Welcome the end of term three and the start of school holidays with a trip to Puffing Billy Railway – it’s the perfect time to get outside, keep the kids moving and exploring, and make family memories that last a lifetime.  

Start the outdoor adventure on board Australia’s favourite steam train as you dangle your legs from Puffing Billy’s traditional open-side carriages; a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Feel the wind in your hair and watch the trees pass by in front of your feet as the train winds through the most magnificent scenery of the Dandenong Ranges, only one hour from Melbourne.

From Monday 26 September to Sunday 2 October, passengers travelling to Lakeside Station will discover a free spring-themed arts and crafts activity zone at the Lakeside Visitor Centre for little ones to enjoy. Visitors can also stop in at the Centre’s free Lakeside Hall Museum, home to a collection of steam artifact displays, including Puffing Billy Railway’s first ever locomotive, 3A, or see the ‘Animal Tales’ photographic exhibition currently on show from award-winning artist Karen Alsop.

Take a seat at the Railway Café and choose from a range of tasty treats to indulge in, like satisfyingly crunchy baguettes, sweet and puffy Danishes, delicious beef and chicken burgers or tender calamari.

Or lap up the lakeside views and take advantage of the various outdoor activities available in Emerald Lake Park, including hiring a COG Bikes Australia bike and riding through the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, paddleboat* play on Lake Treganowan, a visit to the Emerald Lake Model Railway & Miniature World* for a look at one of the largest model railways in Australia, or taking to one of seven walking tracks through the lush green foliage of the precinct, with plenty of picnic spots along the way.

Pre-book an adult or children’s picnic pack and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding manna gums, tall chestnut and oak trees, and blossoming tree ferns of the forest, before jumping back on board, legs out and all, for the return journey.

Train services available during the school holidays:

Monday – Friday

  • 10.00 am Belgrave to Lakeside return
  • 11.15 am Belgrave to Lakeside return
  • 2.15 pm Belgrave to Lakeside return

Saturday – Sunday  

  • 10.00 am Belgrave to Lakeside return
  • 11.15 am Belgrave to Gembrook return*
  • 12.20 pm Lakeside to Gembrook return*
  • 12.45 pm Belgrave to Lakeside return

When: Monday 26 September to Sunday 2 October

Where: 1 Old Monbulk Road Belgrave, VIC

Further info: Bookings and info can be found here Official site for Puffing Billy