victoria - 101 Must Do's - travel

83 Catherine Tobeck

Aug 13th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

How ca you decribe puffing billy to the fullest it is really a experience like none other. How magical it is to ride a steam train to go back in the past for a few hours and see how we far technolgoy has come. I rememeber hanging out of the train waving to all who go by and feeling part of history it was so amazing to see how the steam train works. Even the soot all over you as you leave just adds to the magic of this wonderful experince it really is one of the best experinces that you can have.

82 Melissa

Aug 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am

Choot Choot my 3 year old boys yelled, pulling on that imaginery train whistle, Choot Choot, life didnt get better than this ! We loved it and will be back. Thomas the Tank Engine here we come… ! My 12 yr old daughter says “Oh no not again”. But she secretly loves it too….

81 Rosalind Richardson

Aug 5th, 2008 at 10:40 am

Puffing Billy is so much fun We have been on it a couple of times when our children were younger and they loved seeing the steam pouring out behind them a great day out for young and older people alike beautiful scenery and a fun place to go for picnics

80 catherine

Jul 28th, 2008 at 9:08 am

I remember riding Puffing Billy as a child and watching my children’s faces on this ride was priceless.

79 Sandra

Jul 27th, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Born in Melbourne and now live interstate, have taken my childen and in laws to puffing billy. My children when little loved sitting on the window ledge, legs out and waving to everyone who stopped to watch the train go by, getting soot in the eyes was all the fun of the train. Great day out for young and old beautiful scenery.

78 Meg

Jul 25th, 2008 at 2:43 pm

The whistle echos through the hills as Puffing Billy chugs through the sensational scenery of the rural, semi-rural and virtually suburban townships in the Dandenongs. The smells, sights and sounds are not like anything that is experienced in day to day life anymore. This piece of living and moving history is fascinating to all ages and provides a day out that is enjoyed by all.
Try it on a week day and wave to the school children who line the fences of the schools along the way!

77 Amanda

Jul 24th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Puffing Billy on a hot summer night is amazing followed by fish n chips at emerald lake…very romantic!

76 Brigitte Elsey

Jul 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 am

Having a meal while traveling on the Historical train trip through the beautiful view of the Dandenong Ranges says it all. Of course it is a great day out for the family the kids love the idea of hanging the arms out the windows and looking at how the steam train runs in the engine room.

This is also the best way to show overseas visitors a good time and Melbourne’s scenery at the same time.

75 Andrew Cowell

Jul 22nd, 2008 at 9:33 pm

O.K. so there are steam trains and there are steam trains, right - WRONG !!
This is an absolute MUST SEE.
Where else can you hang outside a moving train ?
The scenery is fantastic, especially so in the wet.
The kids love it and the sounds and smells will take you back in time to an era which matches the terminus.
We have been back time and again and will do so on many occasions as the family grows !!

74 Rachael Manley

Jul 21st, 2008 at 9:00 pm

Puffing Billy is the perfect family day out and truly a relaxing step back in time. We LOVE it.

73 Squiz

Jul 21st, 2008 at 2:44 pm

I have fond memories of riding Puffing Billy as a child and now my children enjoy it as much as I did.

72 william ireland

Jul 21st, 2008 at 2:11 pm

I think puffing billy is a great outing it reminds you of travel from the past and is a great way for our younger people to learn about our history.

71 deidre le mais

Jul 21st, 2008 at 11:25 am

Enjoy a steam train ride through the picturesque hills of the Dandegons. You can enjoy a meal in first class or hang out of the windows and enjoy the steam in second class. Either way take a trip back in time. Slow down and enjoy the ride.

70 Paul

Jul 20th, 2008 at 11:10 am

In this age of video games it is vital that we preserve these glimpses into a dead past to give people an appreciation of todays life.

69 Andrew

Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:09 pm

Puffing Billy is much more than a ride through the scenic Dandenongs behind an old steam locomotive. I like the way they regard the whole railway as a heritage experience with all the surroundings being a step back into a past era, from the station buildings to the staff uniforms and all the attention to historic detail.

68 Greg

Jul 18th, 2008 at 7:49 pm

Travelling in a bygone means of transport through the majestic Dandenongs is a magical experience to be remembered forever.

67 Neil

Jul 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm

It is great to see a valuable piece of history maintained for the generations to come. The day out riding on the original train, smelling the coal smoke and steam brought back so many great child hood memories. Also plenty to do at LAkeside and Gembrook.

66 Karen Streeter

Jul 18th, 2008 at 11:28 am

it’s a great way for families and friends of all ages to get together, have a wonderful day enjoying the scenery and fresh air and make memories that last a lifetime

65 Brian Ellis

Jul 16th, 2008 at 5:31 pm

My 2 1/2 year old son is train mad and the puffing billy experince was the highlight of the holidays. Ps Mum & dad enjoyed the trip along with the fantastic scenery and atmosphere.

