One of the landmarks of Melbourne and a must visit if you have a few extra days in hand. It's an all time favourite of kids and every single one of them enjoys it thoroughly. From fresh air to open window carriages, extremely friendly staff to the scenic route - everything makes it a truly memorable experience! Have been here twice now and have enjoyed it every single time. Tickets usually sell out over weekend so book ahead of time online and take the return ticket from Belgrave to Lakeside and spend at least 3-4 hrs at Lakeside exploring the tracks, food, boating (if open) , food and definitely the model train house - one of the most unique experiences! Highly recommend doing that! You wouldn't regret the experience!

Very cool vintage railway that was restored by a school to teach students about tourism. Great open air ride. Stops along the way, one has a very large restaurant with great food. This stop also has a park with a pond with ducks and a couple swans. We highly recommend the trip.

So much fun! Awesome experience. I would recommend it to anyone. It's best to get your tickets ahead of time. Look online and pick out a date because they are sold out pretty quickly. I recommend wearing shoes. Bring a light jacket, depending on the weather. Try and get there early so you can get a good parking and seat inside the train cart.

Puffing Billy is a family favourite. A beautiful old steam train that whistles its way through the hills. Beautiful scenery, gorgeous bridge and friendly locals waving as you pass by. Children 5 and up are able to dangle their legs out the windows. This is an activity everyone of all ages will enjoy. However, there are a few changes that have occurred over the last few years to be aware of! 1. You must book online it’s so busy now that booking well in advance is necessary. 2. Children 16 and above are considered adults 3. The best place to park is at the nearby train station but signage to puffing Billy from there and back is very poor! Use Google. 4. You are advised to arrive an hour early. This is due to the queues. 5. You will be assigned a carriage. 4 bums per seat. 6. Lakeside is a brilliant place to stop. There are cafes, bathrooms, a swimming pool, playground, paddle boats and fantastic picnic spots. As kids we would come for the day and return later in the afternoon. Sadly this is no longer an option. You barely have time for the bathroom once you get off the train and line up for lunch you are required to reboard the train and head back to Belgrave. The new rule allowing 1.5hour is no where near enough time to spend anytime at lakeside with a family. I was so disappointed that there was not an option to select a later return time. I felt rushed and frustrated. We then sat at Menzies Creek for nearly 30 minutes due to a late train and as a result were rushed off the train in Belgrave. I think this is a wonderful service and a great family activity but timetables need to be upheld despite late arrivals and later departure options need to be allowed to enable families to enjoy a day out together.

We had such a great time on the Puffing Billy!!! It is well maintained and it's good for both families and couples/friends! Truly an amazing experience. Went Puffing Billy for the first time Unique experience, totally worth it. We boarded from Belgrave and went up to Lakeside View. Very friendly driver and staff ❤️ Highly recommend for all !!!!

Puffing Billy is an hour drive from Melbourne. If you planning to visit the place and enjoy the ride make sure you have made online booking as they don’t cell tickets on counter. Please visit to their website and it’s very easy to make the booking. It is very nice an hour ride on this beautiful train with lots of beautiful scenic view on the way. The bridge on the way is amazing and point of attraction. There is a lake up there so when you visiting see if you want to enjoy kind is small boating there. There are couple of cafes there so no drama to get some good coffee.

Besides a mix up with a ticket we bought separate (apparently you can chose that you're going with others and then be put on the same carriage, which we didn't do) but with some help from the friendly conductors on the train we were able to work around this. The day was great, kids and us adults all had an amazing day. Do rug up, we went last weekend so it was very fresh. We went to lakeside where there is a restaurant with average food.. Next time we will plan better and take a picnic to eat at the lake. I do think a little more time between the trains would be nice but we had enough time to eat and go for a short stroll before boarding to return back to Belgrave.

The train ride itself is excellent. You get to see old engineering in action and the people that keep the steam engines in immaculate condition deserve the recognition. The scenery is great, from lush green forest to rolling hills, sheep and lakes in the distance to some amazing backyards! Sitting on the carriage is quite an experience, not for kids under a certain age. Amazing fun for everyone else! The online booking system is a mess, from recommending dates almost 1 month from the day you look, to providing clear directions on parking, its very behind modern ways of doing things. Parking is an absolute nightmare, signage is terrible, the lack of supporting infrastructure around the area.. simple things like pedestrian crossing are not heard of in this part of the world, eventually after complaining a kind volunteer mentioned the under pass. Suggestions: Better parking signage Clear website with actual instructions Better parking Actual pedestrian crossings Maybe traffic lights or slower speeds with large speed bumps. Well done: The volunteers, some staff, especially Kathleen, shes knows her stuff and was extremely helpful! The actual train, and experience. Good old engineering and nostalgia. Advice to anyone heading here: Plan parking well in advance Instructions are hazy on the website so read other reviews and call. Other than that, enjoy the train ride!

