Puffing Billy Railway

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.

Puffing Billy train.
This train was built in 1908.
The 8A train built in 1908 and restored to its 1923–1937 era.
Passengers like to travel with their legs hanging out the windows.
Passengers like to travel with their legs hanging out the windows.
People wave and snap photos as the train goes by.
People wave and snap photos as the train goes by.
The train passes through forests and fern gullies.
The train passes through forests and fern gullies.
A little ball of hail on the palm of a woman's hand.
It was a cold, rainy day and it hailed briefly.
And then the sun came out.
The Dandenongs.
The Dandenongs.
Trees in Lakeside.
Lakeside.

A little boy dressed as a train conductor.
A volunteer.
The back of the A8 train.
The back of the A8.

For more information about Puffing Billy, including hours and admission prices, please visit the website here.

Have you taken a ride on Puffing Billy?

2 thoughts on “Puffing Billy Railway”

  1. 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 🙂

    Reply
    • Aw, that is so sweet! That’s pretty fun for a kid. “And what does your dad do?” Haha! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

Leave a Reply