Taking The Puffing Billy To See The Melbourne Region

If you're visiting Melbourne at some time in the coming months then you possibly already have a long list of things to see and do. After all, this is one of the most remarkable cities in the world and finding something to do or see which is interesting, fun, or even educational definitely will not be a challenge for you. Some of the best tourist attractions are also some of the most unique and one unique attraction that you are going to want to experience will be the Puffing Billy.



The Puffing Billy is an old fashioned steam train that is kept running by hundreds of volunteers. Located in the remarkable Dandenong Ranges this train currently runs between Belgrave and Gembrook. It's one of four low-priced rails that were opened during the early 1900’s to help to open up the more remote outlying areas to the general public.



This particular railway was opened up in December of 1900 and was operated over 18.2 miles between Upper Fern Tree Gully and Gembrook up until a landslide obstructed the trains pathway in 1953. Once the landslide obstructed the trains path and due to other economic components it was at this time that the line was closed down.



Public interest lead a group of dedicated citizens coming together to form the Puffing Billy Preservation Society and with the blessings of the government and help from the local military they were able to reopen the line to Menzies Creek in 1962. By 1965 they were able to open the line into Emerald, to Lakeside in 1975 and they eventually cleared the full line into Gembrook by 1998.



There are very few chances to get to see such an amazing piece of history and even less opportunity to get the experience of riding on such an incredibly, aged and restored steam train. Enjoying this trip costs very minimally and if you want to take along the whole family you can purchase a family discount ticket which will cover 2 adults and up to four children. And if you're a student, a health care provider, a companion, or senior citizen then you're entitled to a concession fare to ride the train, ID may be required. Group discounts for groups containing 20 people or more are available for individuals who pre-book travel throughout the year with the exception of holidays and on Sundays.



The Puffing Billy is an entertaining way to see the Melbourne countryside. Anyone touring Melbourne should take the opportunity to have this spectacular experience.

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