Belgrave, Lakeside or Gembrook: which Puffing Billy journey?
Puffing Billy runs on a line from Belgrave to Gembrook in the Dandenong Ranges, about 40 km east of Melbourne. You can ride part of the line or all of it. This guide helps you choose.
The journeys side by side
| Journey | One way | Days | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgrave to Menzies Creek | 30 minutes | Friday to Sunday | A short trip, small children |
| Belgrave to Lakeside | 60 minutes | Every day except Christmas Day | Most first-time visitors |
| Belgrave to Gembrook | 1 hour 50 minutes | Friday to Sunday | Train fans, a full day out |
| Lakeside to Gembrook | Part of the line | Friday to Sunday | A quieter section |
The one-way times for Menzies Creek, Lakeside and Gembrook come from the railway's journey map. Check the official site for current times and days.
Belgrave to Lakeside: the usual first choice
This is the most popular journey. It runs every day, so it is the easiest to fit around your plans. The ride takes about an hour each way. Many visitors spend time at Emerald Lake Park near Lakeside before the return train. See what to do at Lakeside.
A full trip takes about three hours: one hour out, time at the lake, one hour back. Check the return time that goes with your outbound train.
Belgrave to Gembrook: the full line
The full line takes 1 hour 50 minutes each way. The day is long. Plan five to six hours in total. It suits older children, adults and train fans. It runs from Friday to Sunday, so seats on these days sell out faster.
If you are travelling with small children, think about patience. A long ride on a train with open sides can tire them.
Lakeside to Gembrook
This section starts at Lakeside. It runs from Friday to Sunday. Some travellers use it to see a quieter part of the line. You need to get to Lakeside first. Check the booking page for the start point and car parking.
Belgrave to Menzies Creek
A short ride of 30 minutes each way. It runs from Friday to Sunday. It suits a taste of the train, a tight schedule or very young children.
How to choose
- How much time do you have? Under four hours: Belgrave to Lakeside or Menzies Creek. A full day: Gembrook.
- Which day are you free? Monday to Thursday has only Belgrave to Lakeside.
- Who is coming? Small children suit shorter rides.
- What do you want to see? Lakeside has the lake and park. Gembrook is the end of the line.
Booking tips
- Every ticket must be booked before the day.
- Your outbound train sets your return train.
- Check in 60 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes before.
- If your journey is sold out, try another. See what to do when Puffing Billy is sold out.
PB Watch is an unofficial service. It emails you when seats open for your dates. It is not part of Puffing Billy Railway.
PB Watch is an unofficial service. It is not part of, and is not approved by, Puffing Billy Railway. Times, prices and rules can change. Check the official Puffing Billy site before you book.