Puffing Billy, Australia’s most beloved heritage train and one of the world’s best preserved steam railways, is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a special Community Open Day dedicated to the local community.
To mark this milestone, the railway will offer complimentary train services to residents living within a 10-kilometre radius of any Puffing Billy Railway station and throughout the day, various local community groups will host a range of engaging activities for all attendees to enjoy.
Chief executive Stephanie Straub said celebrating 125 years of Puffing Billy Railway is more than marking a milestone.
“It’s about honouring the deep and lasting connection we share with our local community. Puffing Billy has always been more than a train; it’s a living part of our region’s story,” she said.
“As we look to the future, our vision is to create a connected heritage corridor where vibrant villages and iconic rail history inspire wonder, discovery, and authentic local experiences- celebrating community, culture, and nature.
“This inaugural Community Open Day is our way of saying thank you to the people who continue to support and inspire us, and of reaffirming our commitment to a railway that belongs to everyone.”
Originally launched on December 18 1900, Puffing Billy is a treasured remnant of a more leisurely era. Built to carry goods and passengers through Victoria’s mountain district, the historic railway was a vital lifeline for the region. The line, which ran between Upper Ferntree Gully and Gembrook, faced numerous challenges. By the early 1930s, it had become a financial burden for Victorian Railways, and following a major landslide in 1953, the decision was made to close the line in 1954. However, a series of farewell trips in 1955 sparked public interest and community efforts that eventually led to the line’s revival. Tourist services resumed in 1962 between Belgrave and Menzies Creek, with extensions to Emerald in 1965, Lakeside in 1975, and finally Gembrook in 1998. Since its reopening, more than 11 million passengers have experienced the magic of Puffing Billy.
For more information, please visit puffingbillyrailway.org.au/events/community-day2025/.