We booked the tickets online weeks ago. The tickets stated that we have to arrive 60 mins before the train departure time plus an extra 10 mins for the parking (the notice said the parting next to the train station was closed to we had to park in the town, which was 5 mins away from the station). The train was an interesting experience as we could sit with our legs hanging outside the train. However, the whole time was 45 mins and it would get quite boring after 15 mins. The terminal was a lake station up on the mountain and there was only one restaurant - which you would expect everyone on the train would dine over there so it would take a long time to queue up.

The train coordinators were super accommodating with our little baby. She loved going on the train (made her fall seep). The scenery was gorgeous! The lakeside stop is a must the Cafe there is really good and has paddle boats if it's your thing. A nice experience!

My last visit to Puffing Billy was in 2009, so there were quite a few changes for me. We now had to book our tickets online, which is great, but it also says on their website to be there an hour early, that isn't necessary because the ticket box office opens 45min before the train departs to collect your tickets. You can purchase a grazing box or your scones jam and cream online when buying your tickets and collect it at the nice air-conditioned visitors centre and cafe. They also have great food options to purchase. We did the Belgrave to Lakeside trip, which was a nice scenic journey, and to enjoy it all by sitting on the open windows with your legs hanging out as I did back in my primary school days. If you do choose this particular one, make sure to pack bathers. There is a nice area for swimming. They also have a few other water activities, and you have 1 hour there before you hop back on to the train & the return trip back to Belgrave.

Wow! Puffing Billy Railway is an absolute gem nestled in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. The scenic journey on the vintage steam train was like stepping back in time. The lush greenery, towering trees, and picturesque bridges along the track created a magical atmosphere. The friendly and knowledgeable staff added to the overall experience, sharing interesting stories about the railway’s history. The highlight was leaning out of the carriage, feeling the rush of fresh air and hearing the iconic chugging sound of the steam engine. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, train enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a nostalgic adventure. Puffing Billy Railway truly captures the essence of old-world charm and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime!

Belgrave to Lakeside ride - Great place to visit. Kids friendly. Cafes at the start and end of journey. Few walking trails when you reach Lakeside, but won’t have time to finish because the return journey interval is in 90mins. Reach there early as parking spots near the train station are a bit hard to find. Scenic ride. Helpful and passionate staff. Highly recommend.

Had an amazing experience at Puffing Billy train today. Amazing scenic train ride and very friendly staff members. Definitely worth buying tickets in advance as this is a tourist hot spot and can get busy very quickly. Also recommend to go on the earliest train possible so your cart isn't over crowded. Also recommend you to sit on the left side /terminal facing side of the carriage in order to enjoy the views. We were lucky to get a good spot as some other passengers got the boring views by sitting on the left side of the carriage. Overall excellent experience.

The Puffing Billy railway was a fun experience, riding a vintage steam engine train isn't something you do every day. Sitting by the window with legs hanging out, feeling the cold air on your face while enjoying the scenic view was quite an experience. The conductors, mostly older men, were passionate and shared interesting facts about the steam train as if it were from the past. After the train ride, paddling the boats alongside ducks on the water was a beautiful experience.

So much fun, have wanted to ride the Puffing Billy for a long time. Best experience being able to sit on the edge and dangle your legs. Views are pretty. We adored waving back at everyone that waved to us as we went past. Staff were super friendly and happy to take photos. Great day out.

You must buy the ticket online, prefer to purchase it 2 weeks or more before (especially during peak seasons). This is such an amazing hang-out place. Views along the railway are beautiful. People are welcoming, they will wave their hands to you and I found this is so fun! Very unique experience.

The trip to here was amazing 😍 the steam train is a great place to try the old ones. 🚉 We had beautiful time here

Such a fantastic trip on the Australian favorite steam train! It was really worth spending the whole day as a family with two kids on this trip. We took the way from Belgrave to the lakeside with a vegan pack. Everything was great. Amazing view with green environment, very refreshing and relaxing. All of the staff was very friendly. We ask the drivers about the principles work of the train, they answered us with a smile and gave the kids some coals! Very kind.

