carriages. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a sprawling sanctuary amid the city that gives a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban rush. With over 8,500 plant species, it is a naturalist’s dream and a must-see for botanists. Visitors may stroll through themed gardens, enjoy lush landscapes, or relax by the quiet lakes. Here, yow will discover numerous plant collections from all through the world, gorgeous glasshouses exhibiting collections of flora, informative guided tours and educational packages, and attractive picnic areas and cafes for a calming break. Emerald Lake Park is a botanical wonder that covers around fifty two hectares and is house to both native and exotic flora, similar to fern gullies and eucalypt forests.

The Daily Excursion Trains at Puffing Billy Railway provide a nostalgic experience over the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, with three main routes catering to varied experiences. The Belgrave to Lakeside return route is well-liked, transporting passengers via lush woodlands and past beautiful landmarks together with the renowned Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. For those looking for to go farther, the Lakeside to Gembrook return route takes you into the stunning metropolis of Gembrook, the place you may discover native sights. The Belgrave to Gembrook return route provides an intensive journey, integrating the most effective of each previous trips right into a full-day journey. Each route presents open-sided carriages, letting visitors take pleasure in leisure within the pure environment. The Puffing Billy Dog Express is a novel prepare service designed for canine lovers and their animal pets.

Come be part of the award-winning team of volunteers which have made Puffing Billy Railway the much-loved vacationer attraction it’s right now. Climb aboard and step back in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy. Situated within the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy railway is simply 60-minutes from Melbourne CBD. Open every day with free entry to passengers and guests, go to puffingbilly.com.au/lakeside-visitor-centre for more information.

Puffing Billy Railway is a perfectly preserved steam prepare that’s been operating since 1900, capturing the spirit of the steam age in all its charming glory. We have stood the check of time being preserved, restored, and maintained by passionate individuals and championed by the space people. Volunteers put the life into our residing museum, supporting our efforts to protect and operate our heritage railway. Discover diverse wildlife on a safari journey and discover the pristine wilderness surrounding Puffing Billy Railway. Marvel at the stunning nationwide parks with their lush rainforests and rugged mountains, providing distinctive alternatives for exploration. Unwind on tranquil beaches, take in the solar, and luxuriate in swimming, surfing, or just lounging on the sand.

Therefore the section of line that Puffing Billy operates on at present was part of a significant line which was officially opened in December 1900. Just a short drive from Melbourne, amongst lush rainforest and quaint village towns, is an icon of Victoria – the Puffing Billy Steam Train. You may stop us collecting this information by opting out of our analytics program. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri individuals of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which OVIC operates. After an unforgettable day in the Dandenong Ranges, you’ll head again to the Melbourne city centre.

You will be succesful of feel the prepare shudder to life beneath you, scent the coal steam billowing out of the prepare’s chimney, and hear every blast of the evocative whistle. Puffing Billy was in-built 1900 to carry passengers, livestock, potatoes and timber to the small communities dwelling in the hills. “Puffing Billy has been some of the beloved experiences for Victorians and worldwide visitors for more than a hundred years, and now visitors can enjoy the excitement of sitting on the sills for the full length of the journey,” he said. With A Day Out with Thomas Thomas the Tank engine pulls the practice by way of a half of the Puffing Billy observe from Gembrook to Emerald plus there are different family-friendly activities to take pleasure in at Gembrook.

The line was closed in 1954 after a landslide, however because of devoted volunteers it was partially re-opened as a vacationer train in 1962. Companion card holders travel freed from charge onboard Puffing Billy’s every day practice journeys, and their shopper (with an Australian Government issued concession or healthcare card) pays a concession fare. Start off the day at Emerald Lake Park along with your pup, the place you’ll find a way to discover walking trails together before boarding dog-friendly carriages at Lakeside Station.

With a variety of scrumptious picnic packs out there, pre-order your meals and spend the remainder of your time making memories to treasure forever.Located adjacent to Lakeside station sits Puffing Billy’s new Lakeside Visitor Centre. Featuring a café with some of the best produce on offer within the region, and a present shop with locally produced crafts. The Train of Lights present seamlessly blends the timeless allure of steam locomotion with the up to date appeal of LED know-how, promising passengers an unforgettable journey via the enchanting Dandenong Ranges.

On Sunday, the state government introduced visitors would now have the flexibility to dangle their ft outside the carriages throughout the forest to Gembrook. Most Puffing Billy trains start their journey from Belgrave, the headquarters of the railway. You buy a ticket for a selected departure time in Belgrave and can return from Emerald on any scheduled train. Most individuals choose to journey the route between Belgrave and Lakeside / Emerald Lake Park.

Its nostalgic appeal and cultural significance have attracted each locals and tourists alike, creating cherished reminiscences for generations. Puffing Billy excursion trains depart a minimum of two times a day all through the week, with a wide range of journey options out there. More than four hundred,000 individuals climb aboard the heritage train every year.Puffing Billy Railway Board chair Tim North stated he was thrilled to announce the return of leg-dangling all the best way to Gembrook station. Puffing Billy will chug along the historic narrow-gauge monitor to Gembrook Station where friends will disembark for a 55-minute stopover. Here, you’ll be able to heat up by the crackling open firepits with scorching chocolate and reside acoustic music, and revel in a sausage sizzle by the Rotary Club of Emerald and District.