Since my ever so brief visit to the Puffing Billy narrow gauge steam railway as part of a Cunard QM2 shore excursion last year, it was my somewhat extravagant and fanciful desire to see the railway “properly”, i.e. travel the full distance both ways. Cunard’s much publicised trip was merely a three mile one way “sampler” to Menzies Creek. This was one of the few occasions on that World Voyage that I was not pleased! I didn’t expect, really, that I would get to travel its full length so soon after last year’s cruise. But, here I am, at the time of an Australian Holiday, seeing all that the Puffing Billy Railway has to offer. Back in 1900, the railway’s purpose in life was to connect remote settlements in the Dandenong Ranges to the wider world, as well as conveying all manner of agricultural produce for wider distribution e.g. to Melbourne and beyond. Being of extraordinary scenic beauty, and being cooler than Melbourne for much of the year, the railway became immensely popular as a “day out”, so much so that a fleet of open-sided passenger cars were introduced for a new tourist trade. Dating back to 1919, these survive today; I am sure Google would provide some kind of more detailed history.
The day didn’t get off to a good start. My sleep was much disturbed by an incomprehensible air-condition unit that was noisy, and did not seem to obey commands programmed from a remote control. That was the principle reason for being unable to sleep well last night. However, I was prepared for the day. Next, the hotel hadn’t been informed that breakfast had been prepaid. I had to wait for some time to have this cleared up; I did have the appropriate paperwork to hand. Now, I had to “leg it” to Parliament Station for the train, due at 08.16hrs. I just made it, forgetting to click in my newly acquired “myki” card….a bit like London’s Oyster Card. That error cost me an extra $6.00. The day improved as it progressed. It was good to make my own way to Belgrave, 40km from Melbourne. A rail replacement bus service provided an opportunity to observe suburbia. The ride on the Puffing Billy Railway went to plan; I was invited to travel with the guard in his vehicle of surrounding views. The train crew were all welcoming and helpful. The countryside we travelled through was worth travelling from England to experience. There are slight hints of autumn as some of the trees are beginning to change colour. And I was very happy to have spent the full afternoon travelling between Belgrave and Gembrook.
Tomorrow, it’s back to Adelaide on board The Overland. In the meantime, some pictures.
Thanks for reading, David.
David's Cruise 