Indulge in a Luxurious journey with puffing Billy Railway’s first class dining experience

Get ready to step back in time and experience the ultimate in train travel with Puffing Billy Railway’s First Class Dining Train.

Passengers will embark on a steam train journey from Belgrave to Lakeside, where they will be treated to stunning views of the Dandenong Ranges and the ambience of lavish first-class saloon carriages that boast beautiful, pressed metal ceilings, plush velvety seats, and lush drapery reminiscent of the early 1900s.

The experience starts with a warm welcome from friendly train hosts and your choice of complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink upon boarding. Sit back, relax, and soak up the intimate setting before the train whistle blows and the click-clack sound of the train wheels on the track signals the train’s departure.

As the train passes through the temperate rainforest, passengers can indulge in a Grazing Platter filled with an assortment of cured meats, pickled vegetables, a selection of artisanal cheeses, and crispy dukkah coated pita crisps, among other delicious accompaniments. For those after a plant-based option, our Vegan Grazing Platter is bursting with flavour and colour, and includes a Chef’s Selection of vegan cheese, a generous serving of pickled and char-grilled vegetables, olives, sundried tomatoes and more.

While guests nibble away and gaze out at the picturesque views passing by, keep an ear out for the train hosts pointing out the historic landmarks and points of interest that tell the story of Puffing Billy Railway and the region.

Once at Lakeside Station, the adventure continues at the Lakeside Visitor Centre, which features a local artist exhibition and a gallery of steam artifacts in the Lakeside Hall Museum. Outside, the charming Emerald Lake Park is home to leisurely walking trails, Lake Treganowan, and abundant bird life. During the stopover, passengers can hire a bike and take to the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail.

When back on board and seated for the return trip to Belgrave, passengers will enjoy afternoon tea with freshly baked lemonade scones, Yarra Valley Jam and Chantilly cream, finished off with a warm cup of tea or coffee while in the lap of luxury.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a day of indulgence, the First Class Dining experience is a journey you won’t soon forget!

Tickets are now on sale for select Fridays and Saturdays beginning 14 July 2023, so book your seat today and get ready for delicious food, stunning scenery, and a touch of history as you travel in style.

All Tickets Include:

• 2-hour return train ride from Belgrave to Lakeside in a first-class carriage
• Grazing Platter (forward journey)
• Afternoon tea (return journey)
• 1 Beverage (wine, beer or soft drink)
• 90-minutes to explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre and Emerald Lake Park

For further information or to book, visit https://puffingbilly.com.au/experiences/first-class-dining-train/.

About Puffing Billy Railway:

Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. The railway, which commenced operation in Australia on December 18, 1900, is a genuine relic of more leisurely days.

The historic steam train ran regularly in the Victorian mountain district and was built to serve at the turn of the century to transport goods and passengers throughout the district. The railway travels 24 kms through the forests and fern gullies of the picturesque Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook – the original terminus of the line – and is one of only two survivors of five experimental narrow-gauge lines used to develop rural areas in Victoria during the early 1900s.