Our platform for the future of Puffing Billy Railway

We're shaping a welcoming arrival experience for everyone.

The first round of community engagement has now closed.

Thank you to everyone who provided their ideas on how to improve the physical spaces and visitors facilities at Belgrave Station Precinct.

In 2024, funding was announced through the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund to help develop a Key Area Plan for the Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave Station Precinct - a place that welcomes over 400,000 visitors every year and holds a special place in the hearts of locals and train lovers alike.

This project is about improving the arrival experience, workforce facilities, site access, wayfinding and the overall functionality of the precinct - creating a place that is safe, welcoming, and a point of pride for the local community.

The plan will guide future improvements to:

Arrival and wayfinding experiences
Workforce facilities
Enhance the visitor experience
Accessibility and safety for all
Site infrastructure that reflects our heritage while meeting future needs

It's also about ensuring the precinct is financially sustainable, inclusive, and continues to thrive for generations to come.

Project timeline with key dates and activities, including community engagement, consultation, feedback, and advocacy for a railway project.

FAQs

What is this project all about?
We’re creating a Key Area Plan (KAP) for the Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave Station Precinct — a strategic and design-led plan to guide future improvements to the visitor precinct including access, wayfinding, safety, workforce facilities, and the overall arrival experience.
Why does this project matter?
Puffing Billy Railway is one of Victoria’s most iconic tourist attractions, but some of its infrastructure and facilities haven’t kept up with changing visitor needs. This project aims to improve the precinct so that it’s welcoming, inclusive, and functional for visitors, staff, volunteers, and the local community.
What will the project deliver?
A draft and final Key Area Plan that outlines priority projects and design concepts for improving the site, informed by site audits, community input, and future needs. This plan can guide investment and support further funding.
What parts of the Puffing Billy Railway does this project cover?
This project focuses only on the Belgrave station precinct, including arrival points, visitor movement areas, signage, facilities, and connections to the local township — not the full length of the railway.
Will you be changing the trains or how they run?
No — this project is about improving the physical site and surrounding experience at Belgrave Station precinct. We’re not reviewing ticketing, train schedules, or events.
Who is running this project?
The Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB) is leading the project with funding from the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund 2024. Engagement is being delivered by independent specialists in consultation and placemaking.
How long will the project run for?
Community engagement will take place between July and August 2025. The draft plan will be developed and shared for comment in early 2026.
Is this the same as the Township Plan?
No, some ideas overlap, but this project is focused on the Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave Station Precinct.
How can I have my say?
You’ll see an online survey, intercept surveys happening at the Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave Station Precinct, and opportunities for traders and residents to participate in workshops. Follow our project page for times and details
https://conversationco.com.au/puffing-billy-railway
What will happen with the feedback I give?
Your insights will directly influence the Key Area Plan, especially the recommendations around what should be improved, prioritised, or preserved. A stakeholder engagement report will summarise what we heard.
Who is running this project?
The Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB) is leading the project with funding from the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund 2024. Engagement is being delivered by independent specialists in consultation and placemaking.
How long will the project run for?
Community engagement will take place between July and August 2025. The draft plan will be developed and shared for comment later in 2025.
How does this benefit local residents?
A better visitor precinct means improved traffic flow, upgraded infrastructure, new wayfinding, and better connections between Puffing Billy Railway and the Belgrave township — creating a site locals can be proud of and use more easily too.
Will parking or traffic conditions change as a result of the plan?
Traffic and movement are part of the audit, but any specific changes will depend on what is recommended and supported through the planning process.
Will the staff and volunteers get new facilities or improved amenities?
That’s one of the key priorities being explored, but final decisions will come out of this process.
How will accessibility and inclusivity be addressed?
These are central design principles, but specific actions will be determined through consultation and design review.
Will the plan recommend any major new buildings or demolitions?
Not yet known. Depends on what’s discovered in audits and engagement.
Is there funding available to build everything in the plan?
Funding is secured for planning - future implementation funding is not confirmed.

A woman and a young child in a red jacket inside a wooden cabin, looking out the window at a forested area and the woman pointing at something outside.

Find out more about Puffing Billy

The Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave Precinct Key Area Plan is supported by the Victorian Government.