Built in 1900, Puffing Billy is one of the world’s finest preserved steam railways — and it still runs on its original mountain track through the forests of the Dandenong Ranges, 40 km east of Melbourne. The journey climbs from Belgrave through Menzies Creek and Emerald to Lakeside in Emerald Lake Park, with selected services continuing the full ~25 km line to Gembrook.
Riding in the open-sided heritage carriages — legs dangling over the famous Monbulk Creek trestle bridge is part of the tradition — the full return trip takes the best part of a day. Run almost entirely by a team of more than 300 volunteers, the railway operates every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Timetables, fares and special events change seasonally, so book ahead through the official Puffing Billy Railway website before you travel.