Had an amazing time yesterday at the puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Gembrook return It was a beautiful sunny day and the landscape and scenery was spectacular ..Almost like our train ride in Switzerland . The steam train was beautiful and it takes you back in time to the year 1900. I was a proud Victorian and was glad the puffing Billy stood the test of time The staff were all so pleasant and. Happy to be serving you . You could see that they love their job , especially our carriage attendant Vicky . We did this train ride when our daughter was 2. She is now 31. So it was a beautiful walk down memory lane .

I had a wonderful time on the Puffing Billy steam train — such a unique and memorable experience! The ride was incredibly scenic, with beautiful views all along the way. The atmosphere is charming and nostalgic and you really feel like you're stepping back in time. The staff were friendly and made the journey even more enjoyable.

Took a ride on a chilly, rainy spring day, the first leg to Emerald was freezing, but the return trip was perfect, so we got to sit on the railing and really feel the wind in our faces. It’s fun for kids and adults who want to unleash their inner child, though don’t expect jaw-dropping scenery, mostly forest, some backyards, a tall wooden bridge, and locals waving as you pass. The real magic? The steam, the hissing, the smell of the old train. It’s pure nostalgia, an old-school steam train experience that’s more about the journey than the views. 🚂

Puffing Billy Railway is a unique Victorian tourist experience. (To get to Belgrave, we travelled by train from Southern Cross, transferred at Flinders Street Station and arrived fifty minutes prior to the departure of our booked train.) Booking on line is recommended, and it is an easy process. Upon arrival, one must line up at the ticket office to collect the paper ticket. This is needed to be clipped on the platform by the conductors prior to boarding the train. The Station Master, Guard, and conductors were rather perfunctory prior to departure from Belgrave. Due to late passengers, the train departed ten minutes late. We were not fussed by this, but were somewhat disappointed by the attitude of the latecomers. The PBR staff treated the offenders with patience. Good on them. The locomotive, carriages and infrastructure are all beautifully restored and obviously well maintained. The journey to Lakeside was spectacular. The views were wonderful. Listening to the loco work up the grades was a real treat. Terminating at the lovely Lakeside Station allowed one to take a look at the Garratt locomotive and its train. (This train was the earlier service and was about to return to Belgrave.) The steam crew were more than happy to chat about their roles on the footplate and the mechanical features of the loco. This was much appreciated. One then had time to wander through the Visitors Centre. The historical display is informative and well presented. Reading about the history of the rail line and the district was quite interesting. The cafeteria was incredibly busy, but after ordering our food, it arrived promptly. The food was tasty (a chicken focaccia and soup of the day), and obviously freshly made. The catering staff were great. Very efficient. A walk around the lake was a real treat. The Dandenongs are a beautiful part of Victoria. Many passengers took advantage of the long break prior to the train departing to return to Belgrave. Returning to the Lakeside platform, and taking the opportunity to checkout the NA loco, I was able to chat to the young fireman. He is a great PR rep for PBR. We were able to talk about the loco and firing techniques. The return journey to Belgrave again a wonderful experience. A highly recommended experience well worth the effort to visit.

We recently held our wedding with the Puffing Billy Railway, chartering a train for our guests from Belgrave to Nobelius Siding (which was surprisingly affordable!) and hiring out the Nobelius Packing Sheds as our reception venue. On our wedding day, the staff went absolutely above and beyond in their service to us, with meal and drink service on board the train, and full catering with table service at the reception venue. The locomotive crew were even willing to move the train for better photos after its arrival at the station, and were willing to delay the return trip to Belgrave by 15-30 minutes when the reception ran late. It felt like the entire railway was there for us, and every one of our guests had nothing but positive things to say about the experience. During the planning process, the railway and staff were also very accommodating. They provided us with multiple inspections of both the venue and the dining carriages so that we could plan ahead, set up a taste testing date for the reception menu, worked with us to schedule a train that worked around their existing timetable, and allowed us access to the venue on the day before and after the wedding for bump in/out. Although there were sometimes some issues in communication which led to a headache or two, they allowed us to develop a thorough plan well in advance of the day. All in all, I'd highly recommend Puffing Billy as a venue for anyone looking for a way to make their wedding day a bit more unique. (Photos by "Had To Be You Weddings".)

An experience to have legs hanging out over the edge as you ride on the train. So lovely that homes along the journey take the time to decorate extra items to entertain and put a smile on faces as we go past. Love that staff dress in original days clothing and give us friendly waves as we depart. Good experience.

A historical locomotive train and it amazed me to be able to see up close how it works, both before departure and after arriving at Lakeside station. I feel the ride to Lakeside is the sweet spot as it takes about 45 minutes one way. The wooden trestle bridge section is the highlight of the journey. Only when I was on the train I realised many people actually drive to that spot just to photograph the passing train. Many people waved as the train passed by. We also enjoyed the forest scenery in spring and even spotted some rabbits and what looked like either deer or kangaroo. There is not much to do at Lakeside if you are not eating, but time passed quickly. We took a slow stroll near the lake and visit the small museum. Tickets sell out fast so you need to book well in advance. A must-try experience at least once when you are in Melbourne.

