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One of Victoria’s most beloved icons, Puffing Billy will be back on the tracks from November 28th for the first time since closing back in March due to COVID.
Australia’s favourite steam train service will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for now, but once the summer holidays hit Puffing Billy will be open daily with three services operating from Belgrave to Lakeside Station, and an additional service operating from Menzies Creek.
“We’re excited to welcome back all guests to Puffing Billy and have been truly humbled by the outpouring of support received during our temporary closure,” said Steve O’Brien, CEO of Puffing Billy.
The team has been preparing for the reopening by servicing the century-old locomotives and clearing the 24km railway track in preparation for the reopening.
The original mountain track still carries the steam train through the Dandenong Ranges and across the historic trestle bridges, with guests able to enjoy the fern gullies and bush surrounds from the open-air carriages.
Steve O’Brien said “We have been working carefully behind-the-scenes to minimise the number of contact points between customers, staff and volunteers and preparing our COVIDSafe Plan. This time of temporary closure has also given us the opportunity to introduce new COVIDSafe experiences that we now look forward to sharing with the community.”
With reduced capacity, a part of Puffing Billy’s COVIDSafe Plan, make sure you book your tickets in advance. Everyone travelling, including babies, will need a ticket to get onboard – or better yet, if you have a group of up to 10 you can reserve an entire carriage for yourselves!
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Puffing Billy reopens
WHERE: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave
WHEN: From November 28 2020
MORE INFO: Puffing Billy