Enjoyable experience. This is a must go if you are at Victoria. The view is nice from the train but it is the experience of being in a steam train that defeats all scenery you can see. The smell of steam and the sound of the whistle. Makes you think that you’ve travelled back in time but you still have your cameras to capture moments. My first time on a steam train and I’ve enjoyed myself. It’s even more amazing that they’ve got passionate volunteers as well.

Perfect Day Out Tour. ✅ Public Transport Accessible. ✅ Cafe with plenty of food options. ✅ Water Filling Station to reduce plastic waste. ✅ BBQ sites in the park. ✅ Travel and Dine options for Couples & families. ✅ Very Close to Nature & Natural sites. ✅ Souvenirs Shopping to make your travel memories & Support this great heritage steam ride alive. ✅ Very Friendly staff. Anyone looking for great day out alone or your loved ones..there is something for everyone. Support Local and Save Local.

A magical experience which if you've visited Melbourne & haven't done, you've really missed out! Ran by volunteers, a very historical living breathing attraction. I mean where else will you get to ride a train & dangle yours legs over the side! This attraction gets very busy so here's my hot tip. When boarding the train get a seat on the Right facing in the direction of the train & you'll get the most expansive views. On the left you'll still get cool stuff to look at but you'll miss the view of the bridge you cross. Make sure you go all the way to Lakeside.

An iconic Melbourne landmark and tourist destination. An absolutely must try and extremely fun experience. Really feels like going back in time riding on Puffing Billy, and the Lakeside route takes you to a scenic lake to take pictures (if you haven’t taken enough on the train already!)

Book the tickets like a week ago ‼️‼️ Tickets are usually sold out and we were just so lucky to get tickets at last minute. It was such a nice experience, it was 1 hr ride to reach to the lake. Beautiful journey, friendly people waving us on the way. The staffs were so nice. It did give me Hogwarts vibe 😉. To my surprise, the train runs along the residential area, there are houses and roads in between. Would recommend if you are in Melbourne.

My family loved the experience! We chose the Belgrave-Lakeside return trip. The weather was perfect so we got the most out of the experience. I loved that we were able to ride with our legs out the side of the train! It was so much fun, even for the adults. We had lunch at the cafe at Lakeside which was decent. They had a lovely exhibition too. Highly recommend!

When we noticed the day we booked gonna rain, was so worried. Lucky it was only drizzling and still had a lot of fun on the trip! Definitely recommend any visitors to come and join! The whole crew are awesome 👏🏼👍🏼!!

Great and historic train experience! A good place to have all sorts of pictures, the conductors were friendly, and the views were Jaw-dropping. The only little disappointment is the trip is a bit long and most of the trip was a bit boring.

We took a weekend train from lakeside to belgrave. It is a 40 min train ride each side from inside the forest and pretty exciting especially for kids. Belgrave is a small town and there wasn’t much to do. The train was stopped at Belgrave for 2 hours and we have just enough time to have lunch and check out a couple of parks around the station. Good to experience once..

Love it. Very unique experience. I would recommend arriving early. The view on the right hand side is better than the left on the way to Lakeside in my view. We had a great time at Puffing Billy.

Amazing train riding experience that u hang the legs out and enjoy the ride. Love those moments that you wave to the pedestrians / drivers, bystanders and vice versa. Nice picnic area in the Lakeside station. It is a MUST do experience when you come to Victoria

Puffing Billy is a steam train that is still in service. The important thing about traveling here is booking tickets. It is very important that you book your tickets in advance and arrive at least 30 minutes before the train departs. 40 minutes from Belgrave Station to Lakeside Station, you will have beautiful views. With good weather along the way If you sit with your legs hanging all the time, you might get a little tired. Another important thing is if you sit near the locomotive. There will be smoke coming at you and bits of coal falling at you throughout the journey. When you arrive at Lakeside station you will have approx. 45 minutes for food and drinks, where you can use the station's cafe. But if you don't want to eat You can go for a walk around the lake or ride a boat. This activity is not only suitable for children. I think adults would like it too.

There are a lot of international tourists. Because we have a group ticket, it is more convenient. When driving, be careful not to fall out when the head and foot photography equipment is exposed to avoid regrets or dangers. The local residents are also very friendly and it is worth visiting!

