Puffing Billy cancels services to Gembrook due to low tourist numbers
A drop in visitor numbers has forced one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions to reduce services amid coronavirus concerns. But will its beloved Thomas the Tank Engine event go ahead?
South East
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One of Melbourne’s biggest tourist attractions has been forced to cancel services partly because of fears about the coronavirus.
Puffing Billy railway has cancelled all services to Gembrook until the end of February, after a decline in tourist numbers.
According to its website, it was still running services from Belgrave to Lakeside.
The Motorist Museum owner David Peck said the cancellation of the Puffing Billy run would affect tourism in Gembrook.
“We were given very late notice as we were advised last week. I think Gembrook is a great asset to the line as it’s one of the key tourist destinations,” Mr Peck said.
“I think the coronavirus outbreak has affected tourist numbers – I would like to see it pick up again soon … Chinese visitors really enjoy coming to this part of town.”
La Trobe federal Liberal MP Jason Wood said the coronavirus outbreak had greatly impacted local tourist destinations.
“It’s had a huge impact on Australian tourism. I urge people living in and nearby the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas to support local businesses,” Mr Wood said.
“It’s sad that businesses such as Puffing Billy are hurting – I encourage locals to use it.”
But Eastern Dandenong Ranges Association chairman Garry McGough said he believed the closure would not impact local businesses in Gembrook.
“Puffing Billy closes its services during weekdays in winter months, too. It will just be business as usual,” Mr McGough said.
A Puffing Billy spokeswoman said the decision to reduce services to Gembrook in February was made from the need to be more efficient with resources and maximise the capacity of the three other services.
“The cancellation is not a direct consequence of the coronavirus, but a variety of factors that have impacted the market,” the spokeswoman said.
“In fact, throughout the year we review all services and, where necessary, reduce them for a limited time to maximise capacity on our other services.”
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She said one of their biggest events of the year, Day Out With Thomas, wasn’t affected and was returning to Gembrook from February 22, running every weekend until the end of March.
“It is something that draws in large crowds to sunny Gembrook,” she said.
Tourism Minister Martin Pakula has been contacted for comment.