Enjoy a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest steam railway and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. Travel 24 kilometres through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave.

Puffing Billy is the last of the experimental narrow-gauge railway lines built at the turn of the 20th century, and easily accessible by public transport from Melbourne. Tours are offered by all major day tour operators.

The open-sided carriages are the best way to see the stunning views. You can catch the train at any of the stations along the way, or watch the train go by from one of the stations' refreshment rooms.

How about sampling one of the 'Wine and Dine' options? Travel in the heritage enclosed dining carriages onboard the daily 'Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train'. Savour three courses or graze over a Natter Platter. Alternatively, travel on the 'Dinner and Dance Train', available most Friday and Saturday evenings.

Special Events at Puffing Billy

- Day out with Thomas in Autumn and Spring - Experience a steam train ride with 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and 'Diesel' and enjoy the 'Thomas and Fat Controller' pantomime along with other activities at Puffing Billy's Emerald Town Station (bookings essential).

- The Annual Puffing Billy Great Train Race - race against Puffing Billy and see if you can beat this veteran steam train in this popular 13.2 kilometre fun run. The Great Train Race takes place on the first Sunday in May every year. Places are limited, with competitors entering online through Puffing Billy's website.

- Themed night trains - Murder on the Puffing Billy Express and Jazz on Puffing Billy Railway (bookings essential).

For further details and dates please visit the website.

Cost

Payment methods accepted

Cancellation and booking policy

Bookings are essential for all dining trains and special events. Special dietary requirements are available with 72 hours prior notice. If a cancellation is received within five working days of travel for the 'Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train', no refund will be given. If a cancellation is received within 21 working days of travel for the 'Dinner and Dance Train' as well as themed night trains, no refund will be given. No refund is given for online bookings.

Local directions

Melway Map ref: 75 F10. We are located 40 kilometres East of Melbourne.

Facilities

Activities

Opening hours

For daily timetable, please visit the website.

Daily
9:00am -5:00pm
Closed Christmas Day

Memberships

• Australian Tourism Export Council
• Inbound Tour Operators Association
• Tourism Alliance Victoria

Disabled access

Contact operator for further details.

Additional business information

Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train
Puffing Billy Railway's 'Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train' gives guests a choice of a Natter Platter Menu or a sumptuous three course menu. The Natter Platter is fantastic for sharing with a group of friends and provides a great new alternative to the standard three course menu. Puffing Billy Railway has also refreshed the beverage list and will now be serving all locally produced wine aboard the famous Steam Train. The heritage dining carriages have all been refurbished to include heating on those cooler days so why not enjoy first class travel in comfort! Trains depart from Belgrave, which is only 40 kilometres or one hour east of Melbourne by car or coach. Easy access is also available by electric train from Melbourne in around one hour, with a short walk from the electric train station to the Puffing Billy station.

Dinner and Dance Train
Join family, friends and/or work colleagues for a unique dining experience! Experience the grandeur of a steam train journey in the heated heritage carriages. Enjoy an entree of homemade soup on the forward journey before alighting at the historic Nobelius Packing Shed. Savour a sumptuous meal by the blazing open fire at 'the Shed , including a selection of roast meats and desserts. The musical entertainer will ensure everyone has a great time!

Jazz on Puffing Billy Railway
Jazz on Puffing Billy Railway will be trumpeting along with live Jazz music with the Mast Gully Quartet, great local wines and a dinner in the historic Nobelius Packing Shed. The Train departs from Puffing Billy’s Belgrave Station at 7.15pm. Please ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the departure time. Train journey: Our enclosed dining carriages are heated in winter to ensure your journey is both comfortable and enjoyable. During the forward journey your entree will be served before disembarking at the historic Nobelius Packing Shed. On the return journey, tea, coffee and dinner chocolates will be served. Venue: In the rustic informality of the 'Nobelious Packing Shed', you'll be sure to enjoy the blazing log fire during the cooler months. Select a variety of roast meats, vegetables and salads from the buffet followed by various dessert options. A range of beverages including local wines are available for purchase. You will be listening to more Jazz tunes until the driver blows the whistle signalling your return to the train. The arrival time into Belgrave Station is approximately 11.30 pm.