The words thrilling and carefree come to mind when I look at this picture of Australia’s well preserved Puffing Billy Railway. The dangling feet and curious smiling faces oblivious to any danger,  makes me long for worry free younger days, but that is another story.

Puffing Billy had its start in the 1900’s as Australia made attempts to develop several of its rural areas. They built four experimental lines to different areas but this is the only major survivor.  In 1953 a landslide unfortunately caused the closure of the line. Two years later in 1955,   a group of  volunteers  founded  the Preservation Society to assist in the train’s operation  and  minimize financial impact on the managing body, Victorian Railways. Yes!  Puffing Billy was on its way back. Over the next four plus decades the tireless efforts of the volunteers to rebuild the lines and bridges gained visibility and backing from the government (this came later in the 1970’s).  Sure, they came to the party late, but there is no doubt that the Society was glad that the Government showed up. The Emerald Tourist Railway Board (ERTB) took over the management in 1977,  but this was subsequently handed over to the Puffing Billy Railway Board in 2022  and continues to this day (2025)

This century year old steam train still runs on its original mountain track through the Dandenong Ranges between Belgrave and Gembrook. They offer entertainment that runs the gamut from “flapper era ” themed Murder on the Puffing Billly Express,  to an all-time family favorite “Thomas the  Tank Engine“. Simply writing about it makes me smile. Feeling for a bit of adventure? Pack your running shoes for the Running Festival, and race Puffing Billy for 5k or if you are the showy kind take a crack at the half marathon. So arrive early (at least half an hour) and pack light to enjoy this reclaimed gem.