Puffing Billy Railway - Belgrave (VIC)

4 /5 alka verma: Riding Puffing Billy is a delightful experience that brings out the child in you! Sitting on the window sill with your legs dangling over the edge is such great fun — a unique thrill that takes you straight back to childhood. The ride across the iconic trestle bridge is a definite highlight, offering stunning views and a nostalgic sense of adventure. Emerald Lake Park at the end of the journey is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a relaxed picnic or a leisurely walk. We also enjoyed the grazing box on board — fresh, tasty, and a lovely touch that added to the experience. On the flip side, the check-in process takes quite a bit of time and could definitely be streamlined. Also, while sitting on the window sill is exciting, it’s not the most comfortable for longer stretches. Overall, it’s a charming experience worth trying, especially for families or anyone wanting a dose of old-world magic in the Dandenong Ranges.

5 /5 huong luu: Riding the Puffing Billy steam train was one of the most wonderful experiences I had in Australia. From the moment I arrived at Belgrave Station, I felt a sense of nostalgia — the old wooden carriages, the sound of the whistle echoing through the mountains, and the vintage atmosphere made it feel like stepping into the past. As the train slowly made its way through the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges, I was completely captivated. The trees were tall and green, and a light mist hung in the air, creating a magical, fairytale-like setting. Every turn revealed a new, breathtaking view. I couldn’t stop taking photos — and honestly, I captured some of the most stunning shots Ive ever taken. The only downside was the cold! The breeze through the open windows was freezing, and I was shivering the whole ride. But somehow, the chill just made the experience feel even more real and unforgettable. Despite the cold, I didn’t want the journey to end. It was a romantic and inspiring ride through nature and history — and I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat.

5 /5 Loric Bouyer: What an amazing experience ! We only did the Belgrave to Lakeside ride, and it was magical ! The ride in the train take you down memory lane, when you were a kid and dreaming of riding one of these old school machine ! The scenery were beautiful. The staff was awesome ! Worth every penny !

5 /5 Abraham Lee: There were some hits and misses, but overall, this was a great experience! If you love trains, you’ll enjoy it even more. We went with a toddler, and just a heads-up—toddlers get a red wristband and aren’t allowed to sit on the carriage sills for safety reasons. We took the trip from Belgrave to Gembrook, which, in hindsight, felt a bit long (~2 hours one way). If you’re going with kids, a one-way trip from Belgrave to Lakeside should be enough! Sitting on the carriage sills is a memorable experience, and some sides of the train have better views than others. You might want to switch seats on the return journey for a different perspective. Also, bringing glasses is a good idea—the steam and dirt particles can blow into your face. I’d recommend arriving at least an hour early to secure parking. We found a free spot along Bay View Road, though we’re not sure if it’s officially free. Arriving early also helps you get through the ticket area faster and gives you a better chance of picking good seats on your allocated carriage. All in all, a great experience!

5 /5 Yubo Zhuo: Very beautiful railway and recommended to sit on the left side when going to Belgrave and right side for coming from Belgrave so you can see the best views. Many photos can be taken. Recommend to wear a face mask for people who have dust allergies because the smoke is quite thick and there are bits of charcoal inside the smoke. There are many local residents waving at you when you are on the train and the big bridge section is great view. Book your tickets ahead if it is holidays.