Puffing Billy Belgrave to Lakeside Return Tickets
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April 2026
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Highlighted reviews
Nice and smooth travel and child friendly. Highly recommended.
My experience at the Puffing Billy Railway was truly memorable and enjoyable. Riding the historic steam train through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges felt like stepping back in time. The scenery was breathtaking, with lush forests, tall trees, and peaceful surroundings along the journey. Sitting by the open carriage and feeling the fresh air made the experience even more special. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere was relaxing and family-friendly. It was a unique way to explore nature and learn about Victoria’s railway history, and I would highly recommend Puffing Billy to anyone visiting the area.
Extraordinary family scenic trip! Also worth the price
Fun time with family. Good for all ages, my family enjoyed the scenic view and the staff are friendly. Would be nice to get the shortest trip if you have toddlers with you, also make sure to get the belgrave departure point as the scenic Monbulk creek is somewhere in Belgrave it would be amiss not to trail on that bridge.
What you can expect
Explore the Dandenong Ranges on the historic Puffing Billy steam railway from Belgrave to Lakeside. Share the joy as you pass lush fern gullies deep in the rainforest on the heritage open carriage railway. The Puffing Billy is a piece of Victorian history to share with the family and take in the sights with a stop at Lakeside.
Travel over four historic timber trestle bridges on the original mountain track during the scenic railway journey. This experience operates all year round and is high demand. Book your Puffing Billy tickets here and be on your way to the Dandenong Ranges.
Location
What you need to know
- Please note upon arrival at Puffing Billy Railways Belgrave station, you will be asked to confirm your child’s age at our booking office. We are required to record the age of any child between the ages of 4-13 years who will be sitting on our sills during their train journey. The purpose of collecting this information is to ensure children are allocated the correct wristband colour for a safe journey.
- Children under 4 years of age are not permitted to sit on the carriage sills and will be given a red wristband to indicate ride restriction.
- Adult supervision is required for children 4-13 years of age when sitting on the carriage sill – this means a maximum of 2 supervised children per adult within arm’s reach.
- Children under 4 years of age are not permitted to sit on the carriage sills and will be given a red wristband to indicate ride restriction.
- Supervised children between 4-13 years of age will be given a green wristband to wear. This indicates the child’s age and helps our friendly conductors know that all children are being correctly supervised.
- All adults travelling with children must maintain the physical ability to monitor and provide supervision at all times.
- Appropriate shoes must be worn if any child between the ages of 4-13yrs wishes to sit with their legs over the sills
- No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill after sunset.
- No person will be allowed to sit on the carriage sill during special events (i.e., Day Out with Thomas, Puffing Billy Running Festival)
- PLEASE NOTE Sitting on the carriage sill is only permitted from Belgrave Station to Lakeside Station. Passengers travelling Lakeside Station to Gembrook Station cannot sit on the carriage sill at this time
- If you are travelling in a wheelchair, there are limited wheelchair spaces available onboard our heritage carriages. Please call our Customer Service Centre prior to travelling so that we can assist you in accommodating your needs.
- Return train fare from Belgrave Station to Lakeside Station
- Dinner train experiences
- Grazing Box For 2 Inclusions:
- Chef’s selection of cheese Camembert or Brie
- Tasty Cheese
- Hommus Dip
- Shaved leg ham
- Mild Hungarian Salami
- Kalamata & Stuffed Green olives
- Semi Sun dried tomatoes.
- Box of Water Crackers
- ADD ON OPTION:
- Add a picnic blanket
- Make your picnic in the park complete with a Puffing Billy Picnic Blanket, available for pre-purchase in conjunction with a Grazing Box.
- These are available to be booked in conjunction with the following return journeys:
- Belgrave to Lakeside return
- Lakeside to Gembrook return
- See the scenic vistas of the iconic Dandenong Ranges on board
- Feel the wind in your hair traveling in our heritage open sided carriages
- Step back in time to a bygone era and experience an unforgettable part of Victorian history
- An authentic heritage steam train experience, established in the 1900's and still running 119 years later
- Engage with knowledgeable and passionate volunteers who help run the railway
- Travel over four historic timber trestle bridges during your journey along Puffing Billy's original mountain track
- 10 am FRIDAY TO SUNDAY Departure from Belgrave to Lakeside and Return trip departs Lakeside at 12.30pm. Arrives Belgrave at 1.05 pm.
- 11am MONDAY TO THURSDAY Departure from Belgrave to Lakeside and Return trip departs Lakeside at 2 pm. Arrives Belgrave at 2.50 pm.
- 11:15 am FRIDAY TO SUNDAY Departure from Belgrave to Lakeside and return trip departs Lakeside at 2 pm. Arrives Belgrave at 2.50 pm.
- 12.45 pm FRIDAY TO SUNDAY Departure from Belgrave to Lakeside and Return trip departs Lakeside at 3:15 pm. Arrives Belgrave at 4.10 pm.
- 2:15 pm FRIDAY TO SUNDAY Departure from Belgrave to Lakeside and Return trip departs Lakeside at 4:10 pm. Arrives Belgrave at 5.05 pm.
- Timetables are subject to change.
- Timetables are subject to seasonal variation and may differ during the Victorian school holidays and on public holidays (please refer to the departure times listed on your booking confirmation).
