After dazzling us for the past four winters, Puffing Billy Railway is bringing back their super popular Train of Lights. Journey through the Dandenong Ranges after dark, and gaze in wonder at a spectacular light show. As you move through the countryside, you’ll see sparkling lights, hypnotic patterns and more. The Train of Lights will run for a very limited season, from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, July 19.
Tickets will go on sale on at 10am on Thursday, May 28. This is a first-come, first-served experience. If you enter the ticket queue before 10am, you will be assigned a random position.
Train of Lights at Puffing Billy Railway
Rug up this winter for an unforgettable moving light show. Your journey begins at Lakeside Station, where you’ll glimpse the illuminated steam train at the Lakeside Visitor Centre. Grab a quick bite to eat or a warm drink at the café, before settling into the train.
Then, experience the magic as the train journeys through the lush surroundings of the Dandenong Ranges. Look outside the carriage, and feel mesmerised by projections as they dance over the moving landscape. Follow the narrow-guage track and see the trees, trestle bridges and countryside light up with bright swirling colours.
The train will take about 45 minutes to get to Gembrook, where you’ll disembark and warm up with a hot chocolate by a crackling open fire pit. The Emerald and Gembrook CFA will be cooking up a tasty sausage sizzle, with all proceeds raised going to their respective brigades. A range of snacks and other hot and cold drinks will also be available for purchase at the station. While you’re there, listen to live music and take photos of the illuminated train. The stopover will last for 55 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
After that, return to Lakeside Station, and see the spectacular display from a whole new vantage point. Overall, the whole Train of Lights experience takes about 2.5 hours. This train will go full steam ahead, no matter the weather, so prepare accordingly. You will also be seated inside the open-side carriages, so definitely rug up and wear warm clothes! During the journey, passengers will not be allowed to sit on the carriage sills for their own safety.
Key details:
📅June 26 to July 19
🕒Aim to arrive between 4:30pm and 5pm. The train will depart at 6pm, and should return around 8:20pm.
🎫$88 for adults, $44 for children aged 4 to 15 and $28.60 for toddlers aged 1 to 3.
📍Departure from Lakeside Station, Emerald Lake Road, Emerald VIC 3782
For more information, click here.