Where to spot PUFFING BILLY, Victoria

One of Australia’s best known railways, Puffing Billy is a fun way to see the scenic Dandenong Ranges, east of Melbourne, Victoria.

It was 28 years ago – on our honeymoon – that Heatley and I experienced our first Puffing Billy ride.

Now, trains are NOT Heatley’s thing. But there is something about the magic of a century old steam train. Plus the romance of rolling hills and rainforests, old timber trestle bridges and mountain ash trees.

I’m not sure where we stopped – but now you will find a brand new Lakeside Station. We purchased a hot dog, and said yes please to the mustard. Little did we know, it was SUPER HOT English mustard – not the mild American kind!

So hot, we couldn’t eat it! Luckily nowadays, there is a whole new Lakeside Visitor Centre with a modern cafe and picnic hampers. Bring your togs for a lake swim in summer.

Whether you are a trainspotter, have a family member that is mad on trains or just enjoy a lovely day out – Puffing Billy is one of a kind and a living time machine.

It has a unique tradition – you can sit on the sill and dangle your legs out the carriage! There is even a Dog Express! As well as special trips for Polar Express, Murder Mystery and Thomas the Tank.

Here’s where to spot it on its travels

– Puffing Billy HQ, Belgrave
– Monbulk Trestle Bridge
– Menzies Creek Station
– Emerald (the last original station on the line)
– Nobelius Packing Shed
– Lakeside Station
– Cockatoo Station
– Gembrook (last stop)

Puffing Billy certainly holds memories for so many Australians. Let us know if you’ve been on Puffing Billy and send us your photos!