THE Puffing Billy steam train rolled into Gembrook on Thursday carrying its 10 millionth passenger since it was restored in 1962.
Berwick mum Stacey Faletoese was travelling on the steam train with her husband Lucas, their four-year-old son Tepa and 13-week-old daughter Mia.
It was the first time the family had visited the iconic railway which originally opened on 18 December in 1900.
“I wasn’t aware that Puffing Billy was so close to achieving such a huge milestone – we had just decided last night (Wednesday) to have a family outing to Puffing Billy as we had never been on Puffing Billy before and thought we’d make the most of the nice autumn weather,” she said.
“So it was a big surprise to be told I was the 10 millionth passenger to board the train.
“It will be my new claim to fame and a memory my family and I will remember and talk about for a long time.”
Puffing Billy CEO credited the huge band of volunteers and staff who have worked to keep the restored railway alive and make it a premier tourist attraction.
“This achievement would never have been possible without all of our wonderful passengers who continue to visit us each and every year and share the Puffing Billy experience with their friends and family,” he said.
“We have passengers that have been riding the railway for many, many years and also babies and children who are experiencing their first ride.”
As part of the milestone celebrations, Puffing Billy Railway is running a competition on Facebook and Instagram encouraging people to share a photo of their favourite Puffing Billy ride or experience by tagging @puffingbilly #puffingbilly. There are prizes to be won.
