The Puffing Billy Railway and The Dandenong Mountains, a magic combination.Toot Toot --- This is a Hoot
Travel over a 25-kilometre journey taking you through thick forests and lush fern-filled gullies from Belgrave, only one hour east of Melbourne, to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook.  The Puffing Billy Railway line has been in operation since 1900 In the early days it was used to transport people and goods between Ferntree Gully and Gembrook. The narrow gauge railway line was used to ferry potatoes, carrots, vegetables, fruit and nursery goods grown in the lush and healthy soil of the Dandenong Mountains    Years later, a couple of landslides, a group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers and new bridges and tracks finished, Melbourne now boasts the fantastic Heritage Steam Train attraction, Puffing Billy.
Used by local Melbournians and Tourists alike, this is a ride for all ages to enjoy.  The Puffing Billy now runs from Belgrave all the way up the mountain to the quaint hamlet of Gembrook In the early 1900's sawmilling became Gembrook's main industry and the little Steam Locomotive played a major role in this industry's success  The gardens of the JAC Russell Park adjacent to the Puffing Billy Station make for a great picnic venue You may consider staying in this beautiful area for a refreshing getaway. Check out Holiday Rentals in Australia Book fabulous Holiday Rentals with Rent-A-Home. Click here to view Photos, Reviews, Availability and Hot Deals online. Click on the banner below for accommodation in and around the Dandenong Ranges.  Need to get around? Click on the banner below and check out some great and affordable rent a car deals from Apollo. You may like to check these out books on this famous little heritage Puffing Billy Railway locomotive at
The Journey Begins If you are traveling by car along the Burwood Highway, before you head up the Mountain, call into the Upper Ferntree Gully Tourist Information Center Check out the mural of the Puffing Billy Railway, meet some of our enthusiastic volunteers and pick up some brochures on all things Touristy. Then make your way up the mountain to the Belgrave Station  
See Google Mymaps for an exact and detailed Route Plan, just follow Google's prompts. Another window will open so that you will not loose your way from here. Note... If you are traveling via Wellington Road towards Clematis you can turn left towards Menzies Creek or right towards Emerald Lakeside. You are able to park near these stations and hop on board the Heritage Steam Locomotive. At Menzies Creek free parking is available within the station grounds. At Emerald the same applies except on the Special Thomas The Tank Days. At Lakeside (Emerald Lake), there are council operated ticket machines. At Gembrook the parking is free. There is no parking at the Belgrave Puffing Billy Station, however you are able to park at the Connex Trains' carpark and follow the sign-posted walkway under the main road bridge. Public TransportSuburban trains run quite frequently from Flinders Street (City) to Belgrave. The journey is a pleasant and comfortable 70 minute ride through the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Check Metlink for time table details.    A favorite way to travel on board the Puffing Billy Railway is to sit on the side and dangle your legs. Watch the scenery wizz on by, wave to the motorists and keep a keen eye out for any Bushrangers  Another way of accessing the Puffing Billy is by Coach Day tour These are run from the city and include a trip on the Heritage Steam Train They are operated by... Useful InformationThe Puffing Billy Railway operates everyday of the year except Christmas Day There are somewhere between 2 to 6 services departing Belgrave every day There is one service each day that offers the option of first class carriages and a luncheon  
The Steam and Quizeine luncheon train is a great way to enjoy Australia's favorite little Steam Engine A unique chance to step back in time and enjoy the full length of the Puffing Billy Railway  Watch out for the Ghosts in them there Blue Hill You never know what will be around the next bend. Close your eyes and let your imagination fly and I bet that you will sometimes hear the voices from the past calling out over the chug, chug, chugging of the little locomotive Enjoy a family picnic at the end of the journey and a chance to relax in Gembrook. There are undercover BBQ facilities, a playground and Skate-Park at the top end of the township You may also like to break your journey at Emerald Lake (Lakeside). Enjoy the scenery, stroll the lakeside, try out the paddleboats or visit the Model Railway  Another great idea is to combine a ride on the Puffing Billy and enjoy the Gembrook Market, a market with a difference. Held on the 4th Sunday of the month from 9:00am till 3:00pm, meet the locals and clever stall holders who make, bake or grow their product  Useful and Interesting Links Feel free to search Family Getaways Melbourne for other information on great Fun Getaways. Use this convenient Google Search tool...  Custom Search Like to investigate developing your very own Website...your very own E-Business? Click on the link below and be pleasantly surprised. This really is so much fun.  Thanks for visiting our Little Puffing Billy Railway and... Drop into The Dandenongs for more ideas on things to do in the Blue Hills Return from The Puffing Billy Railway to The Home Page
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