Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre
About the Business
Welcome to the Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre, a must-visit establishment and tourist attraction nestled amidst the breathtaking rainforests, fern gullies, and native flowers of the Emerald Lake Park precinct in Australia. Our commitment to Safeguarding Children and Young People ensures that we provide positive experiences for all our guests.
Immerse yourself in the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of the Puffing Billy Railway as you explore our cultural hub with world-class facilities. Start your day by dining in at our modern café, where you can indulge in delicious bites or grab a picnic hamper to enjoy while exploring the walking trails. During summer, take a refreshing swim in the cool waters of Lake Treganowan or hire a bike or paddle boat for some outdoor adventure.
Discover steam artifacts in the Lakeside Hall before hopping on board your steam train, or host a private event in one of our function rooms. Whether you seek outdoor excitement or total relaxation, the Lakeside Visitor Centre is the perfect destination to meet, eat, drink, and spend quality time with your family and friends.
To make your visit convenient, we offer council-operated ticket machines with a flat fee of $6 per day. After a day of outdoor fun, treat yourself to a delightful morning tea, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee at our Railway Café, catering to all taste buds.
Located in the scenic surroundings of Emerald Lake Park, the Lakeside Visitor Centre boasts indoor and outdoor event spaces, local food and wine offerings, and inspiring group experiences. Celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, private dinners, engagement parties, or milestone events in our stunning venue.
Beyond the railway, there is plenty to explore and enjoy. Rent an e-bike and venture along the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Rail Trail, team up with friends for paddle boating on the lake, or delve into the history of the Railway in the Lakeside Hall. Alternatively, relax at the Railway Café with a coffee flight and a captivating book.
Embark on a remarkable journey aboard our open-side carriages, traversing the magnificent Dandenong Ranges with lush fern gullies and towering Mountain Ash trees. The Lakeside Visitor Centre is an accessible destination, featuring ramp access throughout the center and a Changing Places Adult Change Facility for your convenience.
Designed by renowned architects Terroir, our state-of-the-art 2,500sqm building offers expansive windows that bathe the center in natural light, providing unparalleled views of the steam locomotives in motion. The interior features Tasmanian Oak, while the exterior showcases Silvertop Ash hardwood cladding, reflecting the region's rail heritage and environment.
Enhancing the visitor experience further, we offer purpose-built indoor and outdoor event spaces and a historical interpretive zone known as the Lakeside Hall, where guests can glimpse into the early days of steam train travel.
Come and experience the magic of Puffing Billy Railway at the Lakeside Visitor Centre, where nature meets history and unforgettable memories are made.
Photos
Location & Phone number
Emerald Lake Road, Emerald, Victoria 3782, Australia
Hours open
Monday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday:
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Reviews
"Very modern facility, Awesome art work for sale . If I had $ would have brought the lot. Waited 30mins for our meal, Can say very busy. Would think about packing a pinic, So when you stop over on the puffy billy you actually get time to look at the surround. Felt as though we had missed out from having not much time once we ate and went to the toilet."
"Rail enthusiasts dream. A narrow gauge heritage railway that takes you for an 40 minute-ish ride up the mountains around emerald lake. Came here a few years ago when this was a tiny venue. This has blossomed to a well appointed tourist attraction. In the summer there are beautiful views around the mountain and trestle bridges and you can sit with feet dangling out of the windows. In the wintertime things get quite a little colder, but for the steamies this is still a fun adventure. There is a decent size visitor center with hearty food and information about the area. At a choice dates in the winter there is a train of lights event where everything is beautifully lit up. Definitely a must come attraction for people with a love of steam trains."
"The visitor centre is very informative and interesting. Telling you about the history and origins and what helps to keep them going. I would encourage people who are travelling to Melbourne to visit the Puffing Billy and take this iconic historical steam train because it’s an experience not to be missed."
"Clean and warm . The cafe gets very busy, if you single you cannot properly order as you need to find a table, remember your number then go to the counter to order. So this doesn't work if you come alone, very annoying. The food itself is great. Restrooms are clean. Nice walking areas and views."
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