Best Places to See Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy is one of Victoria's most famous attractions, but you don't have to buy a train ticket to enjoy the sight of this historic steam train travelling through the Dandenong Ranges.
The railway runs approximately 24 km from Belgrave to Gembrook, passing through forests, fern gullies, historic railway stations, open countryside and across magnificent timber trestle bridges.
There are plenty of places where families can watch Puffing Billy approaching, hear its distinctive whistle and wave to the passengers as it passes.
Some locations are particularly good for photography, while others offer playgrounds, picnic areas, walking tracks and other attractions, making them ideal for a family outing.
Our top recommendation is the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge at Selby, while Emerald Lake Park is the best choice for families wanting to combine train spotting with other activities.
The following locations are arranged in order along the railway from Belgrave to Gembrook.
1. Belgrave Puffing Billy Station (Belgrave)
1 Old Monbulk Road, BelgraveBelgrave is the starting point for Puffing Billy's journeys through the Dandenong Ranges. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the historic railway and see the steam locomotives preparing for their journey.
The station precinct provides opportunities to photograph the railway and watch trains departing. Public viewing areas are available, although access to boarding platforms and other restricted areas may require a train ticket.
The station is close to Belgrave's shops and cafes, making it easy to combine train spotting with a visit to the township.
Best for: Seeing steam locomotives before departure and enjoying the historic railway atmosphere.
2. Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge (Selby)
Belgrave-Gembrook Road, near Colombo Road, SelbyThis is arguably the most spectacular place to photograph Puffing Billy.
The famous timber trestle bridge carries the railway high above Monbulk Creek and Belgrave-Gembrook Road. Built in 1899, the bridge is approximately 91 metres long and 13 metres high, with 15 timber spans.
A designated parking area below the bridge provides an excellent vantage point to watch Puffing Billy cross the structure, particularly when the steam locomotive is pulling a train full of passengers.
The sight of the train emerging from the forest and travelling across the elevated timber bridge is one of the most iconic scenes in the Dandenong Ranges.
Best for: Spectacular photographs of Puffing Billy crossing a historic timber trestle bridge.
Tip: Arrive before the train is due, as this is one of the railway's most popular photography locations.
3. Menzies Creek Station (Menzies Creek)
49 School Road, Menzies CreekMenzies Creek is approximately 6 km along the railway from Belgrave and is another excellent place to see Puffing Billy.
The historic station provides opportunities to watch trains arrive and depart, and on some occasions trains travelling in opposite directions pass one another at the station.
The nearby Menzies Creek Museum contains an impressive collection of historic locomotives, railway carriages and equipment, making this an especially worthwhile destination for railway enthusiasts and families.
Best for: Watching trains at a historic station and combining the visit with a railway museum.
4. Emerald Railway Station (Emerald)
Corner of Kilvington Drive and Heroes Avenue, EmeraldEmerald Station is the highest station on the Puffing Billy line and retains the only original station building still intact along the railway.
The historic station and railway yard provide opportunities to photograph Puffing Billy as it travels through the township.
Nearby cafes, shops and parkland make Emerald a convenient place to stop.
Best for: Historic railway scenery and train spotting close to shops and cafes.
5. Nobelius Siding and Heritage Park (Emerald)
Crichton Road, EmeraldNobelius is a quieter location where Puffing Billy passes through attractive parkland and the historic former nursery precinct.
The railway passes the restored Nobelius Packing Shed, which was once used to dispatch plants from the famous Nobelius Nursery.
Visitors can explore Nobelius Heritage Park, enjoy the gardens and watch for Puffing Billy from suitable public viewing areas near the railway.
The park also contains the Emerald Museum, historic plantings, picnic areas and walking paths.
Best for: Watching Puffing Billy in a quieter setting surrounded by gardens and historic railway features.
6. Lakeside Station and Emerald Lake Park (Emerald)
Emerald Lake Road, EmeraldEmerald Lake Park is one of the best places for families to see Puffing Billy without travelling on the train.
Lakeside Station is located within the park, overlooking the beautiful Lake Treganowan. The station is a major destination for Puffing Billy services, and trains often remain here while passengers explore the park.
Visitors can watch steam locomotives arrive and depart, and may see railway staff replenishing water supplies.
There are also opportunities to photograph the train from public paths around the lake.
