Photo of Puffing Billy in Victoria1 / 3
Trains & Railways

Puffing Billy

📍 Belgrave, VIC

★4.6(10,282 Google reviews)💰$108👶All ages

Puffing Billy runs authentic steam trains through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave, with open-sided carriages allowing passengers to dangle their legs. The Belgrave–Lakeside route includes over an hour stop at the lake.

✓ Heritage steam train✓ Open carriages✓ Dandenong Ranges✓ Book ahead✓ Bring own food

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with train-loving kids aged four and up who can handle a two-to-three hour heritage journey. The leg-dangling open carriage is the defining moment — position for a window bench early. Come prepared: bring snacks, layer up for wind and coal smoke, and book ahead.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book tickets several weeks in advance for weekend and school holiday departures
⏰Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure window bench seats — seating is unassigned
🎟️Bring your own snacks and drinks; on-site cafe food is expensive relative to quality
🚗Wear clothes you can wash — coal smoke and particles settle on clothing during the ride

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.6
★★★★★

10,282 Google reviews

5★
7,449
4★
1,947
3★
509
2★
137
1★
240

G Reviews from Google

R

Ray Mak

6 months ago

★★★★★

“The Puffing Billy Railway is located about 50 kilometers from Melbourne city centre. Our bus ride took roughly an hour, bringing us from the urban landscape into a tranquil countryside surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. As one of Victoria’s most beloved tourist attractions, Puffing Billy offers a nostalgic glimpse into Australia’s historic steam railway era. It even passes through charming stops like Menzies Creek, adding to its old-world charm. I truly enjoyed the scenic journey aboard the steam-powered train. The rhythmic sound of the engine, the gentle breeze, and the panoramic views of forests and rolling hills made the ride incredibly relaxing. One of the most remarkable moments was when the train crossed the iconic wooden trestle bridge — a breathtaking sight that perfectly captures the romance of classic rail travel. Puffing Billy Railway is definitely a must-visit if you’re in Melbourne. The surrounding area also has wonderful dining options, including many family-owned restaurants serving hearty and authentic Australian cuisine. I’ll be sharing more about one particular restaurant in a separate review — it featured a beautiful grand piano, and I even had the opportunity to perform on it. It was truly a memorable experience, and one I would happily revisit again.”

E

Ellie Brook

8 months ago

★★★★★

“Such an amazing experience. There’s a cute cafe and gift shop while you wait. You can dangle your legs out of the carriage or just sit or stand. It goes for a good while and then you stop at a lake where you get over an hour to explore (also a cafe and gift shop), then hop back on the train and journey home. The staff are super friendly and I had such a good day. I also went alone and felt totally fine as everyone was super nice. You can be solo, with friends, couples and families.”

Y

Yuki KOIZUMI

8 months ago

★★★★★

“First time on the Puffing Billy Railway, and it was an amazing experience overall. The kids looked really happy, enjoying the scenery and feeling the wind. On the way back, I also enjoyed sitting on the edge of the carriage with my legs out, taking in the view all the way home. It turned out to be such a memorable experience. I’ve already promised myself to come back with family and friends!”

📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

Based on Google review tags

Steam train

553 reviews

Friendly staff

357 reviews

Train ride

324 reviews

Scenery

260 reviews

Carriage

210 reviews

Overview

Puffing Billy operates heritage steam trains through forested Dandenong Ranges scenery on open-sided wooden carriages. The Belgrave to Lakeside route is the main family run, with a substantial layover at the lake before the return journey. Coal smoke, wind, and vintage wooden seats are part of the experience — reviewers who come prepared enjoy it far more. Facilities at Belgrave station include a cafe, gift shop, and free parking. Book several weeks ahead on peak days.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 16:00
Tuesday09:00 – 16:00
Wednesday09:00 – 16:00
Thursday09:00 – 16:00
Friday09:00 – 16:30
Saturday09:00 – 16:30
Sunday09:00 – 16:30

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