Yarra Valley steam train travel experience goes viral on TikTok

It’s an attraction that has been around for years – but there’s some Aussies who are only just finding out about it now.

It’s an attraction that has been around for years — but there’s some Aussies who have no idea it exists.

This iconic Melbourne attraction has been part of the landscape for years, but some Aussies are only just discovering it now.

The train ride Puffing Billy in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley has gone viral with clips showing the steam train chugging through the stunning scenery and lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges, located just 60 minutes outside of the city.

“You HAVE to add this to your Melbourne bucket list!!” Amie Bolton, a British expat living in Australia said in a TikTok.

“Whenever you're in Melbourne and want something fun to do, listen up,” she continued as she shared a clip on-board the popular train.

“The Puffing Billy is an old steam train that operates through the treetops of the Dandengong Ranges. You get to sit with your feet over the edge and take in the incredible scenic views.”

She said it takes you to Lakeside where you can have some lunch or even hire some aqua bikes.

Puffing Billy train ride in stunning landscapes and lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne goes viral. Picture: TikTok/prettylittleliar971

The ‘amazing’ attraction is about an hour from Melbourne CBD. Picture: TikTok/ethertoursandtravel

“You then jump back on-board for the 50 minute return trip.”

Amie said being able to dangle your legs over the edge – the ride’s main attraction – essentially makes it a “super slow rainforest rollercoaster”.

The train ride was temporarily suspended but is operating again much to the delight of locals and tourists alike and for many, it has brought back fond memories.

Aussies have shared their fond childhood memories of the attraction, while others had no idea it existed. Picture: TikTok/aimebolton5

“I remember that place when I was 6!” one person wrote.

“This brings so much childhood memories we have to do it,” another TikToker said while tagging a friend.

A third added: “I went back in 2017 it’s definitely worth it!” while a fourth wrote: “I live locally but haven’t been on it since I was a kid. This really makes me wanna go!”

But some Aussies had no idea it even existed.

“That looks sick. Didn’t even know that was here,” one local confessed.

“I’ve never head of it,” said another.

“I’m so shocked so many people haven’t heard of or seen this. it’s so famous and known,” one Aussie said in a viral TikTok shared by Visit Melbourne.

@weekendercreative Pushing 🅿️uffing Billy #melbourne #puffingbilly ♬ original sound - Weekender Creative

According to the Puffing Billy website, the preserved steam railway has transported more than 11 million passengers since it first started to operate in 1900.

“For more than 100 of those operating years, Puffing Billy Railway has shared a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world – sitting on the sill of our traditional open-side carriages with your legs hanging out!” the site states.

“Almost every Melburnian has a special memory on board Puffing Billy, chugging through the forest, rolling hills and open farmland with legs hanging over the side as they marvelled over soaring wooden bridges and quaint historic stations.

“A true thrill for young and old!”

Puffing Billy has been run by volunteers since 1955.

@amiebolton5 You HAVE to add this to your Melbourne bucket list!! 🚂 #puffingbilly #puffingbillymelbourne #backpackingaustralia #solotravel #workingholidayaustralia #whv #workingholidayvisa #melbourne #melbourneaustralia #تحدي_نستله_سكويزي ♬ Summer day - TimTaj

TikTok page Weekender Creative described it as a cute date activity.

“We went on a return tour from Belgrave passing through the Sherbrooke forest and the Trestle bridge and arriving at the newly renovated Lakeside visitor centre at Emerald lake park which is a stunning location to stretch your feet and enjoy the outdoors.

“There’s a cute souvenir shop and a modern cafe located there but you can also pre-book a picnic hamper set like we did.

“This is a super wholesome date idea or family activity that everyone can enjoy.”

However, as “awesome” and “amazing” the train journey is, some have taken aim to its roughly $60 per person price tag.

“It needs to get the maintenance funds to keep it running from somewhere I guess,” Aime said in her TikTok.

“For those saying it is expensive, please remember this doesn’t get government help. It’s a private company massively hit by Covid unfortunately,” another added.

There are safety rules and guidelines that need to be followed at all times when on the train that are outlined on the website.