Explore mountain forests on Puffing Billy Railway
Melbourne, Australia • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Dec
14°C – 26°C, warm and dry conditions with occasional light showers, high crowds, peak season
14°C – 26°C, warm and dry conditions with occasional light showers, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Wheelchair-accessible facilities; assistance available for reduced mobility.
Wheelchair-accessible facilities; assistance available for reduced mobility.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey but the unique experience is worth it for couples.
Pricey but the unique experience is worth it for couples.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Journey
Couples loved the romantic forest views and open-sided carriages. A truly magical experience!
Wonderful Experience
Travelers raved about the historic steam train. Perfect for a memorable day out together.
Breathtaking Views
The Dandenong Ranges were stunning. A relaxing pace made it ideal for couples.
Booking Hassle
Pre-booking is essential, which can be a drawback for spontaneous couple trips.
Can Be
The railway gets very busy, which can detract from the romantic atmosphere. Plan ahead!
Sooty Experience
Some couples noted the soot from the engine, so dress accordingly for the journey.
How to book
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
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USD 45
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
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USD 70
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
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USD 120
per_person
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Hours of operation
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join a duo as they experience captivating ride with Puffing Billy Railway.
An adventurer embarks on journey with Puffing Billy Railway.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
12-24°C
Early summer features warm temperatures and occasional light rain, suitable for outdoor excursions.
Early summer features warm temperatures and occasional light rain, suitable for outdoor excursions.
Open
Increased demand during the holiday season may require advance booking.
Increased demand during the holiday season may require advance booking.
Recommended
December marks the beginning of the peak season with warmer weather and higher visitor numbers. Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot.
December marks the beginning of the peak season with warmer weather and higher visitor numbers. Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot.
January
HIGH
14-26°C
Warm and dry conditions with occasional light showers.
Warm and dry conditions with occasional light showers.
Open
High demand; advance booking is essential.
High demand; advance booking is essential.
Recommended
January offers warm weather ideal for outdoor activities. However, it's peak tourist season, leading to higher prices and crowded trains. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
January offers warm weather ideal for outdoor activities. However, it's peak tourist season, leading to higher prices and crowded trains. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
February
MEDIUM
14-26°C
Warm with a slightly higher chance of rain compared to January.
Warm with a slightly higher chance of rain compared to January.
Open
Less crowded than January; easier to secure tickets.
Less crowded than January; easier to secure tickets.
Recommended
February provides warm weather with fewer crowds as the summer holidays end. It's a good time to visit with more availability and standard pricing.
February provides warm weather with fewer crowds as the summer holidays end. It's a good time to visit with more availability and standard pricing.
March
LOW
12-24°C
Mild temperatures with an increased chance of rain.
Mild temperatures with an increased chance of rain.
Open
High availability; last-minute bookings possible.
High availability; last-minute bookings possible.
Recommended
March features comfortable weather and minimal crowds, making it an excellent time for a peaceful journey through the Dandenong Ranges.
March features comfortable weather and minimal crowds, making it an excellent time for a peaceful journey through the Dandenong Ranges.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Several bus routes (693, 663, 694, 695, 697, 699) stop near Belgrave Station. From the Belgrave Station/Belgrave-Gembrook Rd stop, it's a short walk to the railway.
Car
Recommended
Drive from Melbourne via the Eastern Freeway/Eastlink or Monash Freeway. Parking is available near the railway, including the Belgrave Metro Station Car Park.
Train
Recommended
Take the Belgrave line train from Melbourne's CBD (Flinders Street Station) to Belgrave Station. From Belgrave Station, it's a 2-minute walk to Puffing Billy.
Bike
Cycle to Belgrave via the Ringwood to Belgrave Rail Trail or other cycling routes.
Metro
Take the Belgrave line train from Melbourne's CBD (Flinders Street Station) to Belgrave Station. From Belgrave Station, it's a 2-minute walk to Puffing Billy.
Taxi
Taxi and ride-sharing services are available to Puffing Billy, though availability may be limited in the Dandenong Ranges.
Walking
From Belgrave Metro Station, it's a 2-minute walk to the Puffing Billy Railway station.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required