Puffing Billy Railway

Enjoyable experience. This is a must go if you are at Victoria. The view is nice from the train but it is the experience of being in a steam train that defeats all scenery you can see. The smell of steam and the sound of the whistle. Makes you think that you’ve travelled back in time but you still have your cameras to capture moments.My first time on a steam train and I’ve enjoyed myself. It’s even more amazing that they’ve got passionate volunteers as well.

Puffing Billy is a unique experience. It’s a special few hours that you should have no hesitation in doing.A return trip from Belgrade to Lakeside, we felt, was the perfect amount of time.If you’re departing from Belgrave and driving to the station, it’s worth getting there early for a stress-free park. The waiting around to depart is not an issue as there is plenty for the sense to soak up.

A great experience suitable for all ages. Visitor centre at lakeside is modern and clean, with a very efficient restaurant that serves delicious scones. There’s also a small museum that displays the 3A Locomotive. Parking can be tricky as there aren’t a lot of car parks near the Puffing Billy train station. Volunteers and staff were super friendly and heaps of beautiful scenery along the way. Definitely worth hanging your legs out for the ride.

As a first time traveler on Puffing Billy, I was really impressed by how enjoyable the experience is made by the wonderful volunteers who are happy to impart their vast knowledge of the trains and their history. We joined the Puffing Billy Belgrave to Clematis trip which was a leisurely meander through the Dandenong Ranges with dinner at the Paradise Valley Hotel. After dinner, we returned in the dark, and were able to look out over the lights in the distance. A truly remarkable journey which we would do again. Highly recommended.

It would definitely be an amazing experience to take the iconic and historic steam train from Belgrave to lakeside as one of Melbourne's landmarks. The train will pass the valleys and mountains with stunning views. Volunteer staff is super friendly, and the train is well maintained and clean. Highly recommended for an unforgettable gettable experience.

Great experience! From booking to going onboard. The part which needs to highlight is the legs hanging out of train and having a swing when the train is moving . All children enjoyed including my dad who is 80 plus. Lastly is the scenery including a part crossing the old wooden bridge . Lastly , at lakeside a visit to the museum.

The train ride itself is excellent.You get to see old engineering in action and the people that keep the steam engines in immaculate condition deserve the recognition.The scenery is great, from lush green forest to rolling hills, sheep and lakes in the distance to some amazing backyards!Sitting on the carriage is quite an experience, not for kids under a certain age.Amazing fun for everyone else!The online booking system is a mess, from recommending dates almost 1 month from the day you look, to providing clear directions on parking, its very behind modern ways of doing things.Parking is an absolute nightmare, signage is terrible, the lack of supporting infrastructure around the area.. simple things like pedestrian crossing are not heard of in this part of the world, eventually after complaining a kind volunteer mentioned the under pass.Suggestions:Better parking signageClear website with actual instructionsBetter parkingActual pedestrian crossingsMaybe traffic lights or slower speeds with large speed bumps.Well done:The volunteers, some staff, especially Kathleen, shes knows her stuff and was extremely helpful!The actual train, and experience.Good old engineering and nostalgia.Advice to anyone heading here:Plan parking well in advanceInstructions are hazy on the website so read other reviews and call.Other than that, enjoy the train ride!

Wow! Puffing Billy Railway is an absolute gem nestled in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. The scenic journey on the vintage steam train was like stepping back in time. The lush greenery, towering trees, and picturesque bridges along the track created a magical atmosphere. The friendly and knowledgeable staff added to the overall experience, sharing interesting stories about the railway’s history. The highlight was leaning out of the carriage, feeling the rush of fresh air and hearing the iconic chugging sound of the steam engine. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, train enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a nostalgic adventure. Puffing Billy Railway truly captures the essence of old-world charm and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime!

What an awesome trip! Puffing Billy is a vintage steam train and allow to sit on the sills, so you can have your feet dangling out as the train rides through the forest.All the staff were really friendly and enthusiastic. Love how they are all so dressed up, and the waving as the train goes by. At every rail crossing, the locals wave to the passengers which is lovely. So too, the home owners whose properties the train pass.We took the train from Belgrave to Lakeside and it passed the southern reaches of the Sherbrooke Forest, then past the iconic Trestle Bridge. The views were very beautiful along the way. The magic is getting the photo as the train rounds the corners and the steam drifts up.

The staffs were amazing! Their passionate smile and waving really warm my heart in this rainy, cold winter day. The magical ambience of the misty forest also makes the journey wonderful. I would say this is one of the must-visit place when coming to Melbourne.