- Timetables are subject to change
- Belgrave Station: 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, VIC, 3160
- Lakeside Station: Emerald Lake Park - Emerald Lake Road, Emerald, VIC, 3782
- Where is Puffing Billy located ? Puffing Billy is located in Belgrave, VIC, allowing you to explore the stunning Dandenong Ridges from Belgrave to Lakeside. As a scenic attraction, you will be greeted by panoramic views, blooming gardens, and forests of mountain ash. This is also the location for Puffing Billy Cafe, which offers scrumptious modern Australian cuisine. Not only will you have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic steam train experience, you can also hire a bike or stroll along Emerald Lake.
- Which Puffing Billy route is the best? The best Puffing Billy route is the one that takes you from Belgrave to Lakeside, passing lush fern gullies in the rainforest and travelling over four historic timber trestle bridges.
- How old is Puffing Billy? Puffing Billy is an authentic heritage steam train experience. First established in the 1900's, it continues to offer an unforgettable experience that is part of Victorian history.
- Is Puffing Billy wheelchair accessible? Yes, the Puffing Billy is wheelchair accessible for those with reduced mobility. It is accessible via a ramp (75cm wide). Additionally, there are volunteers available who can assist if required.
- How to get to Puffing Billy from Melbourne? Puffing Billy offers several daily departures from Belgrave to Lakeside for return trips. There are multiple transport options available for getting to Belgrave Station: The Metro train line departs regularly at short intervals from Melbourne Central to Belgrave Station. The 693 bus service (Belgrave - Oakleigh) travels via Ferntree Gully and Brandon Park, stopping at Metro Belgrave. There is a short 2-minute walk along an accessible pathway from Belgrave Station directly to Puffing Billy Railway. While Puffing Billy railway tickets can be purchased here with Experience Oz, advanced booking is recommended to secure your seats for this incredibly popular year-round experience.
- Due to the heritage nature of the carriages, only folding or narrow prams can be accommodated through the narrow carriage doors
- Guide/Assistant dogs are the only dogs permitted on the train
- Puffing Billy has gone cashless. Visitors must bring their bank card on the day to make contactless payments
- Where selected advertised items cannot be secured or are out of stock, an item close to the original product will be provided
- Whilst every attempt is made to honour all bookings, PBR reserves the right to alter menu, events, timetables or locomotives without prior notice
- SAFETY NOTICE: For safety reasons, passengers must abide by the following regulations:
- Do not stand, walk, sit or lay on the railway tracks!
- Do not open the carriage doors on the non-platform side of the train
- Do not open the carriage doors whilst the train is moving
- Smoking is not permitted on the train, platforms or under any roofed areas
- The agent agrees to display Puffing Billy Railway products at the retail rates provided by Puffing Billy Railway.
- Fares are subject to change without notice.
- Multiple or group bookings must be placed via our Customer Service Team. If these bookings are placed via our website, we will cancel your bookings and issue you a full refund.
- Trains will NOT be cancelled due to inclement weather.
- Tickets are non-transferable.
- Puffing Billy Railway reserves the right to alter events, timetables, or locomotives without prior notice.
- Puffing Billy Railway reserves the right to request proof of age. Children 15 years and under must be supervised by an accompanying adult. An adult is deemed to be any person aged 16 years or older.
- You must include Infants under 1 years of age in your booking request. Infants under the age of 1 years old travel free when not occupying a seat on excursion trains, however they still need to be included in your request and in your final numbers. This excludes events and dining experiences.
- A Puffing Billy Railway confirmed booking may not be cancelled, and 'The Agent' may not offer to refund any payment unless it complies with our cancellation policy.
- No cancellations, changes, or refunds are permitted once the booking is confirmed.
- No changes to service times or reduction in passenger numbers will be accepted.
- If passengers fail to arrive at the scheduled departure time, they will forfeit their booking, and no rebooking or refund will be allowed
- Bookings for travel from now until 26 June 2025 are still eligible for a full refund if cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the travel date (as per our previous T&Cs).
- Bookings for travel from 27 June 2025 onwards are strictly non-refundable, regardless of when the booking was made.
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present it on day of the experience. We also accept digital copies presented on a mobile device.
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- If you are travelling in a wheelchair, there are limited wheelchair spaces available onboard our heritage carriages. Please call Puffing Billy’s Customer Service Centre prior to travelling so that we can assist you in accommodating your needs.
- Whilst every attempt is made to honour all bookings, PBR reserves the right to alter menu, events, timetables or locomotives without prior notice. Where selected advertised items cannot be secured or are out of stock, an item close to the original product will be provided
Recent reviews
Photo gallery
Nice and smooth travel and child friendly. Highly recommended.
My experience at the Puffing Billy Railway was truly memorable and enjoyable. Riding the historic steam train through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges felt like stepping back in time. The scenery was breathtaking, with lush forests, tall trees, and peaceful surroundings along the journey. Sitting by the open carriage and feeling the fresh air made the experience even more special. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere was relaxing and family-friendly. It was a unique way to explore nature and learn about Victoria’s railway history, and I would highly recommend Puffing Billy to anyone visiting the area.
Extraordinary family scenic trip! Also worth the price
Fun time with family. Good for all ages, my family enjoyed the scenic view and the staff are friendly. Would be nice to get the shortest trip if you have toddlers with you, also make sure to get the belgrave departure point as the scenic Monbulk creek is somewhere in Belgrave it would be amiss not to trail on that bridge.
Most exiting ride with beautiful views and must experience ride!!!
What an experience we had. The ride was memorable and the weather was very good. Can experience beautiful scenic views throughout the journey. You are allowed to sit on the windows and wave at residents on the way. A must-visit ride for your entire family...