Lovely train ride, bringing back original memories back from the days I used to wake up after a night ride on a coal powered train smelling like I’m a mine worker. This ride and the experience brings memories of a time that has changed a lot when travel used to be a leisure and an experience in on itself than a commute that it is today. I initially assumed it was just for kids. Nope, this can bring back nostalgic memories even for adults. Highly recommended.

Such an amazing experience. A must see for kids. Parking is limited so its better to come a bit earlier and find off street parking.

We enjoyed the trip as a family, the kids loved it. The train and the stations staff were very lovely and helpful. Food was delicious with variety of options at Lakeside train station. Always bring a jacket, picnic snacks and Sunglasses are essential for the sun and to protect your eyes from tiny coal particles that occasionally are in the air from the steam.

It’s good experience. I enjoyed with my daughter and took lots of photos. If you never been there, you need to try at least once. But, If you have plan to bring a car to there. Just car park is a bit far from the station. So, prepare extra time to access from the car park to the station. One more, you don’t need to buy food with the ticket. You can buy some foods without any reservations in the cafe in lakeside visitor centre. We bought the scone set with the tickets, but couldn’t finish them. My daughter had sausage roll instead of the scone.

Kids had a memorable Polar Express experience at Puffing Billy. Not snowing but there was a drizzle. Not cold but enough to experience the weather at North Pole! And the best thing, we get to meet Santa on our pajamas!!! Best time ever!

Amazing staff and a wonderful day out. Some fantastic views from the steam train and some great stop of destinations on the route. Just make sure you plan your journey and the stop-offs you want to see, as there are limited trains through the day. The platforms can get quite smokey from the steam train, but part of the experience. Would definitely recommend!

On a nice clear day, it's a good experience to have. Tells you a lot about how steam engines run. Got the tickets for 60$ per person.

Great experience! From booking to going onboard. The part which needs to highlight is the legs hanging out of train and having a swing when the train is moving . All children enjoyed including my dad who is 80 plus. Lastly is the scenery including a part crossing the old wooden bridge . Lastly , at lakeside a visit to the museum.

Highly recommended. Its an amazing experience and we all had fun on Puffing Billy steam train. It is only an hr drive from Melbourne CBD or one can take metro from Flinders street station to Belgrave station (follow the signs from there and it's only couple of mins walk from there to Puffing Billy). Pls book your tickets online in advance. We booked tickets for 1 hr Puffing Billy train ride experience from Belgrave to Lakeside. Staff Conductor Peter and all the other Peter`s were amazing 😀. We were lucky to have him on our carriage and listen from him. At Lakeside, you get to wait 1 and half hr before catching the return train. There is a nice big cafe to eat and also can enjoy paddleboats at Emerald Lake which is adjacent to the station.

The Puffing Billy Railway offers a truly unique train ride experience. The journey from Belgrave to Gembrook Station takes approximately one hour and 50 minutes one way, or a shorter 40-minute ride from Lakeside. This delightful tradition lets passengers savor the fresh rainforest breeze and admire picturesque scenery with legs dangling in the open. Highly recommended for a fun and memorable experience in Melbourne!

Truly an amazing experience. Went Puffing Billy for the first time taking 2 young kids, both the kids and us enjoyed a lot. Unique experience, totally worth it. We boarded from Belgrave and went up to Lakeside View. Boating at Lakeside View with Kids was a great fun. Kids were really so happy and even after coming back they want to go back. Will visit again very soon.

One the most amazing experience in 100+ years old train. The staff is really helpful and knowledgeable. Book it in advance, last moment thing won’t work in busy/sunny days.

We were lucky enough to get the VIP experience with our own carriage as the other passengers (tour group) were late. Thank you to all the volunteers who help to keep this historic service running. Make time for the return journey - worth the trip down memory lane.

This place is truly breathtaking. Not only is it adorned with a charming train, but it also offers unparalleled comfort amidst nature's embrace. The serene atmosphere creates a soothing ambiance, allowing visitors to truly unwind and immerse themselves in the delightful vibes this place has to offer.

