The Puffing Billy is a heritage railway in the Dandenong Ranges.
Running 15.6 miles, the railway line opened in 1900 to serve the local farming and timber community. It stopped running in 1953 after a landslide blocked a portion of the line and closed formally in 1954. A group of people saw something special in it and formed the Puffing Billy Preservation Society in 1955. Today, there is a small, paid staff involved in Puffing Billy’s maintenance, but it wouldn’t be operating without the support of volunteers who work selling tickets, manning stations, conducting and driving, and performing other safeguarding duties such as fireman and guard.
There are a few different ride options. We went from the main station at Belgrave to Lakeside, which is an hour there and an hour back. We spent a little time in Lakeside to have a cup of hot chocolate and explore the park.
For more information about Puffing Billy, including hours and admission prices, please visit the website here.
Have you taken a ride on Puffing Billy?
My ex-husband was employed to look after the track at Puffy Billy in about 1977. We rented a house at Cockatoo and he traveled to Belgrave each day. It was an interesting experience and one that our sons still remember warmly 🙂
Aw, that is so sweet! That’s pretty fun for a kid. “And what does your dad do?” Haha! Thanks for sharing!