The Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Station is a popular tourist attraction in Melbourne, Victoria. It is located on Emerald Lake Road in Emerald, about 40 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD. The station is open from 9am to 4pm every day of the week. The station is home to a variety of shops and cafes, including a gift shop, a bakery, and a restaurant. There is also a playground and picnic area for visitors to enjoy. The Puffing Billy Railway is a narrow-gauge railway that runs from Belgrave to Gembrook. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Victoria, and it is easy to see why. The railway winds its way through the scenic Dandenong Ranges, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Station is a great place to start your journey on the Puffing Billy Railway. You can purchase tickets to the railway at the station, and you can also hire a carriage for a private tour. Here are some additional details about the Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Station: It is located at Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia. It is open from 9am to 4pm every day of the week. It is a popular tourist attraction, and it is easy to see why. The railway winds its way through the scenic Dandenong Ranges, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can purchase tickets to the railway at the station, and you can also hire a carriage for a private tour. The station has a variety of shops and cafes, including a gift shop, a bakery, and a restaurant. There is also a playground and picnic area for visitors to enjoy. I hope this...
Read morerecently took a ride on the Puffing Billy Railway and it was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had in Australia. From the moment the steam engine pulled into the station, you could feel the history and charm of this century-old train. The staff and volunteers were incredibly welcoming, full of knowledge, and clearly passionate about keeping this living piece of history alive.
The ride itself through the Dandenong Ranges was breathtaking — lush forests, towering gum trees, and stunning views as the train winds its way through the hills. Sitting on the open-sided carriages with legs dangling over the side is such a unique touch — you don’t get that kind of freedom on modern trains. It felt adventurous but still completely safe.
What stood out most was how much fun it was for all ages. Families with kids were just as excited as older visitors and tourists. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a full-on experience — a step back in time, mixed with beautiful Australian nature.
If you’re in Melbourne, this is a must-do day trip. It’s relaxing, scenic, and memorable in a way that photos don’t fully capture. Whether you’re a history lover, a nature fan, or just looking for something different, Puffing Billy is an absolute gem.
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Read moreNew visitor centre opened 5 Nov 2021. Great architectural building, cute gift shop, museum very interesting, cafe has great views and atmosphere. Coffee and food well priced and delicious and beautifully presented. All staff including greeters,gift shop, cafe and even the cleaners were all so friendly and helpful and genuinely happy in their jobs. And then there is of course the puffing billy train itself traversing the beautiful countryside. Also don't miss the model railway exhibition in a different building but so...
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