The Puffing Billy Railway Story

At the turn of the century Puffing Billy a genuine relic of our more leisurely days came into existence. This historic steam train still runs regularly in the Dandenong Ranges district it was built to serve.

This Railway built in the early 1900's is the sole survivor of four experimental lines used to develop rural areas of Victoria.

In recent history, hundreds of dedicated volunteers have made Puffing Billy into a major tourist attraction.

Except for Christmas day Puffing Bill runs every day, and offers a sentimental journey along this 24.5 km operating museum. Mountain scenery and panoramic views can be enjoyed from your carriage window. Lakeside destination is part of the destination which allows passengers to stop over for a few hours of bushwalking, swimming or just relaxing in a country setting.

Emerald which is also on the journey is a delightful country town with much to offer any visitor.

A round trip may be commenced at any Puffing Billy station if the timetable permits. IA bit of history

From the early 1930's, the Gembrook railway line had a reputation for being a liability on the Victorian Railways. The steep grades on the line and the change of gauge at Upper Ferntree Gully added considerable extra expense to the users of this facility.

A Victorian Railways bus service also competed for passengers on its own railway and the trucking industry on our improved road network competed for the carriage of goods.

The closure of the line due to a landslide at the Water Tanks between Selby and Menzies Creek in August 1953 eventually closed the line on April 28 1954, thus crystallizing a movement which became the Puffing Billy Preservation Society.

Saturday December 11, 1954 was last trip for Puffing Billy but because of its success it led to a second day being organised for December 27. The continued success of these Farewell specials led to a number of people thinking that something should be done to retain Puffing Billy for future generations to enjoy.

To try to save the train a Melbourne Grammar School teacher was the driving force behind a small group of people who organised a rally attended by 400 people at Upper Ferntree Gully station on January 4, 1955. On April 9, 1955 a successful fund raising activity led to the first train run under the new agreement. The first 2 months saw 10,000 passengers being carried as part of the trial period.

The Independent Church Hall, Melbourne on June 8, 1955 assisted formation of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society to assist in the operation of the train. Among the 45 members who joined that night, Harold Hewett was elected President. The success of the experiment led to an indefinite extension of operations, with the PBPS assisting the VR in many ways to keep the train running.

After the landslide was bypassed in 1959 by the Citizen Military Force they operated on shoestring budget, culminating in success after four years of extremely hard work, officially re-opening the line between Belgrave and Menzies Creek on Saturday July 28, 1962.

On July 31, 1965, the first train steamed into Emerald, confirming the Menzies Creek-Emerald section and October 18, Lakeside was joined into the loop in 1975.

On 18 October 1998 the line was finally completely reopened to Gembrook.
All this work would have been impossible if it were not for the continuous input from many volunteers, both as train staff, coordinators and track workers.

In 1977 The Emerald Tourist Railway Board was Established.
The railway was operating successfully to the new terminus and the degree of professionalism achieved by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society in running the train was recognised by the State Government with the creation of the by Act of Parliament on 1 October 1977.

Since the recognition, further development has occurred, making the railway more attractive to its customers and easier to operate. In 1981 a new, level, station area was provided at Belgrave. Locomotive 8A was rescued from a park and restored to traffic in 1982.

The previous eyesore Nobelius Packing Shed was restored in 1983 to provide a much needed and valuable dining facility.

In 1991 Belgrave station was built in a 1920's style building with 1990's accommodation for Board staff and a new large shop area. The Board arranged for four NA locomotives to be completely rebuilt in the early 1990's, with the most recent to be completed being the 12A. Locomotive.

Locomotive 6A is currently being rebuilt meaning 5 of the 6 surviving NA locomotives will be in running condition. Modern sleepers have now been completely re-laid on the track providing a much smoother ride with less wear and tear on the rolling stock.

The Climax a "special locomotive" was completely restored by volunteers adding more variety to the Puffing Billy experience.
The members, volunteers and paid staff can take great credit for running a very professionally run organisation,

Today Puffing Billy is a major world class tourist attraction with over five million passengers (both local and international) enjoying this brilliant experience.