The line was originally constructed in 1900 as one of four experimental narrow-gauge lines intended to open up remote Victorian districts.
The Gembrook section of the railway was closed in 1954 following a landslide and was only fully restored to service by volunteers in 1998.
Trains arriving at Gembrook traverse the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, an original timber structure that is highly photographed.
The railway operates as a non-profit organization managed by the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, supported by hundreds of volunteers.
The original railway path was carved through dense forest, requiring significant engineering to navigate the steep terrain of the Dandenongs.
Gembrook Railway Station serves as the eastern terminus of the historic Puffing Billy Railway, a century-old narrow-gauge steam train line operating in the Dandenong Ranges. The station preserves the original 1900s architecture and infrastructure, offering a glimpse into the era of logging and agricultural transport. Passengers disembark here to explore the semi-rural township of Gembrook, surrounded by the Bunyip State Park and local bushland trails. The station site features restored timber buildings and active heritage rail yards where steam locomotive maintenance occurs. As a heritage-listed operation, the line utilizes preserved rolling stock, including original wooden carriages that allow passengers to sit on the sills. The route from Belgrave to Gembrook spans 24 kilometers through temperate rainforest and trestle bridges.
The platform edge when the steam engine is pulling into the station, or the nearby historic railway water tower.
Book your journey well in advance as weekend and holiday services frequently sell out.
Bring a warm layer, as the mountain air in the Dandenongs remains significantly cooler than in Melbourne city.
Allow time to visit the local Gembrook village market or cafes located just a short walk from the station platform.
Do not attempt to walk along the active railway tracks, as this is a safety hazard and strictly prohibited by the railway authority.
Operates daily except for Christmas Day; specific routes and train frequencies vary by season.
Do not lean too far out of the windows while the train is in motion; keep legs inside the carriage sills at all times.
