Lakeside Railway Café Emerald Lake Road, Emerald, Victoria 3782

Welcome to Lakeside Railway Café, located in the heart of Emerald, Australia. As a café and point of interest, we strive to provide a memorable experience for all visitors.

Situated in the stunning Dandenong Ranges, our café offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with family and friends while enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty of the area. Whether you're reliving your own childhood memories or introducing the next generation to the rich history of the region, Lakeside Railway Café is the perfect place to create lasting memories.

As part of the Puffing Billy Railway, we are proud to be associated with an institution that is committed to safeguarding children and young people, ensuring a safe and positive experience for all. With the recent reintroduction of passengers sitting on the carriage sills, we are thrilled to continue the time-honored tradition of riding through the forest, rolling hills, and open farmland with legs hanging over the side.

The Lakeside Visitor Centre offers a cultural hub that seamlessly blends with the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Puffing Billy Railway. With world-class facilities, guests can immerse themselves in the rich history and heritage of this iconic railway.

We offer a variety of journeys, including the popular Belgrave to Lakeside route, available every day. On weekends, additional journeys such as Belgrave to Menzies Creek, Belgrave to Gembrook, and Lakeside to Gembrook are also available. To ensure a smooth experience, all visitors are required to book their tickets online.

During your journey onboard our open-sided carriages, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. Lush fern gullies, towering Mountain Ash trees, and the soothing sounds of nature will accompany you as you travel through this picturesque landscape.

For those looking to enhance their experience, we offer pre-purchase options such as delicious grazing boxes filled with delectable treats to enjoy during your ride. Alternatively, you can hold onto your snacks and set up a picnic lunch in the scenic Emerald Lake Park.

If you're a fan of Devonshire Tea, be sure to pre-purchase this delightful experience during your Belgrave to Menzies Creek train journey. Sit down at the Menzies Creek Museum's Lil Toot Cafe and indulge in freshly baked scones, velvety cream, sweet jam, and a hot beverage of your choice.

At Lakeside Railway Café, there's more to explore beyond the train rides. You can dine-in at our modern café, collect a grazing box and embark on the walking trails, take a refreshing swim in Lake Treganowan (during summer), or even rent a paddleboat. The Lakeside Hall features steam artifacts waiting to be discovered, and we also offer private function rooms for hosting events.

For those seeking adventure on two wheels, we have partnered with COG BIKES Australia to provide bike rentals at our Lakeside Station bike hub. Explore the scenic Dandenong Ranges on a bike and make your visit even more thrilling.

We also offer educational programs catering to various age groups, from Early Years to Year 11 VCE. These programs focus on history, STEM, sustainability, cultural connection, tourism, design, and technology. Bookings for our new programs in 2023 are now open, providing an opportunity for students to discover and learn in a unique setting.

In collaboration with photographic artist Karen Alsop, we are excited to introduce Animal Tales, a captivating series that combines human characteristics with the faces of real-life native animals. This three-part exhibition can be enjoyed at the Lakeside Visitor Centre.

At Puffing Billy Railway, we truly value our community and the opportunity to be part of living history. If you're ready to build lifelong friendships, contribute to the community, and create lasting memories, we would love to hear from you.

With its original mountain track running from Belgrave to Gembrook, 40 kilometers east of Melbourne, Puffing Billy continues to offer a remarkable journey through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. Our commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for everyone is reflected in the range of accessible facilities available for our passengers.

For residents within a 10-kilometer radius of any Puffing Billy station, we offer the Locals Pass, an exclusive opportunity to learn more about the railway, its activities, and signature events.

The safety and well-being of children and young people are of utmost importance to us. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to creating a caring and nurturing environment, and all team members undergo thorough background checks before their engagement.

Welcome to Puffing Billy Railway, where you can be part of our story. Join us in preserving history, creating memories, and embracing the magic of this beloved institution.