🚂 [Australia Travel Guide] Puffing Billy Railway – A Journey Through Time in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges
If you’re visiting Melbourne and looking for a unique and nostalgic day trip, hop aboard the Puffing Billy Railway — Australia’s most iconic heritage steam train. With open carriages, forested scenery, and the chance to dangle your legs over the edge, it’s an unforgettable ride through the lush Dandenong Ranges.
đź“Ť Basic Info
- Location: Belgrave Station, Victoria, Australia
- Route: Belgrave → Lakeside (or Gembrook)
- Duration: ~1 hour one-way to Lakeside (round trip ~2.5 hours including stops)
- Ticket Price: From AUD $46 per adult (round trip to Lakeside)
- Website: puffingbilly.com.au
đźšž What to Expect
Puffing Billy isn’t just a train – it’s a living piece of history. Operating since 1900, this open-sided steam train gives you sweeping views of towering mountain ash trees, fern gullies, wooden bridges, and rolling hills as you pass through Victoria’s temperate rainforest.
The best part? You’re allowed to sit on the window ledge with your legs hanging out, just like travelers did a century ago. It’s a unique and thrilling way to connect with nature and history.
🌳 Highlights of the Journey
- Leg-dangling carriages: Totally safe, but so much fun – especially for photos!
- Selby Trestle Bridge: The train curves beautifully around this classic wooden railway bridge
- Lakeside Station: Features a lovely lake, café, walking trails, and picnic spots
- Family-friendly: Kids absolutely love the whistle, steam, and open-air experience
- Great for all ages: Whether you’re a rail enthusiast or just looking to escape the city, it’s a scenic adventure for everyone
đź’ˇ Travel Tips
- Book in advance – popular dates (especially weekends and holidays) often sell out
- Arrive early – enjoy the station, grab a coffee, and explore the gift shop
- Bring a jacket or layers – it can get cool in the forest, even in summer
- Combine with a Yarra Valley wine tour or stop by Grants Picnic Ground to feed wild parrots
- Photographers’ paradise – sit near the front for those perfect curve shots on the bridges
