Where to spot the Puffing Billy Train of Lights 2026 (without a ticket!)

Best Puffing Billy viewing spots (local’s guide)

These are the golden spots where you can spot the train along its route from Lakeside (Emerald) to Gembrook. The times below are approximate, so aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Outbound journey

• 6.00pm – Lakeside Crossing, Emerald
  Park safely at the bottom and walk up to the crossing. This is a busy one, as official event parking is set up at the top. Be mindful of traffic and families walking.
• 6.10pm – Wright Rd Level Crossing & Station (just off Belgrave-Gembrook Rd)
  Turn down Wright Rd, a dirt road in Wright Forest (don’t park on Belgrave-Gembrook Rd as it’s not safe). You’ll need to drive until you cross the tracks. Limited parking, no street lights, and it gets busy fast – be cautious and respectful.
• 6.10pm ish – Wright Forest Trestle Bridge
  Park at Bailey Rd and walk the trail to the bridge. It’s not a quick 2-minute stroll – allow at least 10 minutes each way. The trail is unsealed, rocky and dark, with uphill sections on return. Bring a torch, good shoes, and know where you’re going before it gets dark. Not suitable for prams or toddlers (or even if you’re not good at navigating the forest or dark, please avoid this spot!)
• 6.15pm – Cockatoo IGA carpark
  Easy access and plenty of space for the kids to spot the train.
• 6:30pm – Fielder Railway Station x Doonaha Road Level Crossing
  You can park (if safe to do so) along Belgrave-Gembrook Rd or on Doonaha Rd / Fielder Rd. Beautiful spot to see the light projections in the trees!
• 6.40 – Behind Gembrook Recreation Reserve on Orchard Rd
  This is the spot for seeing all the field projections and lighting effects and to see a long stretch of the train as it’s quite an open space.
• 6:45pm – Gembrook Main St level crossing and along Station Rd
  Park along the grass on Station Rd to see the train come past and watch it stop and disembark at the station.
• 6.50pm – Gembrook Station arrival
  You can park around the station or further down near the skate park. There is a dedicated viewing area to see the engine.

Return trip starts 7.50pm

• 7.50pm – Gembrook Station departure

• 7:50pm – Station St and Main Street level crossing
  
  
• 8:00pm – Orchard Rd crossing / Gembrook Recreational Reserve
  
  
• 8:10pm – Fielder Railway Station / Doonaha Rd level crossing
  
  
• 8.15pm – Cockatoo IGA carpark
  
  
• 8.20pm ish – Wright Forest Trestle Bridge
  
  
• 8:20pm – Wright Rd Station / level crossing
  
  
• 8.30pm – Lakeside Station arrival

These times are guides only and not affiliated with Puffing Billy Railway.

Want more train fun?

The Train of Lights might be sold out, but you can still catch Puffing Billy by day – especially from spots like below:

Trestle Bridge, Belgrave
Approx. 5–10 mins after departure from Belgrave
Iconic wooden bridge with stunning forest views – this is the ultimate Puffing Billy photo moment. Easy parking at the bottom or drive towards the end of Greenwell Road to see it from the top, or park on Colombo Road to walk to the top.

Menzies Creek Station
Approx. 30 mins after departure
A quiet station with a charming setup. Great for train-loving toddlers who want a calmer spot. Also has a free museum that’s open on Fri, Sat & Sun from 10.30 – 11.30am. 

Clematis Station (via Paradise Valley Hotel)
Approx. 35–40 mins after departure
Grab a drink from the pub and catch the train chugging past in full view. So easy, so fun.

Emerald Crossing & Hogan Park Playground
Approx. 45 mins after departure
Let the kids go wild on the playground while you watch the train roll through the crossing.

Lakeside Station, Emerald
Approx. 1 hour after departure
Plenty to explore here – nature walks, paddleboats, museums and even a cafe  for coffee refills.

Cockatoo Station
Approx. 1h 15m after departure (if the train goes the full route)
A peaceful stop nestled among the trees with old-timey charm and fewer crowds.

Gembrook Station
Approx. 2h after departure (if the train goes the full route)
The final stop where the train switches tracks. Cute village and a good spot to grab lunch.

Or if your kids love trains like mine – I’ve rounded up over 60 train-themed adventures across Melbourne: from mini railways and museums to immersive cafes and more.

Visit the full list here.

Now go rug up, grab your torch, and enjoy the magic.