New Puffing Billy centre adds steam to business events

January 25, 2022

One of Victoria’s most popular and iconic tourist attractions, Puffing Billy Railway, has recently opened a $24.8 million Visitor Centre.

Nestled amongst the towering rainforests, cool fern gullies and native flowers of the Emerald Lake Park precinct, the Lakeside Visitor Centre combines its natural surroundings with the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Puffing Billy Railway to offer guests a cultural hub with world-class facilities.

Delivering premium facilities and attractions, visitors can experience the rich history of the century-old heritage steam railway through a collection of steam-era artefacts and an immersive multimedia experience.

The Centre boasts a range of dining options featuring seasonal produce from the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, as well as a hi-tech function space to host workshops, conferences and events. Function spaces can be hired independently or combined with our steam train journeys, including private charter trains, exclusive carriages for groups, and onboard dining in enclosed heritage first-class carriages.  Diverse experiences off the rails from paddle boating to bike hire that is available to reconnect and inspire your group.

Located 40 kilometres east of Melbourne, Lakeside Visitor Centre is an easy one hour drive from the CBD. It’s a picture perfect location for your next business event or a rest stop before exploring all that the Yarra Valley has to offer. Travel by steam train from Belgrave for an idyllic lunch stop by Emerald Lake or start your adventure at Lakeside and travel east towards Gembrook.

A city surrounded by nature, Melbourne has direct access to some of the best outdoor adventures, spectacular coastlines and lush green valleys, giving way to enchanting wineries and impressive vistas. 

For more inspiring ideas, visit Melbourne Convention Bureau’s ‘Itinerary Inspirations’ page.