WeChat Stories January 2018

Story number 1

Puffing Billy’s Dining Trains

Come and enjoy a different Puffing Billy experience. Did you know that we also run a variety of night trains on selected Friday and Saturday evenings? We have many different themed trains, including Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy, Jazz on Puffing Billy, Murder on the Puffing Billy Express, and a Rhythm and Blues train for you to experience. You will enjoy your entrée on board the train as you gently travel along to the Nobelius Packing Shed, where a magnificent feast will be served. You will also enjoy a night of food, drink, and dancing, mystery, or music depending on the theme you choose. Indulge in a selection of desserts before boarding the train for a relaxing journey back to Puffing Billy’s Belgrave station.

Story number 2

Chinese New Year

Visit Puffing Billy this Chinese New Year, but make sure you book ahead to guarantee your seat on the train!

Puffing Billy will decorate Belgrave and Menzies Creek Stations with traditional Chinese Lanterns as part of the New Year traditions.

We recommend if you are driving to Puffing Billy that you travel on the train from Belgrave to Lakeside Station return. Lakeside Station is located within the grounds of Emerald Lake Park. The train journey is a 60 minute train ride one way from Belgrave and it is a great option for families and couples who wish to take a return trip. We recommend allowing a minimum of 3 hours for a return trip to this station, subject to the timetable.

At Emerald Lake Park, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stopover, including: Walks around the lake and through the park. Young children can swim in the wading pool (Summer months only) On our platform we have a shop for refreshments, souvenirs and ticket sales There is a cafe in the park for light meals and takeaway food and there are free electric bbq’s

and lots of picnic tables. Hire a paddle boat on the lake (Summer months only) (Separate fare) Check out the model railway (Separate entry fee)

Story number 3

Four Fun Facts about Puffing Billy

1. Did you know that Puffing Billy travels over FIVE trestle bridges between Belgrave and Gembrook?

2. The Historic Monbulk Trestle Bridge located between Belgrave and Menzies Creek Stations was originally constructed back in 1899.

3. Our Climax Locomotive took 10 years to restore and is the only wood burning loco at Puffing Billy. It is one of only four operational Climax locomotives in the world with the other three being based in the USA.

4. On December 18th, Puffing Billy Railway celebrated its 117th birthday. Puffing Billy’s locomotive 4A had the honour of hauling the first official mixed goods and passenger train from Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook

Story number 4

Great Train Race

On Sunday April 29th, Puffing Billy will hold its 37th annual Great Train Race in which runners from all over Australia and the world will lace up their running shoes and try to out run Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside.

The 13.5km course sees participants running up and over challenging hills, and through the beautiful rainforests of the Dandenong Ranges. Participant’s family and friends can also cheer on their loved ones from the train as they travel past.

Entries open in mid-late January and you can book tickets on the train for your friends and family at the time of registration.