We really enjoyed Puffing Billy experience. It's about 30 minutes ride each way (we have a short route) then stopped at a train museum for a coffee break. Make sure you book it far in advance. ❤❤❤

Puffing billy is a must when you visit Melbourne! Tickets should be booked like a month in advance cause it's gone pretty quickly! Or you can book through tours, I booked mine through diamond tours, but it was only one way. Come earlier than departure time to get the best seat! Best seat would be on the right side of the train 👍

Puffing Billy Railways offers an absolutely fantastic holiday experience. My friend and I eagerly booked tickets for the "Train of Lights" special holiday event, and after the long wait, the experience exceeded all our expectations. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving an indelible impression on our hearts. Held in the enchanting month of July, the combination of chilly nights, vibrant, colorful lights, the rhythmic chugging of the steam engine, and the billowing plumes of steam trailing behind the train created a magical ambiance that is impossible to forget. This unique experience transported us to a different world, one that we'll fondly reminisce about for years to come. Puffing Billy's "Train of Lights" is an unforgettable journey that we'll keep recounting for a lifetime.

I can’t imagine that riding on a steam train is that delightful! Enjoy the journey and history. Remember to bring a coat or a jacket because it’s rather cold inside the train even on a hot and sunny day in October. Also spray yourself with an insect repellent before the journey because there are many mosquitoes.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Puffing Billy Railway - A Journey through Time 🚂 Step Back in Time: Visiting Puffing Billy Railway is like taking a journey through time. The experience begins with the charming and nostalgic steam train, an iconic part of Melbourne’s history. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a step back into the golden era of rail travel. 🚂 Scenic Beauty: The railway weaves through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Dandenong Ranges. Lush forests, stunning eucalyptus groves, and breathtaking views are all part of this scenic journey. It’s no wonder it’s often called one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. 🚂 Family-Friendly: Puffing Billy is an ideal destination for families. Kids, both young and old, will be captivated by the charm of the steam train. The open carriage experience is a favorite, allowing passengers to dangle their legs and feel the wind in their hair. 🚂 Friendly Staff: The staff on board are not just knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly. They add a personal touch to the journey, sharing stories and history about the train and the region. 🚂 Heritage Experience: This journey is not just a train ride; it’s a heritage experience. The preserved carriages and the maintenance of the railway line itself are a testament to the dedication to preserving Australia’s railway history. In summary, Puffing Billy Railway is an absolute gem in Melbourne. It combines history, natural beauty, and a sense of adventure into one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a nature lover, or just seeking a memorable day out, Puffing Billy won’t disappoint. It’s an iconic slice of Melbourne’s heritage that continues to charm visitors from all over the world. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this delightful journey through time.

What an amazing experience, it's definitely worth the money! It's a mesmerising day out if you want a step back in time and take it nice and slow. Helpful and friendly staff and a very easy and quick online booking system. Book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during school holidays and summer. The line is a great length, not too long but long enough to enjoy the ride. We traveled between Belgrave and Lakeside. Can't wait to travel the entire length upto Gembrook and back. All the facilities are well kept - even the toilets. I honestly don't know how they can improve - recommend this place fully.

Excellent experience for the whole family. Note it is quite exposed so dress for the weather. Especially rain. Nice cafe at lakeside to grab something to eat and visit the model railway exhibition.

Took the stream train from Belgrave to Lakeside. Good experience sitting on sills, the children love it. Got there by metro and a short 5mins walk there. you need not cross the road. there is a trail from the metro there just dont miss the sign(see photo).

Ticket must pre book weeks ahead. Arrive 15mins before depart to secure best seat. You can set on the rail or use it for your legs. Take extra clothes with, it can be cold. Sun screen and insect repellent are highly recommend. The views are spectacular and the locals will wave at you, young and old! Best family outting or individual adventure.

We had lovely experience today on the Puffing Billy steam railway train. Thank you to Arthur, who just by luck after we entered Metro Hobbies, 257 Burke St, Melbourne. A lovely young guy, we were talking, too, helped us out with ordering tickets online in advance, so we were not going to be disappointed at the opening gates Puffing Billy. Not getting a ticket. He showed us exactly how to order our tickets. He told us he volunteers for Puffing Billy. He also told us his mum worked at Puffing Billy. And coincidence she served us out of the 3 lines that were open we got her counter. When i first got to the counter i said you must have worked here many years, as she had a lot of Puffing Billy Bages on that's when she told us she had been working for them a long time. She told us her screen showed her sons name was down as serving us get the tickers at Metro Hobbies, and she told us, that, that was her son. Ohh wow. Yes, he was really lovely. You have a lovely son. She was happy 😊 she thanked us for coming and to have a wonderful day. Thank you Marge it was lovely to meet your son, Arthur, and you. Keep up the great work. Puffing Billy, they are both acredit to you. Spoke that they loved your place. Please reward them both for great customer service. We will always remember this day and the two of them for making our day, one to remember 🚂 your staff were very nice to talk to. We were very early, which was good. We got to take pics of an earlier train leaving the station. We also met some new friends too a couple with 2 children on the way there, and Eddie and Tiffany on the way back 🙂

