puffing billy

Santa Special

The Santa Special returns to Puffing Billy in 2012

Santa is visiting Puffing Billy and very special trains have been organised so that Santa can meet as many families as possible. Travel aboard a delightfully decorated steam-hauled train (diesel-hauled if a total fire ban is in force) for a journey through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges on a railway line opened in December 1900.

Featured on Puffing Billy TV

Watch the latest episode of Puffing Billy TV on YouTube featuring the 'Santa Special'!

At Emerald, Santa will hand a present to each child whilst Santa’s helpers provide adults with refreshments (sherry, wine or cordial and Festive Treats).

At Lakeside, ample time has been allowed in the schedule for you to enjoy the atmosphere at Emerald Lake Park where you can enjoy a picnic or take a wonderful forest walk.

Puffing Billy’s Refreshment Room will be open on the evening of the Sunset Special (snack foods only on the evening). The Cardinia Shire Council has shelters for groups of up to 100 people available for hire. Bookings for the shelters must be made through Puffing Billy on (03) 9757 0700 (+61 3 9757 0700 intl) (rates available upon request). The shelters are popular so it is advisable to book them early.

In 2011, the Daytime Santa Specials operated on four Saturdays in November and December. The Santa Sunset Specials operated on two Saturdays in December.

Dates for 2012 are yet to be confirmed, but details will be published here in due course.

Daytime Santa Specials

SCHEDULE

Depart Belgrave 10.55am
Arrive Lakeside 1.15pm
Depart Lakeside 2.50pm
Arrive Belgrave 4.05pm

Santa's Sunset Special trains

Travel as the heat of the day recedes and enjoy the lights of Melbourne at dusk on the return journey.

SCHEDULE

Depart Belgrave 5.10pm
Arrive Lakeside 7.25pm
Depart Lakeside 8.40pm
Arrive Belgrave 9.35pm

Bookings

Santa Special bookings are NOT YET OPEN for 2012.

Bookings for the Santa Special Trains close two weeks before the date of each train (earlier once fully booked). Please note: It is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment.

Please note: No toilets are available aboard Puffing Billy's carriages, however toilets can be found at each main station.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations will be accepted until 14 days before you are due to travel- a $10.00 cancellation fee applies. Cancellations received less than 14 days before travel will not be eligible for a refund.

Disabled passengers

The Puffing Billy Railway primarily uses heritage, open-sided carriages that may not permit ease of access for disabled people or be suitable for frail people. The Railway will endeavour to provide a wheelchair carriage but this cannot be guaranteed (note: the number of wheelchairs that can be accommodated is limited).

Enquiries

If you require further information, please call our friendly staff on (03) 9757 0700 (+61 3 9757 0700 intl) between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, or email santaspecial@pbr.org.au.