Puffing Billy Railway

Puffing Billy Railway is a heritage steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, and one of the easiest family day trips to plan from Yarra Valley Lodge.

Running from Belgrave through forested hills, fern gullies and village stations, Puffing Billy is one of Victoria’s most recognisable family attractions. The journey has a slower, old-world feeling that children tend to remember, from the sound of the whistle to the open-sided carriages and the rhythm of the train moving through the ranges.

Why visit Puffing Billy Railway

Puffing Billy is a memorable choice for families looking for things to do near the Yarra Valley with children. It gives the day a clear focus, with enough novelty for younger guests and enough scenery for adults to enjoy the journey too.

The Belgrave to Lakeside return journey is one of the most popular ways to experience the railway, travelling through the Dandenong Ranges to the Lakeside Visitor Centre and Emerald Lake Park precinct. Families can make the train ride the main activity of the day, with time for lunch, a walk around the lake, the visitor centre or simply a slower return drive through the hills.

For interstate and international visitors, Puffing Billy also offers a different side of the region. It pairs the Yarra Valley’s wine country setting with one of Victoria’s classic heritage experiences, close enough to Melbourne to feel accessible but more rewarding when planned as part of an overnight stay.

How to get there

Puffing Billy Railway’s main Belgrave Station is located at 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave. From Yarra Valley Lodge, allow approximately 45 minutes by car. Driving is the simplest option from the Lodge, particularly for families travelling with children, prams or day bags. It also gives you more flexibility if you want to stop in the Dandenong Ranges before returning to the estate.

Good to know

• Bookings: Bookings are essential for all Puffing Billy train journeys.
• Main journey: Belgrave to Lakeside return operates daily and is approximately 1 hour each way. Allow around 4 hours for the full experience.
• Family note: The Lakeside Visitor Centre has a family-friendly Railway Café, indoor and outdoor seating, walking trails and access to Emerald Lake Park.
• Best for: Families, children, heritage rail enthusiasts and international visitors.
• Allow: Half a day, especially if travelling with children.
• Best time to visit: Morning departures work well for families, leaving the afternoon open for a slower return to the Lodge.

Make it part of your stay

Puffing Billy works best when the day is kept simple. Have breakfast at Yarra Valley Lodge, head out for a morning train journey, then return to the estate with time for children to reset before the evening.

For families, the Lodge’s Family Rooms and One Bedroom Suites make this kind of itinerary easier. There is space to spread out after the day’s outing, settle in before dinner, or keep the evening low-key after a few hours of steam trains, forest views and fresh air.