Thinking of ways to spend the winter? Puffing Billy, one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, offers you a journey into the past
Step back in time at Australia’s favourite steam train: Puffing Billy, located in the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing Billy is one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world and operates every day of the year, except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers.
The excitement begins from the moment you arrive at the station with the sight of the historic locomotives, the smell of the steam and the sound of the train’s whistle.
The Railway was built in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived in the hills, carrying anything from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants.
Today, Puffing Billy Railway is a major tourist attraction and incites visitors to come and experience a century old tradition. Ride in the open sides carriages as the historic steam trains continue to run on their original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, in the natural surrounds of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges.
❃ Start at Belgrave
Belgrave Station is the headquarters of the Railway and only a short walk from the Belgrave Township and Metro train station.
After boarding, Puffing Billy chugs away and you and your family can take in the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, a superb temperate rainforest with native ‘Mountain Ash’ trees. Within minutes, you will cross Puffing Billy’s most famous landmark—the iconic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge.
❃ Start at Lakeside (Emerald Lake Park)
Escape the crowds and enjoy a family outing aboard Puffing Billy from Lakeside (Emerald Lake Park) to Gembrook.
Emerald Lake Park is the perfect spot to enjoy for families before or after their journey, and offers BBQ facilities and picnic tables, playground facilities, a wading pool and paddle boats for hire.
Once your journey is underway, Puffing Billy skirts the unspoilt Wright State Forest and as the train climbs towards Gembrook, there are spectacular views of rolling farmlands and distant mountain ranges.
Members of the public wishing to travel on the excursion train until 15 December 2019 can take advantage of the 25% off* adult, concession and child tickets. Simply quote online promo code INDIANSUN. Book online at www.puffingbilly.com.au
(*Terms and conditions apply: Available online only. Valid for excursion train fares only. Valid for adult, concession and child tickets only, not including Family Fares. Maximum four tickets per transaction. Valid until 15 December 2019, not including Public Holidays.)
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