How to Book Train Travel From Belgrave to Gembrook

Gembrook, a hamlet of Melbourne, is a rustic country village named for the small gemstones found in its meandering brooks. Traveling from Belgrave to Gembrook by train couldn't be easier or more delightful, since the route is served by the nostalgic Puffing Billy Railway.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• Phone

Book Your Train Travel From Belgrave to Gembrook

1. Visit the Puffing Billy Railway Web site (see Resources below). Here you can check timetables and fares for all trains leaving from the Belgrave terminus (located on Burwood Highway in Victoria) to the Gembrook train platform. Expect fares to be moderate.
2. Purchase your train tickets at the Belgrave terminus on the day of your departure. Plan to arrive at the train station in Belgrave 30 minutes before your selected train is scheduled to depart so that you'll have ample time to purchase your tickets and get settled on the train.
3. Book your journey over the phone. If you have more than 20 travelers, you must call the Phone Reservations Desk at 011 ([phone] to book your fare. If you are traveling with a party of fewer than 20 people, simply buy your tickets at the terminus.

Take a Nostalgic Journey

4. Take a ride back in time. The Puffing Billy Railway is managed entirely by volunteers and offers tourists the opportunity to ride on a replica of an early 20th-century steam locomotive. The railway began service in December of 1900.
5. Set your course for the new Gembrook train platform. However, remains of the original station are visible just up the road.

Get the Most out of Your Train Travel

6. Bring your curiosity and a camera. Several stops along the way offer photo opportunities and provide insight into the early history of the railroad era.
7. Wear comfortable shoes. The train route allows travelers to explore Gembrook shops, cafes and historic sites before returning to Belgrave.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally from outside the United States, check which prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Online booking is not available at the Puffing Billy Railway Web site. However, online booking is still the easiest and most convenient way to book other Australian train journeys and accommodations.
• Check out one of the daytime or evening special train runs, such as The Dinner Special or the Footplate run, which allow you to actually drive the locomotive yourself! Visit the Puffing Billy Railway Web site for these and other specials.
• Take advantage of fare savings offered to seniors and students (with proper documentation).
• Be aware that there is no parking available at the Belgrave station. Parking is available at the nearby Connex Trains Car Park and on Bayview Road.
• Bring only folding strollers for young children since the carriage doorways on the train are quite narrow.
• Note that, with the exception of guide dogs, pets are not permitted on the train.
• Book your train travel to Gembrook on any day of the year except Christmas Day.