Knowing that Granddad and Banjo love trains, Sonya booked up for us to go on the Puffing Billy Railway while we were in Melbourne. A steam train takes visitors through the scenic Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to GemBrook in Victoria. The railway was originally constructed in 1900 to open up remote areas. In 1953 a landslide blocked the track and it was closed due to operating losses. Public interest resulted in the formation of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. Volunteers reopened part of the line in 1962. Over the years it was extended bit by bit until it was completed in 1998. It is 28k long. There is more than one train operating daily.
It was a wet, cold day but the train was full. It has open carriages so we rugged up well.
The boys went to check out the engine.
Off we go!
Passengers are allowed to sit on the rail and dangle their legs outside. Needless to say I refrained. We travelled through forests, fern gullies and farmland. It was very pretty countryside. We only went half way and got off at the little town of Emerald.
After a 1.5k walk, we came to Emerald Lake. It was surrounded by nice parklands.
Soon we were at the station and on the next train back to Belgrave.
Fox was brave enough to sit on the rail with his dad holding him.
Banjo snuggled into his mum's lap and had a nap on the way back. We all had a good day despite the weather.
That looks so fun and brrrrr! haha The boys are growing so fast it is unbelievable and so glad you are now close enough to visit. An adventure all will remember for years to come.
ReplyDeletewhen i saw the titile i knew it would be a train ride. whoooo hoooooo love trains and riding behind steam engines... those eyelashes at the end are gorgeous... the boys in the bakery and the off we go pics are fantastic..
ReplyDeleteHello, the train ride looks like a great time for your grandsons and the whole family. The treats look delicious. The scenery is pretty, you do look all cold and bundled up. Great series of photos. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting thing to do with your grandsons! It was pretty even though it looks so cold! Glad you had fun and make memories despite bad weather
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ReplyDeletediane the train is great we have the same here
I would love to ride Puffing Billy one day. We drove past one of the station towns on our big trip in 2010 but didn't have time to spare. Looks like it would be more pleasant in spring or autumn.
ReplyDeleteDespite the weather that looked a great trip.
ReplyDeleteYeah I would like this trip as I do like trains take after my dad with that although not sure if I would like it a lot if it was cold and wet as I don't like the cold that much
ReplyDeleteoh Diane your grand children are gorgeous and that last photo so cute. What a great train ride that was and the Emerald lake is beautiful
ReplyDeleteWe can see the Dandenong Ranges from here, visible in my blog header photo, and for a week we did not see the ranges because they were covered in cloud. The Dandenongs are nice in the summer and cooler but the continual grey and drizzle in winter would be depressing. Emerald Lake looks best in autumn when the trees are in colour.
ReplyDeleteFantastic brings back wonderful memories
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of Banjo...a wonderful shot. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it was a great outing. I'm not sure if the Gympie Rattler is up and running/rattling again...the steam train trips from Gympie out through the Mary Valley and back again. I know they were having some problems. I must check out what the latest is.
We went on the Mary River Rattler many years ago but I don't think it operates any more.
DeleteThat looks like it was so much fun Diane, excellent shots. Your grandchildren are incredibly cute, that last shot is gold!
ReplyDeleteCold weather is really hard on me -- I never liked it back when I was more used to it and now that we live most of the year in summer temperatures (just as you do) it really hurts! But being with grandkids on such a special adventure would definitely make it worthwhile -- and I like trains too. Great that this historical one has been preserved. The boys (or at least big brother) will always remember this great time!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! It's nice that Grandpa and Grandson share a love of trains. My grandsons would have loved the ride and been intrigued with the edible worm for lunch!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice excursion ! You are all dressed up as if you were in the Northpole !
ReplyDeleteI love these old trains, did a trip last year in Cornwall with an old steam engine.
What fun riding the railway and somethingbwe will be doing this weekend on a road trip to Vermont. But our weather will not require as much bundling up. Looks like the ride was great fun for all your family, Diane.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely outing, but the little chap napping steals the show.
ReplyDeleteIt as wet and cold when we were in Melbourne too. I bit of a shock to the system, especially as we were there for a garden wedding!
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