What to do at Lakeside after the Puffing Billy ride

Many visitors ride Belgrave to Lakeside. Lakeside station is near Emerald Lake Park. The park has a lake and open space. This guide helps you plan the gap between your outbound train and your return train.

PB Watch is an unofficial service. We are not part of the railway or the park. We do not have a current list of what the park offers. Check the park's own page and the railway's page before you go.

How long is the stop?

The ride from Belgrave to Lakeside takes about an hour. A full trip is about three hours: one hour out, about one hour at the lake, one hour back.

Your return train is set when you book your outbound train. Open return tickets do not exist. Before you pay, check the return time. A short gap leaves no time to see anything. A long gap can be dull for small children.

Plan the stop

1. Know your return time. Write it down. The train does not wait.
2. Walk first, eat later. Or the other way round. Decide before you leave.
3. Keep a margin. Be back at the station well before the return train leaves.
4. Toilets. Find them as soon as you arrive if you travel with children.
5. Weather. A cool, wet day feels colder by the lake. Bring a jacket.

Food and drink

You can bring your own food or buy food nearby. We do not have current details of cafes or opening hours. Check before you go, especially in the off-season.

With children

Small children may want to run after a long train ride. Give them time. See our guide to Puffing Billy with kids.

Other stops on the line

Some travellers use Emerald or Menzies Creek as a shorter day. Check the railway's page for what each station offers. See which journey to pick.

Book first

Tickets must be booked before the day. If your day is sold out, see what to do when Puffing Billy is sold out.