Other attractions include:
- Playgrounds
- Lakeside picnic areas
- BBQ facilities
- Walking tracks
- Paddleboat hire
- Lakeside Visitor Centre
- Cafe
- Seasonal wading pool
- Public toilets
Best for: Families with children, lakeside train photography and combining train spotting with a picnic or playground visit.
Note: Parking charges may apply within Emerald Lake Park.
7. Wright Forest and Wrights Crossing (Cockatoo)
Wrights Road near Dalziell Road, CockatooBeyond Lakeside, Puffing Billy travels through beautiful forest scenery and crosses several historic timber railway bridges.
Wrights Crossing is a quieter location where visitors can watch the train pass through the forest.
The railway also passes through the Wright Forest area, which contains walking tracks and sections of the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail.
Some walking routes offer glimpses of Puffing Billy travelling through the trees and crossing the historic railway bridges.
Best for: Watching Puffing Billy in a natural bushland setting.
Important: Remain on designated public paths and roads. Do not enter railway land or attempt to access the bridges.
8. Cockatoo Station (Cockatoo)
Corner of McBride Street and Pakenham Road, CockatooCockatoo is another convenient location for watching Puffing Billy.
The railway passes close to the township's shopping area, with viewing opportunities near the historic station and McBride Street.
Visitors can watch trains pass through the station area and continue towards Gembrook or Emerald Lake Park.
The nearby shops and cafes provide a convenient place to stop while waiting for the train.
Best for: Easy roadside train spotting close to the centre of Cockatoo.
9. Fielder and the Cockatoo-Gembrook Trail (Cockatoo)
Belgrave-Gembrook Road near Doonaha Road, CockatooFielder is a small historic railway stopping place between Cockatoo and Gembrook.
The surrounding countryside provides opportunities to see Puffing Billy travelling through open rural scenery.
The nearby Cockatoo-Gembrook Multi-Use Trail follows sections of the railway corridor, providing opportunities to combine walking or cycling with train spotting.
Best for: Rural railway photography and combining a walk or bicycle ride with watching Puffing Billy.
10. Gembrook Station and J.A.C. Russell Park (Gembrook)
Main Street, GembrookGembrook is the eastern terminus of Puffing Billy and another excellent destination for families.
The historic railway station is located beside Main Street, with public viewing areas where visitors can watch steam trains arrive and prepare for their return journey.
Trains often remain at Gembrook for an extended period, allowing visitors time to explore the town.
Beside the station is J.A.C. Russell Park, which offers a playground, picnic facilities, BBQs, toilets and shady areas.
Gembrook also has cafes, shops and historic attractions, making it an ideal destination for a family day trip.
Best for: Seeing Puffing Billy at the end of its journey and combining train spotting with a playground and picnic.
Walking and Cycling Routes to See Puffing Billy:
Several walking and cycling trails follow or intersect the Puffing Billy railway.
Two particularly good options are:
- Emerald-Cockatoo Multi-Use Trail - Passes through Nobelius Heritage Park, Emerald Lake Park and Wright Forest, with opportunities to see the railway along the route
- Cockatoo-Gembrook Multi-Use Trail - Follows sections of the railway corridor towards Gembrook, with opportunities to see trains travelling through the countryside
Tips for Watching Puffing Billy:
- Check the Puffing Billy timetable before leaving home
- Services between Belgrave and Lakeside generally operate more frequently than services continuing to Gembrook
- Allow extra time to find parking and reach your chosen viewing location
- Trains may run late, so be prepared to wait
- Never stand on railway tracks or enter restricted railway areas
- Only photograph trains from public roads, paths and designated viewing areas
- Keep children well away from the railway line and level crossings
- Never stop your car on a railway crossing or obstruct traffic to take photographs
- Be aware that some stations and platforms have restricted access
- Weather conditions, special events and operational requirements may affect train services
Puffing Billy Timetable:
It is important to check which services are operating before planning your visit.
The Belgrave to Lakeside section generally has the most regular services, while trains travelling beyond Lakeside to Cockatoo and Gembrook operate less frequently.
Special events, maintenance and seasonal operating arrangements may affect schedules.
Puffing Billy - Current Timetables
Web Links
→ Puffing Billy Railway (Belgrave)
→ Puffing Billy Railway - The Journey
