- Duration
- a day: the suburban train to Belgrave, then about 1 h of steam (≈ 2 h 10 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- drive
- Start
- Belgrave station
- Finish
- Lakeside and Emerald Lake
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- a ticket bought ahead, because the trains sell out
- Budget per adult
- A$66 adult return, children A$33Prices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
Train to Belgrave, then Puffing Billy. The steam ticket is separate from the suburban fare. A full-fare bank card works on the suburban train.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Belgrave station~20 min at the stop
The suburban train ends here, and Puffing Billy leaves from here. Book the Lakeside return ahead.
Tip: Adult A$66, child 4–15 A$33, toddler 1–3 A$25, family (2+2) A$165, valid to 31 March 2027. Belgrave–Lakeside runs daily, about an hour each way; pre-booking is essential.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 20 min · 14 km
2. Lakeside and Emerald Lake~1 h 30 min at the stop
The steam station beside Emerald Lake Park. The lake, a cafe and short paths. The same train returns to Belgrave.
Tip: The lake park is free. The ticket is for the train. If the train is full, a road reaches the lake, and the map line is that road. The day is built around the steam train.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.