The Ultimate Guide to Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy isn’t just a train ride — it’s one of Victoria’s most beloved heritage experiences. Running since 1900, this open-sided steam train winds through fern gullies, mountain ash forests and charming villages in the Dandenong Ranges, just 40 minutes from Melbourne.

If you are planning a trip to the Dandenongs, or joining one of our Puffing Billy Tours from Melbourne, here is everything you need to know before you go.

Where is Puffing Billy?

Puffing Billy Railway operates between Belgrave and Lakeside in the Dandenong Ranges.
Travel time from Melbourne CBD is around 45–60 minutes.

Best way to get there:

•  Join an Explore Australia day tour (stress-free, guaranteed seats, commentary, central pickup)
•  Drive to Belgrave Station (paid parking available)
•  Catch the suburban train to Belgrave

👉 View all Puffing Billy tours

What makes Puffing Billy so special?

The highlight is the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge — the moment the train curves around the wooden bridge with steam drifting behind is truly magical.

Other iconic features include:

• Open-sided carriages
• Towering Mountain Ash forests
• Cool-temperate rainforest
• Local wildlife and peaceful bush scenery
• Historic stations and volunteer staff
• A relaxed one-hour journey perfect for families

How long is the Puffing Billy journey?

The most popular ride — Belgrave to Lakeside — takes around 1 hour each way

Most visitors choose:

• One-way ride and explore Emerald Lake Park
• Return journey on the same day

Our tours include the Belgrave → Lakeside sector with guaranteed seats.

Do you need tickets in advance?

Yes. Puffing Billy regularly sells out during:

• School holidays
•  Weekends
•  Summer
• Public holidays

Booking early is essential — especially if you want multiple seats together.

Good news:
When you join an Explore Australia Tour, your Puffing Billy seats are guaranteed even during peak periods.

Best time of year to ride Puffing Billy

There’s no bad time, but each season has its charm:

• Summer: lush green forest, warm weather, longer daylight
• Autumn: golden leaves and crisp air
• Winter: mist drifting through the trees — incredible for photos!
• Spring: fresh foliage and wildflowers

Can you dangle your legs out?

Yes — and it’s the BEST part of the Puffing Billy experience!

If you have seen those iconic photos of passengers riding with their legs hanging out of the open-sided carriages, good news — you can still do it. And honestly, it’s one of the pure joys of stepping back into the golden age of steam travel.

There are only a handful of places in the world where you can sit on the sill of a historic steam train, legs swinging in the breeze, while you roll through towering rainforest. Puffing Billy is one of them — and it’s absolutely magical.

Picture this:

• ✨ Cool forest air on your face
• ✨ Steam drifting past as you glide through the Dandenongs
• ✨ The trestle bridge curving beneath your dangling feet
• ✨ That classic whistle echoing through the trees

It’s nostalgic, a little cheeky, and completely unforgettable.

How to make the most of your Puffing Billy experience

⭐ Choose a morning or midday departure
Better light for photos and fewer crowds.

⭐ Sit on the left side leaving Belgrave
Best views of the trestle bridge.

⭐ Combine it with another attraction
Our most popular combo is Puffing Billy + Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

👉 Puffing Billy & Penguins Day Tour

Why join a Puffing Billy tour instead of going independently?

Because it saves you time, stress and planning.

With an Explore Australia tour, you get:

•  Guaranteed confirmed train tickets
•  Pickup from a central Melbourne location
•  A friendly local guide
•  Clean, comfortable transport
•  No parking worries at Belgrave
•  Option to combine Puffing Billy with wildlife or penguins

👉 Explore all Puffing Billy day tours

Our recommended Puffing Billy tours

Puffing Billy & Penguins Day Tour

A full day of history, nature and wildlife, ending with the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

Puffing Billy, Wildlife & Rainforest Tour

Perfect for families — includes Moonlit Sanctuary, rainforest walks and the train.

👉 View all Puffing Billy tours

Final tips before you go

• Arrive 10 minutes early for your pickup
• Bring a jacket even in summer
• Charge your phone for photos
• Watch kids closely around steam & steps
• Enjoy the slower pace — Puffing Billy is all about nostalgia

Ready to ride Puffing Billy?
Book the Puffing Billy & Penguins Day Tour or see all Puffing Billy tours from Melbourne.