64 Brian Keogh

Jul 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

I love steam train travel & the packages Puffing Billy offers are exceptional, especially the dinner package. A very reasonable price for a fantastic meal with a scenic trip before & after it. I love to sit back & chug along enjoying a nice red wine & watch the Dandenong Ranges roll by.

63 Nicole Long

Jul 16th, 2008 at 11:44 am

What a great piece of history! As kids we often rode on the Puffing Billy, had a picnic at Emerald lake and had a simply stunning day.
Now that I have kids of my own we have come full circle and now enjoy the same activities - all over again!

62 FAY

Jul 13th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

Lunch on Puffing Billy was one of the most wonderful experiences my husband and I have had. Superb Views, Fabulous Food and wine., Arriving at Emerald we saw an amazing working display of a Model town with all model trains running. Then a delightful return trip with dessert and very attentive staff. A truely relaxing and wonderful day.

61 paul

Jul 13th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

my wife and i had the best time with the volunteres on the best day we have ever had.The stories of their youth as raliway children had us mesmerised and wanting them to not leave us hanging.Truley a wonderful day we had rain sleet and sunshine lunch in the pub was great also.Trully a wonderful time

60 Amanda Williams

Jul 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm

Puffing Billy allows you to sit back, relax and breathe in the beautiful surroundings that Victoria has to offer!

59 Kylie Price

Jul 11th, 2008 at 10:58 pm

A little piece of history
Steam trains hold a certain mystery
So picturesque
The kids think it’s the best
A perfect family day
It’s fun all the way!

58 Bob McNish

Jul 11th, 2008 at 3:05 pm

Puffing Billy’s Luncheon Special is a unique rail travel experience; quality dining in a heritage carriage with attentive service as the train progresses through the stunning scenery and vegetation of the Dandenong Ranges is a journey not to be missed.
Highly commendable, a credit to all involved and an absolute plus for Victorian tourism.

57 Ron

Jul 9th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

Grandchildren interstate and overseas visitors always love it and its not far to travel now fuel cost so much

56 Tali

Jul 8th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

The puffing billy is so much more than a place to visit. It is the real victorian country. I feel so at home when I go there each year.
My grandpa liked it so much he now lives there

55 Lorraine

Jul 8th, 2008 at 10:57 am

I voted for Puffing Billy because no matter how old you are It’s still a magical journey.

54 amanda limb

Jul 8th, 2008 at 9:23 am

PUFFING BILLY has been a joy for families for many years. People dont realise the effort and time that volunteers put in to make this iconic train choo choo along the track. Keep up the good work!!

53 jo owen

Jul 7th, 2008 at 7:41 pm

excellent day out for the younger kids, mine just loved going on the train and seeing the sights and hearing the trains whistle blow.
though i do wish the prices were cheaper as we loved it so much we would like to go again but carnt afford to do so

52 Julie

Jul 6th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

Puffing Billy is simply charming. It’s like taking a little adventure in our own backyard. Great for all ages

51 Nora

Jul 5th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Breathtaking trip, worth trying. Hope to get the chance of meeting Santa this Christmas period.

50 Simon

Jul 5th, 2008 at 8:46 am

what a great trip the sound and sight of a restored steam engine climbing through the hills is something you can never get tired of and to restore and run without government funding is out standing, they all need to give themselves a great big pat on the back. this is a memory that my partner and i will never forget and we will be back to take our children in the future. OUTSTANDING DAY thank you

49 suzy dajic

Jul 4th, 2008 at 10:09 am

I remember going on puffing billy as a child it was my greatest time, even now when I am older I still enjoy it

48 Tabytha Leese

Jul 3rd, 2008 at 11:13 pm

Its a great background fulfilled with a great experiences for the kids, educational, and just a great family time. With riding on the puffing billy on the way you can eat on the lunch train. And when you get to the destinations on the ride, you and your partner/family can have a fun time with a picnic!

47 Shane Gadsden

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 am

It is a timeless family experience that I did when I was a kid, and now I go with my family troo! Value for money is exceptional when you think how much it costs to maintain those beautiful old engines!

46 Fleur Barrell

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 10:13 am

I think it’s great fun to be able to experience a live steam Locomotive in these modern times. You really do feel like you’ve stepped back in time, particularly on the Dinner Trains at night. It’s a special privilege to travel through the gorgeous Dandenongs as it is so scenic and a great escape from the hectic pace of the inner suburbs. The Volunteers are very interesting to talk to and have a good “old-fashioned” hard work ethic.

