Step back in time as you take a ride on Australia’s most famous, century-old steam train that still runs at 24km/h on its original mountain track. The goal of this re-enactment is to bring back the historic scenes of old railways. It is an awesome experience that shows you the great vegetation that exists in the area.
This heritage railway has narrow gauge tracks which stop at 11 stations with five stopping stations. The stations are Belgrave, Selby, Menzies Creek, Clematis, Emerald, Nobelius, Lakeside(Emerald Lake), Wright, Cockatoo, Fielder and finally Gembrook. Most photographed, iconic monument on the puffing bully is the Historic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge.
When it was opened in 1900, it was only used by the farming and timber community. It is one of the only steam trains from the 1900’s to be still running with its iconic smoke and the interior that is unique to the steam train.
The journey takes you through the glorious Dandenong Ranges. Dangle your legs out of the carriage and wave to all those people you pass by. Soak up the fresh air from the lush rainforests lined with beautiful ferns. The train winds round the mountains from Belgrave, the foothills of the ranges all the way up to Gembrook which spans 25km or around 2hrs each way.
Emerald Lake is a great place to enjoy, unwind and have a picnic; return journey to Belgrave takes only an hour. There are picnic tables, parklands, Emerald lake café and tearoom (good for hot and cold food), shops, bakeries, fishing opportunities in the lake, playground facilities, BBQ facilities and it has peddled boats for hire.
Peddle boating at the Emerald lake is a great entertainment for kids and adults. The capacity of the boat is three with one or two children per session.
Emerald Lake Model Railway is a must-see for any age. The largest working HO scale model (1:87) in the Southern Hemisphere that has a viewing area larger than an average house. The model railway is also an interactive display; it has buttons to press, trains to watch and fascinating miniatures living in towns, city and country. This little world consists of more than 2,000 metres of track and includes 250 houses and buildings, 450 cars and trucks, 1,100 trees and 1,500 miniature people. It is open seven days a week 11 am– 4 pm. Open on weekends and school holidays only during the winter months and Closed on Christmas Day. Phone no. (03)5968 3455
The historic town of Gembrook which has an Avenue of honour commemorating the local soldiers who fought in WW2. The township has a variety of dining options as well as local market.
Along the way to Menzies Creek, check out the famous puffing Billy Railway Steam Museum which gives an insight into how the railway was built and operated. The museum also is home to a collection of locomotives and relics like steam equipment and artefacts from the period.
Book now to get the best out of Puffing Billy, where you’ll only get the top handpicked tours recommended by us.
Address
1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160
Phone no.
(03) 9757 0700
Website
http://puffingbilly.com.au/en
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