After visiting Dandenong Ranges National Park in October, I wanted to do Puffing Billy, so on Melbourne Cup Day, a stat holiday designated for horse racing, I went with a Canadian friend. Aussies clearly love their sports, because the last stat we had was in September for the AFL’s (Australian Football League) Grand Final.
Puffing Billy is a narrow gauge tourist rail that operates with coal-powered steam engines. It runs for 16 miles to the furthest station, but our tickets only brought us to Lakeside station, which is 8 miles in. The train had about a half dozen carriages that we rode in, and could sit on the sills with your legs hanging out the sides. Not the comfiest seat in the world, but memorable and fun! We departed Belgrave station, and it took about an hour to get to Lakeside. On the journey we were sitting on the mountain side, so the views were pretty but not as vast as what our companions had.
Luckily, they have you switch sides for the ride home so you can experience both. What we soon discovered was that the coal furnaces don’t burn that clean (sorry environment!). Going home with flecks of coal in my hair was not part of the plan! The railway runs a single track with a couple of sidings (two-tracked sections). So, our assigned carriage was closer to the locomotive on the return trip and my lungs were not a fan. But what is life without a little bit of smoke inhalation?? It adds to the fun!
Heading back, we took in views of the foothills of the Dandenongs and the city. However, my favourite sight may have been the flock of chickens in a backyard – pretty on brand! We got so many waves as we crossed roads and passed by parks. Although I walked away smelling a little smoky, it was a great way to spend the afternoon!
See you soon,
– Kate
The Puffing Billy looks like so much fun.
That is something I would have totally tried out. Just to say I did. Keep the adventure going😊