Interesting train ride, especially if you love plants and nature. The conductor was on board to explain about the history of the steam railway. We took the shortest trip from Belgrave to Lakeside. Upon arrival, there is a nice cafe for a quick meal before going for a walk around the lake and boating activities

Good ride and excellent staff. The Visitor’s Centre at Lakeside was good but needs more comfortable seating areas with maybe couches or beanbags. The cafe could use more variety to their food as well. There’s not a lot to do there so perhaps having some board games in the seating areas or something to pass the time might be beneficial. The train ride is fun and it’s a happy, cute and wholesome moment when people wave to you as the train passes!

Amazing family day out. Our favourite journey is the round trip to lake side. Sit facing the platform at the beginning for optimal views. Staff are great. Any age. Wheelchair accessible on the lake side trip. It's kind of nice with the reduced capacity, during covid, in each carriage. Bring a good jacket. Parking can be a little tricky (no parking at the station) allow yourself a good 15min to park at the top of the hill or in town.

Fantastic little tourist attraction in the heart of Mount Dandenong. Brought our two girls 3y + 4m for the ride and they loved it. Enough room for a pram and was able to bring brunch on the train and eat it while we toured through the valley. Incredible scenery and beautiful landscapes. Highly recommend as a day out with kids.

Great thing to take the kids on! Super nice as a date; a really beautiful look at the gorgeous country side and amazing volunteers!!

It's feel nature close to you. Very nice view and green environment very refreshing and relaxed your mind. Awesome

As a Victorian, Puffing Billy Railway is a core pillar of my childhood. We recently went back to Puffing Billy and is was the historic marvel I remember. It was packed full of people and it's kept it's charm all these years. Love it on many levels!! Highly recommended for all!

Very impressive! Full of historic feeling and gorgeous view. Must try it with your beloved ones.

One of my visits to Dandenong Ranges, I experienced the Puffing Billy, the Australia’s favourite steam train. I planed the dates and booked the journey online which made it easier and convenient for me to be organized. The train runs though magnificent views of the forest, over the hills, across the iconic timber trestle bridges, down the valley between Belgrave and Lakeside. Superb relaxing spends the day for any age group. I loved every single bit of it. Definitely a must.

It was an amazing experience, we went to Emerald lake and had a picnic. The view was amazing and you can enjoy your snacks too while riding the train.

This is once in lifetime experience. My family enjoyed our trip to Puffing Billy Railway. Most importantly staff were so friendly.

Atmosphere is good 👍. Volunteers do their job well and you can see they enjoy their job and all are people oriented. We booked it not knowing they had Ban on sitting with feet out. Luckily it was lifted before we got there. (Puffing billy ain't a draw card if no feet out !! Just my opinion) I took one star off because the lakes bikes were not operating) Over all great day out great train ride.

Awesome day trip. Had a great time checking everything out. The conductor was lovely & pointed out all the most interesting things & history.

This is one of the most memorable places. Everyone, young and old are delighted to ride the steam engine train. You get to sit on the edge of the windows on the train with your feet dangling out, enjoying the chilly breeze and the scenic ride. My teens children are all enjoying the rides, so am I. Recommended!

A very last-minute idea but so much fun! My sister and I enjoyed booked the train to lakeside with Picnic. We loved the whole experience. Puffing Billy is a vintage steam train, with open-air carriages. Everything is run very smoothly. It is very unique to be sitting in a vintage carriage and watch the stunning scenery pass by. Such a fun and wonderful experience which I would thoroughly recommend.

So good we went back a second time. First visited in 2017. Great views and atmosphere, enough time to grab food at Lakeside station before heading back. Trip in 2020 was a little too busy but this was a midday train during the holidays. Still great views and we drove back out to Lakeside station to spend a little more time there than the train allows.