45 Sue

Jul 1st, 2008 at 12:59 pm

What a wonderful little steam engine. I remember taking the Puffing Billy when I was a child, and now I take my children. They too enjoy hanging their legs out of the carriages, trying to kick the folage and admiring the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, something unique to Victoria. I am sure that the little engine brings a lot of tourism to Belgrave from all over the world. Some thing that we should all be very proud of and will be enjoying for many years to come

44 Liz Fritzlaff

Jun 30th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

Fun for the whole family. Amazing scenery- a magical journey that takes you back in time. What a fabulous experience.

43 Murray

Jun 27th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

I just love Puffing Billy. It’s always a carefree day for me when winding through the hills and seeing the fantastic tree ferns and great views from the train. I feel so fired up that I am considering becoming a volunteer there.

There’s something really special about the experience, I just wish I could find the words to describe it. Choof Choof is a start.

42 Katie Forster

Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

Puffing Billy is one of the Great Icons that make Victoria such a wonderful place to explore. My kids had a ball (as did my husband and I) and it is such an exciting way to travel through the beautiful Ranges. It is such a quality to way to spend a fun family day

41 Naomi Monk

Jun 26th, 2008 at 10:24 am

The atmosphere of this amazing train ride will blow you away every time no matter what your age. The combination of the smell of steam, the passing rainforest scenery and the clickety-clack motion of the train will make you feel all the more alive!

40 Rebecca Santos

Jun 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm

the scenery is just amazing. It is a great day out for the whole family. So much fun and a really great experience.

39 Keith Trace

Jun 25th, 2008 at 6:59 pm

The sheer joy of travelling behind a steam locomotive a century old. The locomotives are maintained with love and care. Travelling through the Dandenong Ranges at a speed which enables you to appreciate the beautiful scenery, especially the magnificent tree ferns. A loving reminder of the way we were pre WWI and (especially) in the inter-war years when Melburnians used the ‘little train’ to escape the heat of summer in the cool glades of the forest.

38 leonie higginbotham

Jun 24th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

What a great historical adventure. I remember travelling on puffing billy as a child and listening to it travel through the hills whilst at school in belgrave. I have taken my children on it for the second time and the experience is as special as the first. What a great way to spend a family day.

37 julie ellis

Jun 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 am

beutiful sceanery,great for all the family

36 Mrs Carrie Vanderpol

Jun 22nd, 2008 at 4:52 pm

Last year we stayed in the Dandenongs and the snow had just fallen, we then spent the whole day riding the Puffing Billy, lunching at the lake, beautiful snow under bridges, scenery and fresh air gorgeous, my two little boys absolutely had a ball and watched Thomas the Train special, best day ever!!!

35 LACHLAN SERDARIS

Jun 18th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

Because every time we visit my Aunt Vicky in Tacoma l make mum and dad take me to Belgrave station and l love to see Puffing Billy as he looks like my favorite train Diesel from Thomas & Friends. l love to watch him go past he is the best.

34 Robert Senior

Jun 17th, 2008 at 11:24 am

Beauiful scenery, trains. Well run, well maintained.
Emerald lake is also a beautiful destination.
A great experience.

33 Neil Ingram

Jun 16th, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Without doubt the best steam railway ever. Beautiful original steam locomotives and carriages, wonderful scenery and wonderful volunteers. Take the lunchen train for that First Class option, sit back and enjoy the ride.

32 Chris White

Jun 16th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

When our children were young, they and their friends throughlly enjoyed the day out on the Puffying Bill. Then there was the picnic at Emerald Lake Park.

31 Carolyn Burness

Jun 16th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

I loved this when I was a kid, hanging my legs over the side and hanging onto the rails, getting smoke, soot and steam in my hair and face, watching the bright red engine snaking up through the gullies, waving at the passers by at level crossings and shrieking with delight when the carriages rumbled over the viaduct. And I loved seeing how kids today do exactly the same - becuase this is an experience of joy and simplicity! Some things shouldn’t change, so thanks Puffing Billy for bringing part of my childhood to life again.

30 Diane

Jun 15th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

A great way to see our lovely Australian Flora. Whether it be the middle of Winter or on a sunny Summer day the country side is always beautiful. A great place for overseas visitors to go while the train ride make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

29 Natalie McGuinness

Jun 10th, 2008 at 12:03 pm

The scenery is just beautiful and green and the air so fresh. I just love it, it takes your mind away from the busy rush of the city.

28 robert grace

Jun 9th, 2008 at 2:34 pm

love puffing billy love it it is so good.my bro got married and booked it for special occasion (wedding)definatly a time to remember probarly the most fun wedding ever.great night out on the train racing through the mountains great scenery definate must

27 Dennis Conway

Jun 9th, 2008 at 8:48 am

At 62 yo, I have always loved a day at Puffing Billy, either as a passenger or as a spectator from the roadside. My children loved it and my grandchildren, I know, will be the same.
It is so professionly run that it appears to happen by itself.

26 hunter smith

Jun 7th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

Great for kids, lovely lakeside park and toy tain set place to visit.

