Puffing Billy Railway

Tourist attraction

★ 4.8 (10K+ reviews) • 162K+ booked

Just one hour from Melbourne, the Puffing Billy Railway offers one of the most unforgettable train rides in Australia. Nestled in the scenic Dandenong Ranges, this century-old steam train lets you dangle your legs out of open carriages, cruise through lush forests, and step back in time. It’s not just a ride — it’s a full-on nostalgic adventure. The Puffing Billy is more than just a steam train — it's a living piece of history. You’ll be riding on original tracks in restored carriages, some of which date back to the early 1900s. Run largely by passionate volunteers, the railway offers a fun, laid-back vibe full of charm and excitement. Sitting on the edge of the open-sided carriage with your legs hanging out is not only allowed, it’s encouraged — and it’s the only railway in the world that lets you do this!

1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160, Australia

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4.8 /5

10K+ reviews

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YiHaoHoward ***

1 Jul

Very nice experience with Jose! Memorable trip in Melbourne

吳 **

1 Jul

Sit on a steam train with a very old feel, and slowly travel along the green mountainous area, accompanied by the smoke and the sound of the train, it is very healing. The biggest feature is "sitting by the window and hanging your feet out of the car", which is a very special memory!

Kuan *******

30 Jun

The itinerary was on time. An email was sent the day before to inform the meeting point. The Chinese tour guide explained professionally. The steam train, feeding kangaroos in the zoo, and the penguin homing were all great experiences. It is worth a visit. However, the itinerary was tight and there was no time to eat properly, so it is recommended to bring your own dry food and water. In addition, it is colder in the mountains and the sea in winter, so bring enough warm clothes. By the way, the zoo will collect cash on site, 33 Australian dollars for adults and 18 Australian dollars for children, and a tip of 5 Australian dollars per person will be collected at the end.

Klook用戶

30 Jun

we got sufficient time for all the spots and thx to our tourist guide William! He is a hilarious, helpful and warmhearted guy🤣 He helped us take photos and even brought us to an extra spot for stargazing. He wiped the car window for us so we can easily see animals on the car when we’re on Philip Island. Highly recommended!!!

Nur *****

29 Jun

It’s a long day out of town, so definitely pack some snacks and drinks for the ride! You’ll be spending quite a bit of time in the coach, but honestly, both Puffing Billy and Phillip Island were 100% worth it. The Puffing Billy train ride felt surreal — like being transported to another world. If you’re boarding from Lakeside, try to sit on the left side for better views (though the right side’s still nice too!). The ride is super calm and peaceful, and we loved waving at the locals along the way! Phillip Island was such a highlight. We arrived just in time to see the adorable little penguins waddling up to their burrows 🐧 Just a heads up — no photos or videos are allowed during this part, to protect the penguins. But seeing them up close as they made their way home was such a special moment. All in all, a long but magical day — highly recommend!

Jacqueline ***

29 Jun

it was a full day tour and it was awesome.. Went to 4 itineraries- Brighton Beach, Yarra Valley Wine Tasting, Healesville Sanctuary and the highlight is Puffing Billy Railway!! definitely worth the price we paid for!!

Tam ********

29 Jun

The tour guide curtis was friendly and good, serving as both tour guide and driver in his own hands. Very detailed explanation of the itinerary, and different places to be aware of places, time will not be very rushed. At the end of Penguin Island you can see many little penguins very happy. Since it was past eight when we got back to the city after the trip, he would recommend us what restaurants were good for the evening. Then we went to a recommended Chinese restaurant and ice cream shop that was really delicious. 10 points recommended.

Woo *

29 Jun

Tour guide Tian was very friendly. He kept introducing us to the scenery along the way and also shared with us his experiences and suggestions on living in Melbourne.

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Things to Do on the Puffing Billy Railway

Dangle Your Legs Out of the Carriage

Let your legs swing out of the open-sided train as you ride through the trees. This iconic Puffing Billy tradition is both thrilling and relaxing --- and makes for some great photos.

Ride the Heritage Steam Train

Hop aboard a vintage steam locomotive and enjoy the slow, steady chug through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. You'll feel like you're in a different era.

Explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre

Located at Emerald Lake, this stop has everything you need --- food, toilets, a Puffing Billy mini-museum, and space to rest. It's a great halfway break.

Wander Around Emerald Lake

Use your stopover time to walk the peaceful trails around Emerald Lake. You'll find picnic areas, gardens, and plenty of places to unwind in nature.

Try Paddle Boats or Bike Rentals

Get active with pedal boats or rent a bike to cruise the lake area. It's a fun way to make the most of your stop before catching your return train.

Wave at Spectators

As the Puffing Billy rolls through town crossings, locals and tourists wave from the road --- creating a sweet, interactive moment between passengers and onlookers.

Enjoy a Traditional Tea Break

Grab a cozy lunch or warm drink at the Lakeside café. Try the English breakfast tea and scones --- just know that clotted cream may not be available, so get creative!

Tips Before Visiting Puffing Billy Railway

Book Early (Or Keep Checking!)

Puffing Billy is super popular and often books out. But last-minute cancellations happen --- check the website regularly if your date is full.

Time It Right

If you want more time at Emerald Lake, choose one of the earlier departures. Later trains feel more rushed with less time to explore.

Wear the Right Shoes

Stick with lace-up shoes --- sandals or loose footwear might fall off while your legs are hanging out the train!

Expect a Bit of Soot

You might get some charcoal dust in your hair, on your face, or clothes. It wipes off easily, but dress accordingly.

Bring Warm Layers

It can get chilly during the ride, especially if you're hanging out of the train. A warm jacket or beanie can help.

Leg Dangling Isn't Always Comfy

Fun as it is, sitting on the edge can be tough on your legs after a while --- a bit of stretching (or yoga) beforehand doesn't hurt!

Popular Attractions Near Puffing Billy Railway

Emerald Lake -- 0 minutes (Train Stop)

This scenic lake is right by the Lakeside Visitor Centre, where you can stroll, paddle, picnic, or just relax.

Belgrave Town -- 2 minutes

Start your journey in this quirky little town filled with antique shops, secondhand bookstores, and cozy gift stores. It's where the train begins.

Belgrave Cafes -- 3 minutes

Check out local favorites like The Bean Cartel or Little Henri for a good coffee or snack before you board Puffing Billy.

Dandenong High Tea Spots -- 10--15 minutes

Enjoy a proper sit-down high tea in the area before or after your train ride. Some themed spots offer a unique pre-train brunch experience.

Yarra Valley -- 30 minutes

Pair your Puffing Billy adventure with wine tasting or gourmet food in the nearby Yarra Valley --- great for a full-day escape from Melbourne.

Puffing Billy Railway