The Puffing Billy Railway is one of the world’s best loved steam railways. This 2ft 6 in narrow-gauge heritage railway runs through the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, near Melbourne in Australia. The 25 kilometre journey takes passengers from Belgrave to Gembrook along one of the country’s five historic Victorian narrow-gauge lines. Passengers on the Puffing Billy Steam Train can get on and off at stations along the way and enjoy fantastic views of the Victorian countryside from the iconic open-sided carriages. The trains on this line operate every day of the year except for Christmas Day.
Prices from: AUS $61
Departing from: Belgrave station
Journey length: 25 kilometres
Puffing Billy Steam Train route
Your 1 hour, 50-minute journey takes you through the Dadenong Ranges. On the way you’ll see Mountain Ash trees in the temperate rainforest. There are 14 stations on the way, and you can jump on and off the train at any of these. As well as regular journeys, passengers can also travel first class on the line in fully enclosed carriages for the daily ‘Steam and Cuisine lunch’, enjoy themed evening dinners on board or even join a ‘Murder of the Puffing Billy Express’ session. Here, passengers are encouraged to dress in 1920s costumes for the journey where they will reinact a murder on the train alongside fellow guests and actors. There are prizes for guests who guess the murderer as well as best-dressed prizes.
Afternoon tea on board 
The train’s elegant dining car
Puffing Billy Steam Train
The Puffing Billy line was built at the start of the 20th century and each locomotive has its own distinct history and identity. There are five restored and one unrestored locomotive in the fleet.
Why we love it
Train lovers from around the world will enjoy a trip on this great heritage railway. The trains are a delight and you’ll be transported through once of the most beautiful areas of the Victorian countryside.