25 Frances Grigoriou

Jun 4th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

Excellent customer service on board their dining car. Made us feel very special.

24 Kata

Jun 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

My sons were frozen, peering out the sides at the lush greenery, we so lack and miss in the suburbs and on our front lawn.

23 Greg Robinson

Jun 3rd, 2008 at 11:46 pm

Puffing Billy has been a wonderful influence in my life. Four generations of my family have enjoyed the wonderful sounds, sights and smells that I continue to experience. May the wonderful people that are involved continue to thrill many more generations.

22 Kristy Allan

Jun 3rd, 2008 at 3:09 pm

Loved going on Puffing Billy when I was a kid, hope its still around when i have children!!

21 Tara Wearne

Jun 3rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm

A great day out! The trip is wonderful, exciting and peaceful all at the same time. And the volunteers do a great job. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day!

20 marianne

Jun 1st, 2008 at 5:55 pm

Nothing evokes childhood memories more than a ride on Puffing Billy! I grew up in the hills, and love to return there with my own children. It doesn’t matter how many times you get soot in your eye, slapped in the face by a tree fern, at the end of the day while picking soot out from your scalp, you wish you could do it all over again! Legs dangling over the side crossing the Trestle Bridge is a highight!

19 Tates

May 30th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

My grandpa would take all us little ones on puffing billy every year, a trip full of fun, legs hanging over the edge, steam, and lots of yummy food. A tradition I will keep up with my little one.

18 Lynn Hurton

May 29th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

A unique, out of this world experience. True heritage at its best. One steps into the Australia of yesteryear in a beautiful setting, with polite, friendly staff and a wholly memorable multisensory experience. Words fail to adequately convey the magic of Puffing Billy. It rates as one of the world’s great train journeys. It’s yesterday once more and thank goodness for that.

17 LOH Lai Peng

May 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

It’s a great bonding with family (big or small) on the Puffing Billy ! We are loving it !

16 Christina

May 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 am

It’s the perfect amalgamation of our colonial history and our state’s natural beauty!

15 William Gras

May 19th, 2008 at 11:04 am

The great little train for all the family.

14 Rebecca Bruce

May 18th, 2008 at 5:55 pm

My parents took my sister and I on Puffing Billy when we were kids and now my sister and I are taking our children on Puffing Billy. They especially the Day out with Thomas. Its just as much fun now as it was when I was a child. I love it!!

13 Christine Seabridge

May 18th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

Went on the luncheon special. It was a beautiful autumn day to be travelling through the Dandenongs on one of Victoria’s treasures. We enjoyed a lovely meal with a chilled bottle of wine, and could really sit back and relax. Stretched our legs at Emerald Lake, before enjoying afternoon tea on the return journey. Just a great day.

12 Chris Lemm

May 17th, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Took our grand son to puffing billy to see “Thomas the Tank” and he was thrilled with the day following the the tradition of taking our sons to see Puffing Billy and now our grand son.

11 Susan Porter

May 16th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

I wish Puffing Billy went to the CBD every morning so I could take it to work. No problem with airconditioning!

10 Ian

May 16th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

One of Victorias heritage icons

9 Ian

May 15th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

We took our children (in their early 20s) on Puffing Billy. There was very heavy rain, the track was tooslippery for the train and trees had fallen across the tracks. What a great day. It was like being 10 y/o again.

8 marika shapiro

May 15th, 2008 at 10:58 am

Racing along sitting in the open window of Puffing Billy is a fond childhood memory - it is a wonderful experience to see that our children have enjoyed Puffing Billy as much as I did as a child.

7 Pam

May 13th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

Great to experience the days of oldtime train travel

6 Don Gibson

May 12th, 2008 at 10:21 am

The meal on the train in the special Mt. Lyall carriages is a special experience that fully satisfies ones rail and lunching desires.

5 Rose McVicar

May 10th, 2008 at 4:11 pm

Its a great way to veiw the Dandelong Ranges and my little sound just loves trains. The whole family had a great day.

4 Rhonda

May 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm

Took the grand children down to experience this wonderful steam ride through the hills. We all had a wonderful time.

3 Lesey Bock

May 1st, 2008 at 3:09 pm

My husband and I travel on this train often and have taken many visitors to the hills with us.
We have found the staff so very helpfull and friendly,the train is an exciting journey into Victorias past and the food both on the lunch train and the dinner train wonderful. Our most memorable expirence was on the Valentines night
train which included flowers,wine music, great food and a romantic wonder around the Emerald Lake at sunset.

2 Kara Perrett

Apr 26th, 2008 at 9:04 am

Great historical trip through beautiful views, and the kids loved the ‘Harry Potter’ train & Gembrook sweet company

1 Kathy Hui

Apr 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 am

Lovely activitity on a warm summer day.

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