Belgrave Rail Trail |
Following the historic route of Puffing Billy, the Belgrave Railway Trail runs from Belgrave all the way to Ringwood (approx 16 kms).
The sealed trail has a gentle climb to the base of the Dandenongs then again at Heathmont.
From Belgrave you travel through Tecoma, Upwey, Upper Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Bayswater, Heathmont and Ringwood.
The Belgrave Rail Trail can connect you to other trails including the Dandenong Creek Trail and the Eastlink Trail.
Running beside the suburban railway line from Bayswater to Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges, this trail follows the historic route of Puffing Billy, which ran as a narrow gauge railway from Upper Ferntree Gully until it was replaced with the extension of the suburban electric system to Belgrave in 1962.
Historic narrow gauge formations near Belgrave.
Gently climb to the base of the Dandenongs.
Description
This trail is part of walking/cycling trail that mostly follows the railway from Ringwood. The maps shows where the trail starts at the Dandenong creek trail.
From Belgrave, the trail curves through bushland. Listen for bellbirds over the noise of traffic. The embankments where the trail loops away from the electric line are remnants of the original railway.
At Tecoma, turn right into McNicol Rd and left into Campbell St. The trail continues at the end of the street.
At Glenfern Rd, the trail leaves the railway to run beside Burwood Highway until Main St, where it rejoins the railway.
The trail continues to Burwood Highway in Upper Ferntree Gully. Follow the footpath to cross at the lights. A gravel trail continues on the other side of the road, once again on the original narrow gauge railway formation.
At Upper Ferntree Gully Station, Puffing Billy once used the northern platform, now used by electric trains. Return to Belgrave by train or continue along the bike path towards Ringwood.
Background Information
The narrow gauge (2'6") line to GEmbrook was opened in 1900, connecting with regular broad gauge trains at Upper Ferntree Gully. The little train soon became known as Puffing Billy. The line mainly carried passengers, timber and potatoes. The narrow gauge line was cheaper to build than a regular railway but because of the cost of transferring goods to the broad gauge, it never made a profit.
A landslip at Selby in 1953 prompted closure. The Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed and persuaded the Victorian RAilways to reopen the line as far as Belgrave with a weekend tourist service.
After electrification of the suburban line to Belgrave, volunteers worked to restore the disused and overgrown line beyond Belgrave. A diversion was created near SElby, and it reopened to Menzies Creek in 1962, Emerald in 1965, Emerald Lake in 1975, and finally Gembrook in 1998.
Activities
Bike riding
Walking
Type: Rail-side trail
Location: 40km East of Melbourne
Start/end: Bayswater to Belgrave
Status: Open
Length open: 12.5km+
Surface: Sealed
Terrain: Hilly
Public transport: Train, Bus
Features: tourist
❊ Address ❊
⊜ Blacksmiths Way, Belgrave 3796 View Map
✆ Telephone: 1300 368 333
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Belgrave Rail Trail
➼ www.puffingbilly.com.au
➼ www.railtrails.org.au
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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