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Australia/Things to Do in Melbourne, couple trip

Puffing Billy Railway (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Puffing Billy Railway?

91%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 91% Couple-Friendly: The slow open-air journey, optional first-class lunch and lakeside walks create a romantic outing, but fixed timetables may limit spontaneity for couples who want a short visit.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 8,982 reviews)
Puffing Billy Train - Iconic Australian Tourist Attraction
4 min
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Puffing Billy Train - Iconic Australian Tourist Attraction
148.5K views • 2 years ago
We Finally Went On PUFFING BILLY Railway! A Cool Melbourne Train
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We Finally Went On PUFFING BILLY Railway! A Cool Melbourne Train
38.9K views • 1 year ago
Puffing Billy Railway Melbourne | Iconic Day Trip on a Heritage Steam Train 🚂
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Puffing Billy Railway Melbourne | Iconic Day Trip on a Heritage Steam Train 🚂
9.1K views • 6 months ago
Melbourne Day Trip to Puffing Billy | Stunning Views & Scones!
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Melbourne Day Trip to Puffing Billy | Stunning Views & Scones!
3.4K views • 5 months ago
Magical Ride On The Old Puffing Billy Steam Train - A Truly Iconic Experience
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Magical Ride On The Old Puffing Billy Steam Train - A Truly Iconic Experience
11.9K views • 2 years ago
Puffing Billy - Melbourne’s best day out on a 100 year old railway
10 min
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Puffing Billy - Melbourne’s best day out on a 100 year old railway
8.8K views • 2 years ago
Melbourne’s Puffing Billy - A Day on Australia's Iconic Steam Train
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Melbourne’s Puffing Billy - A Day on Australia's Iconic Steam Train
1.9K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Heritage Ambience: Board century-old carriages for a nostalgic shared experience.
  • Outdoor Connection: Open-sided cars let you breathe fresh forest air together.

Challenges:

  • Limited Shelter: Open carriages offer little rain protection; bring rain gear.
  • Uneven Surfaces: Station platforms and lakeside paths have gravel and roots.
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What is Puffing Billy Railway?

  • A heritage narrow-gauge steam railway operating since 1900 through Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges
  • Authentic early 20th-century steam locomotives hauling open-sided timber carriages along winding forest tracks
  • A preserved historic line featuring original trestle bridges, lush fern gullies and century-old infrastructure

What is so special about Puffing Billy Railway for couple trip?

  1. Ride an open-air steam train side-by-side through the Dandenongs
  2. Experience the thrill of dangling your legs over the carriage edge
  3. Picnic with a gourmet Grazing Box by Emerald Lake
  4. Dine on a three-course luncheon in a heated first-class carriage
  5. Enjoy a quiet romantic walk around a scenic lake

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: A return ride plus a short lakeside walk fits into half a day without rushing.

(View Puffing Billy Railway on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Puffing Billy Railway

Scenic Steam Train Ride:

Travel Belgrave to Lakeside in open-air carriages through fern gullies and rainforest.

Tip: Book online at least one week ahead to reserve side-by-side seats.

Leg-Dangle Experience:

Sit on the carriage edge and feel the wind as you glide through the Dandenongs.

Tip: Hold the handrail firmly and wear long pants to protect your legs.

Pre-Ordered Grazing Box Picnic:

Collect a gourmet Grazing Box at Lakeside station and picnic by Emerald Lake.

Tip: Order 48 hours before your visit and pick it up at the station café.

Steam & Cuisine Luncheon:

Enjoy a three-course plated lunch in a heated first-class carriage.

Tip: Book the midday service and dress warmly; carriages can feel cool.

Romantic Lakeside Walk:

Follow flat trails around Emerald Lake Park to spot waterbirds and hidden coves.

Tip: Begin at Lakeside station and wear comfortable walking shoes.

When is the best time to visit Puffing Billy Railway (Melbourne, Australia)?

In July, book the Train of Lights for an illuminated winter ride. In summer (Dec–Feb), rent paddle boats at Emerald Lake Park for a cool post-ride activity.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Melbourne on Trip.com

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Reviews of Puffing Billy Railway (Melbourne)

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Richard C

Richard C

Jul 2025

Riding Puffing Billy was such a fun and unique experience. The open carriages let you hang your legs out, which made the whole thing feel extra special. The views along the way were beautiful—lots of trees, hills, and little towns. It felt really peaceful and like stepping back in time. The staff were super friendly too. Overall, a really enjoyable way to spend the day outside the city.

Komal Deep

Komal Deep

Jun 2025

It was the best train experience I have ever had in my life. The station itself gives you a vintage vibe. It's better to book tickets in advance as seats are always booked for a really long time. The staff is polite and attentive. If you are in Australia, this place is a must visit

Christine ST

Christine ST

Jun 2025

Quite an experience to say the least! We pre-booked our tickets a month in advance but it doesn't stop you from having to wait in a long queue to get that validated. Even though 10 of us booked at the same time, we still got split between 2 carriages so there is that as well. The journey itself is only 1hour for the one we chose and then you spend 3 hours at that location and travel back for 1hour...

huong luu

huong luu

Jun 2025

Riding the Puffing Billy steam train was one of the most wonderful experiences I had in Australia. From the moment I arrived at Belgrave Station, I felt a sense of nostalgia — the old wooden carriages, the sound of the whistle echoing through the mountains, and the vintage atmosphere made it feel like stepping into the past. As the train slowly made its way through the lush forests of the Dandeno...

alka verma

alka verma

May 2025

Riding Puffing Billy is a delightful experience that brings out the child in you! Sitting on the window sill with your legs dangling over the edge is such great fun — a unique thrill that takes you straight back to childhood. The ride across the iconic trestle bridge is a definite highlight, offering stunning views and a nostalgic sense of adventure. Emerald Lake Park at the end of the journey is ...

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Return train tickets for twoAUD 126
Grazing BoxAUD 25
High Tea for twoAUD 35
Total EstimatedAUD 186

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Maximize Your Visit to Puffing Billy Railway

  1. Early Departure: Catch the first train from Belgrave to avoid crowds.
  2. Station Hopping: Alight at Menzies Creek to visit the rail museum and catch the next service.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Melbourne attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Puffing Billy Railway

Address: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160, Australia

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About Puffing Billy Railway

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 3 9757 0700

Average price

US$ 41.75
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 41.75
Book on GetYourGuide
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