Tickets Melbourne

Puffing Billy Map: Explore Victoria's Most Scenic Train Routes

Puffing Billy route: What you need to know

The Puffing Billy Railway is a journey through Dandenong Ranges’ most charming villages and forested landscapes. But here's the important bit:

  • The train only travels east from Belgrave through Menzies Creek, Emerald, and Lakeside.
  • All other attractions like Phillip Island, Healesville Sanctuary, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie are reached by coach after the train ride

Main line overview: Belgrave to Gembrook (Full Line)

Even though our standard tours end at Lakeside, this full-line map gives you a bird’s eye view of the iconic Puffing Billy Railway—from Belgrave to Gembrook.

  • Start at Belgrave Station (140 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC)—this is the historic departure point for all routes.
  • Pass through Menzies Creek, a leafy hamlet and home to a railway museum.
  • Continue through Emerald, with forest views and trestle bridge crossings.
  • Reach Lakeside Station in Emerald Lake Park—your main stop for half-day tours.
  • The full heritage route extends to Gembrook, a quaint town with a charming station and panoramic views of the hills.

Highlight: The train crosses the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge just after Belgrave—a top photo moment!

Steam train route map from Belgrave to Lakeside with stops at Shelby, Menzies Creek, Clematis, and Emerald.

This is the route followed by most of our Puffing Billy train tickets—including all combo experiences with Phillip Island and Healesville.

  • Coach from MelbourneBoard train at Belgrave
  • Steam through Menzies Creek and Emerald
  • Stop at Lakeside Station, right next to Emerald Lake Park and the Lakeside Visitor Centre

Why it’s special: Ride through towering mountain ash trees, spot native birdlife, and enjoy free time to explore Emerald Lake Park—from lakeside trails to paddle boats.

Map: Belgrave to Menzies Creek (Shorter Steam Journey)

Puffing Billy Railway map from Belgrave to Menzies Creek, showing train route and stops.

A shorter ride but just as scenic—ideal for quick trips, school groups, or visitors with limited time.

  • Travel from Belgrave to Menzies Creek (approx. 30 mins)
  • Features the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge within the first few minutes of departure
  • End your journey at Menzies Creek Station, home to the Puffing Billy Museum

Why choose this route? It’s a bite-sized journey through dense forest, packed with history and steam-train nostalgia. Plus, the museum at Menzies Creek gives kids and train lovers a closer look at vintage engines and railway memorabilia.

Where the train doesn’t go (but your tour might!)

While the train sticks to the forested Puffing Billy Railway line, many of Headout’s full-day tours take you beyond by coach. Here's where you’ll go after the train:

Walkway through lush greenery at Healesville Sanctuary, leading to Phillip Island Wildlife Park.

Healesville Sanctuary

North of Lakeside (approx. 30–40 mins by coach)Meet koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses in this renowned wildlife haven.

Tour: Puffing Billy + Healesville Sanctuary & Chocolaterie

Emilie's Chocoladen & Candy Werkstatt interior with colorful candy displays in Berlin, Germany.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Near Yarra Glen, north of HealesvilleSample handmade chocolates, ice cream, and take in the vineyard views.

Tour*:* Puffing Billy + Healesville Sanctuary & Chocolaterie

Couple observing penguin parade from underground center, Phillip Island, Australia.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

South of Melbourne, across the bridge to Phillip IslandWatch little penguins waddle home at sunset on Summerland Beach.

Tour*:* Puffing Billy + Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Planning tips: Know your stations

  • Belgrave StationThis is your boarding point—most tours include coach transfer from Melbourne CBD.
  • Lakeside Station & Visitor CentreLocated within Emerald Lake Park, this is the final stop on our most popular routes. The visitor centre has exhibitions, picnic areas, and a café.

Frequently asked questions about the Puffing Billy map

Where does the Puffing Billy train go?

The steam train runs from Belgrave through lush Dandenong Ranges to Menzies Creek, Emerald (including Nobelius siding), and Lakeside. On selected days, the full line continues a total of about 25 km to Gembrook.

Does Puffing Billy go to Phillip Island or Healesville Sanctuary?

No, Puffing Billy only operates on its Dandenong Ranges heritage line. Combined tours to Phillip Island or Healesville use coach transfers after the rail segment—not train connections.

How long is the Puffing Billy route?

Belgrave to Lakeside is approximately 1 hour one‑way (~4 km), with a return trip plus time at Lakeside totalling around 4 hours. The full Belgrave to Gembrook line spans ~24–25 km and takes about 1 h 50 min one‑way (allow 6 hours for a full return ride).

Can I hop off at any station along the route?

Standard tickets are for return travel between your selected start and end stations only, and do not allow getting off at stations in between.

Which station should I start at?

Belgrave Station is the main departure hub (easy access, parking, cafe and souvenirs) and the most popular starting point. Lakeside is great if you prefer a shorter ride with Emerald Lake nearby.

What’s the difference between the Belgrave–Lakeside and Belgrave–Gembrook routes?

Belgrave–Lakeside is the classic family-friendly option, runs daily, and includes time at Emerald Lake Park. Belgrave–Gembrook is longer, offered on select weekends or holidays, and includes a township stopover at Gembrook.

How do I know where to get off?

Station stops are announced onboard, and friendly staff will remind you. Your ticket clearly shows the return endpoint, so you’ll always know where your adventure ends.

Can I do a one‑way train ride and return by car or coach?

Yes—many tour operators offer one-way Puffing Billy train rides combined with coach transfers back (or onward to attractions like Phillip Island or Healesville). It's a handy way to mix rail and road travel!

Tickets Melbourne
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX