In the lush hills of the Dandenong Ranges, just east of Melbourne, Australia, a plume of white steam curls skyward, followed by the sound of a whistle cutting through the morning mist. It’s not just any train. It’s Puffing Billy, a living relic from a bygone era, still running strong more than a century since it first chugged along these tracks.

The journey begins at Belgrave Station, where passengers eagerly line up to board open-sided carriages. There’s a unique excitement in the air,  not just from families and tourists, but from train enthusiasts and local volunteers who help operate the railway. It’s not unusual to see people sitting on the window ledges, legs dangling out, a tradition allowed on certain parts of the route. It’s a rare, freeing experience that brings smiles to the faces of both children and adults alike.

Belgrave Station includes accessible toilets and parenting rooms. The surrounding area has picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable wait, especially for families. Grab a coffee, snack or gift before boarding. The station offers a cozy refreshment room plus a souvenir shop stocked with railway memorabilia—ideal for keepsakes.

Puffing Billy is more than just a train ride. It’s a time machine. As the engine slowly pulls out of the station with a gentle chuff-chuff, the world begins to slow down. The modern-day hustle fades into the background, replaced by the soothing rhythm of steel on steel and the ever-changing tapestry of ferns, towering eucalyptus trees, and wooden trestle bridges.

What truly sets Puffing Billy apart, though, is the atmosphere, the sense of shared wonder. Whether it’s the click of an old camera, the wave of a train conductor in vintage uniform, or the amazed gasp of a child seeing steam rise for the first time, every moment feels like a scene from a storybook.

Originally built in the early 1900s to open up remote farming communities, the railway was part of a network of "narrow-gauge" lines designed to transport goods and passengers. Over time, with the rise of road transport, many of these lines were closed. Puffing Billy, however, was given a second life, thanks to a passionate group of volunteers and preservationists who refused to let it disappear into history.

Today, Puffing Billy is one of the best-preserved heritage railways in the world. The locomotives and carriages, lovingly restored and maintained, are not just for show, they’re fully functional pieces of history. Every hissing valve and polished brass lever tells a story of craftsmanship and care.

The railway’s most famous feature might be the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, where the train dramatically curves along a high wooden viaduct as photographers snap away and passengers wave at passersby below. Then, the train snakes through the forest toward Lakeside and Gembrook, offering stops where travelers can enjoy picnics, walk through nature, or visit a railway museum.

In a world that moves too fast, Puffing Billy invites you to slow down and savor the journey. It's a whistle from the past that still echoes joyfully in the present , and one that promises to enchant generations to come.

How to get there:
To get to Puffing Billy Railway, the most common departure point is Belgrave Station, which is easily accessible from Melbourne, Victoria. Here's how you can get there: Take a train on the Belgrave Line. From Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross, or Melbourne Central, board a metro train to Belgrave (on the Belgrave Line). The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Walk to Puffing Billy Belgrave Station Once you arrive at Belgrave Station (Metro), it's just a 2-minute walk to the Puffing Billy Railway Station. There are signs directing you, and staff at the station can help if needed.