Amazing experience, especially if you're into old school trains coupled with multiple scenic views. We went during winter season, so it was definitely cold and chilly, but amazing nonetheless. My family and I arrived way past the gate closing time (1115, but boarding time was by 1045am), but the staffs were very understanding and accommodating and let us through. We got our tickets through Klook, so it was really fast and efficient in claiming them.

A great experience suitable for all ages. Visitor centre at lakeside is modern and clean, with a very efficient restaurant that serves delicious scones. There’s also a small museum that displays the 3A Locomotive. Parking can be tricky as there aren’t a lot of car parks near the Puffing Billy train station. Volunteers and staff were super friendly and heaps of beautiful scenery along the way. Definitely worth hanging your legs out for the ride.

The staffs were amazing! Their passionate smile and waving really warm my heart in this rainy, cold winter day. The magical ambience of the misty forest also makes the journey wonderful. I would say this is one of the must-visit place when coming to Melbourne.

What an awesome trip! Puffing Billy is a vintage steam train and allow to sit on the sills, so you can have your feet dangling out as the train rides through the forest. All the staff were really friendly and enthusiastic. Love how they are all so dressed up, and the waving as the train goes by. At every rail crossing, the locals wave to the passengers which is lovely. So too, the home owners whose properties the train pass. We took the train from Belgrave to Lakeside and it passed the southern reaches of the Sherbrooke Forest, then past the iconic Trestle Bridge. The views were very beautiful along the way. The magic is getting the photo as the train rounds the corners and the steam drifts up.

Puffing Billy is a unique experience. It’s a special few hours that you should have no hesitation in doing. A return trip from Belgrade to Lakeside, we felt, was the perfect amount of time. If you’re departing from Belgrave and driving to the station, it’s worth getting there early for a stress-free park. The waiting around to depart is not an issue as there is plenty for the sense to soak up.

One of my favorite spot here in Australia when I visited. This train is very cool and you can hang your feet outside. We bought the tickets online and get the actual ticket at the window of booking office when we arrived. Be there early so you can avoid the waiting in the line.

I would recommend a short ride as the adrenalin of the ride is over quickly. We loved the personalised spark that the volunteers provided. Wow, every person we saw waved at the train! Accessible to all abilities.

Great day for anyone who loves trains or just for the ride through the hills Great volunteers. We had a table in 1st class, enjoying wine and cheese. Would recommend more signage at Belgrave station to Puffing Billy station and back.

If you've never been on a steam train, you've gotta go on this one. The ride through the forest on the mountain is gorgeous. Sit on the window still and hang your legs out while you take photos. Sometimes the smoke gets to you but must times, you can breathe in the clean mountain first air. Great experience.

Super enjoyable! Taking a train by the window shelf is really fun! If you sit on the right side, you can see the beautiful view when the train goes over the bridge. On your journey, you'll spot huge forests that look like they're from ancient times. It's almost like stepping back in time!

Great experience! The staff and conductors are an amazing team with full enthusiasm, you cannot miss this experience ever! It could get cold in the train since it's open so i recommend bringing a jacket and going in nice weather is a big game changer.

Highly recommend booking tickets and going on the Puffing Billy Steam Train!! This was an amazing experience, other than it being cold it was amazing, so enjoyable for the whole family. My partner and I got tickets for the Belgrave to GemBrook return and absolutely loved it. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to wave to all the locals as we past and sitting on the side of the carriages. Would definitely go back and do it all over again. Also would highly recommend getting the grazing box for two as its so worth the money and really filling!!

Went from Belgrave to Lakeside, biggest mistake was not bringing warmer jackets and a pinic. We only had 1 hour at lakeside but it took roughly 25/30 mins to get our food as thought it would be good as a treat. But a packed pinic we could have actually enjoyed the surround. The kids loved sitting on the sill, The surround in some parts on the journey were nice but alot of peoples backyards. It was a bucket list item,To at least do once. We ended up with alot of sot in our hair lol. To be expect when blowing the steam off. All in all was an experience, Awesome artwork for sale at lakeside visitors centre. But would have like to had taken the kids on the Aqua bikes.

Amazing views, passionate volunteers, everyone was very friendly. They even offer for people to have weddings at the visitor centre! You can take your kids or dogs, you can sit on the window ledge and dangle your legs out of the train - it's a lovely experience.

A bit pricey but we both had soooooo much fun! Great service, spectacular views. So much fun that we can hang our legs on the window rails.