By Mitchell Clarke
After being taken off the tracks for 250 days, one of the most iconic Victorian railway experiences is set to start steaming through the Hills again.
Puffing Billy will return to the railway from Saturday 28 November, with passengers able to jump on board services every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For the time being the historic locomotive will only run a limited service from Belgrave to Lakeside (Emerald), meaning Gembrook traders at the end of the line, will be without the much-needed tourist dollar.
The Gembrook stop was removed from the tourist train’s full route in February, due to a decrease in visitor numbers. The Federal Government’s then decision to implement travel restrictions for Chinese travellers had an “immediate impact” on patronage.
But as the state’s restrictions ease, Victorians are now being encouraged to support local tourism operators like Puffing Billy.
Puffing Billy CEO Steve O’Brien said visitors could feel confident about “escaping to the timeless wonder of Australia’s favourite steam train”.
He said a Covid safe plan was in place, as well as increased safety and sanitisation processes.
During the railway’s lengthy closure, team members have been kept busy by maintaining locomotives and trestle bridges, and have also cleared 24 kilometres of track.
“We’re excited to welcome back all guests to Puffing Billy and have been truly humbled by the outpouring of support received during our temporary closure,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We have been working carefully behind-the-scenes to minimise the number of contact points between customers, staff and volunteers and preparing our Covid safe Plan.
“This time of temporary closure has also given us the opportunity to introduce new Covid safe experiences that we now look forward to sharing with the community.”
Visitors can now book out an entire carriage for their family and friends, allowing an exclusive option to enjoy the sights and scenes of the Dandenong Ranges from the comfort of a private carriage.
Bookings are essential as passenger numbers remain restricted.
