Puffing Billy Railway in Melbourne, Australia, is certainly familiar to everyone, right? As one of the best-preserved steam trains still in operation, it is one of the most captivating tourist attractions in Melbourne. Usually, when we come to play, it’s during the daytime. But this year, Puffing Billy Railway has introduced a different experience called PUFFING BILLY’S TRAIN OF LIGHTS, a pure nighttime steam train light show! Experience a super cool train journey in the dark Dandenong Ranges at night!
The neon steam train will be available from June 24th to July 10th. Although the official website currently shows that tickets are sold out! From the opening of ticket sales until now, which is less than a week, the tickets for the Train of Lights, which is available from June 24th to July 10th, were sold out a month in advance! It clearly demonstrates its popularity and high demand.
If you couldn’t get a ticket, you can still subscribe to Puffing Billy’s website for information about other future activities. They will send you updates on related events. Of course, you can still book tickets for the steam train during the daytime!
Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights
The “Train of Lights” departs from Lakeside Station every day at 6 PM and travels along the historic narrow-gauge track to Gembrook, completing the round trip in a total of two and a half hours. There, you will find various tea and refreshments as well as heating facilities available. After a one-hour break, you will board the train again and return to Lakeside Station, marking the end of the journey. It’s an enchanting experience in the spectacular nighttime scenery, offering a comprehensive tour of the entire Dandenong Ranges!
Don’t underestimate the lighting installations on Puffing Billy this time. They were designed by renowned lighting experts from Resolution X, who have also worked on the famous “White Night Festival” in Melbourne. The dazzling lights, stunning patterns, and vibrant colours will dance gracefully on the rolling hills of the Gembrook countryside. It’s truly stunning!
The outbound and return journeys have different lighting and train speeds. The outbound journey is slower and relatively more visually appealing but not ideal for photography. It is recommended to take photos during the return journey!
Date: June 23rd to July 9th
Time: 4pm to 8:30pm
Location: Lakeside Railway Station, Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782
Duration: 2.5 hours
Book tickets on the official website.
- Free for children under 1 year old.
- Ages 1-3 – $25
- Ages 4-15 – $38
- Ages 16 and above – $75
The ticket includes a two-and-a-half-hour journey and the Train of Lights night light show. To make the most of your nighttime train experience, you can also arrive at the visitor centre between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM before the train journey begins and indulge in a variety of delicious food. The visitor centre remains open until 6:00 PM.
Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights – Things you need to know
- It can get quite cold during the nighttime, as the train carriages are open. It is advisable for those who are planning to go to wear some extra layers of clothing!
- Unlike during the daytime, you should not extend your hands and feet outside the train during the nighttime. It is important to strictly adhere to the train’s regulations and ensure a safe experience!
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