This is our third location and it did not disappoint. It is in a breathtaking part of Belgrave and the course itself was fantastic. You must book or you will be disappointed. Every session on the Saturday was booked out. The staff were helpful and friendly the course challenging in the best possible way. Bring your snacks as there isn’t anything there to buy. We will be back.

Efficient, fuss-free and exhilarating experience for the children. Safety personnel are friendly and responsive. Perfect cool weather when we were there. Plenty of parking spaces available. Options of different obstacle courses, varying levels of difficulty. Worth giving it a try :)

So much fun! Thrilling for all ages! And a bit of hard work too, so avoid certain courses if you don't want an upper body workout. Staff were all lovely and very helpful. Can't wait to go back!

A great adventure for kids and a fitness challenge for adults (even if you just walk), the hill is very steep! Careful: some platforms are very high, approx 20m !

We had a fantastic experience at Treetop Surfing Belgrave! My 7-year-old daughter did the Junior Session, which includes access to three courses. When we visited last year, she was quite scared of the orange course, but when we returned last week, she was much more confident and had an amazing time. She’s already asked to come back for her 9th birthday, saying she’ll be ready then to challenge herself with the next level! The only downside is the toilet situation—it’s located at the car park, which is a bit of a walk from the course area. It wasn’t very clean and had a strong smell. I’d recommend using the toilet right after parking, as going during the session can be inconvenient—you’ll need to remove your gear and walk quite a way. Overall, it’s a wonderful place for kids to build confidence and have fun outdoors!

First, you can only buy tickets online. Second, it may seem expensive but you have 2.5 hours there and my family thought it was totally worth it. Before use the staff walk you through the equipment and how to use it on a ground level area. You then go to the 'home' tree (start area). From there you can choose which course to go on. Starting with green, blue (long & short), red (1&2) and black . You will not be able to do them all in the allocated session. There are obstacles and zip lines. Heaps of fun

Excellent place to enjoy a fun day out for kids and adults. Lots of climbing tracks, from easy to advanced. All equipment is provided and easy to use. Parking is available on site. Bring a phone pouch if you want to take photos, but they are sold there too. The staff were helpful. It is a pricey activity, however, that's what you expect for a unique experience.

What a beautiful cinema! I visited for the first time today, drove 25 minutes from Narre Warren because the movie I wanted to see wasn't on at a convenient time at Fountain Gate. What a great discovery! The cinema is like stepping back in time, it's simply gorgeous. The seats are comfy, the staff are lovely and there's local wines and a beautiful waiting area, not crowded or commercial at all. It reminds me of the old Princess Theatre in the city. Will definitely be back xx

I was disturbed the whole movie by people eating chips throughout. The cinema should cease to sell chips as it really disturbs people's experience in the cinema. I should be able to have an enjoyable experience without inconsiderate patrons eating noisily all around me. I would be better off streaming at home. Inclined not to return.

I go to Cameo almost every week, sometimes twice. They are a class act. It's a beautiful drive to get there, the cinemas are clean and stylish, with good sound. The seats in some cinemas could be a little more comfortable, but you can bring a cushion pretty easily. The popcorn is quality- real and fresh and tasty. The venue is elegant and they offer a wide variety of drinks, including espresso coffees and cakes. The only negative, which seems to be an epidemic in Australia, is the toxic bathroom sprays, although I will say, because they only have one dispenser in the (reasonably sized) bathroom, it's not as bad as other places.

Great small theatre in the suburbs. John Clarke doco/movie was my introduction. Excellent opportunity to find out more about this NZ guy who had a quick wit, intelligence, and used his position and privilege in a way that contributed to others, even the whole of two countries.

Cameo Cinemas Belgrave is our local go-to venue for movies. Never too crowded, always friendly staff and a great selection of classic and retro movies on offer throughout the year. Outdoor cinema available in the warmer months.

We drive 40 minutes to visit the Cameo cinema in Belgrave because we like it so much. It's not only the choice of films that they screen that makes us come time after time, but the staff. They always greet you warmly and are so helpful and courteous. Nothing appears to be too much trouble. A special shout out to Liz who assisted me yesterday. When so many businesses appear to pay scant attention to customer service it is only fitting that the Cameo should be commended for theirs.

I really enjoyed my first experience at the cameo. My dad used to come here as a kid, so it was super cool sharing the experience with him. We saw Shayda, which was really good. We got a glass of bubbles and some pop corn to take it, which was extra lovely. The guys serving were very friendly, which added to the great experience. We will definitely be back!

Absolutely beautiful reserve, not too massive, a wealth of wildlife (specifically bird species - which is a happy coincidence given the place is named after the previous landowners, the Bird family, rather than the abundance of birds in the reserve!) as well as unique fungi during winter. Supposedly also one of the few remaining natural habitats in the area for platypus, though they’re typically nocturnal so your chances of seeing one are slim! Dog friendly too (but their owners could do better at picking up after them). Part of the track was closed when I went for what appeared to be maintenance or reconstruction of the path around one of the waterways, but I’d definitely visit again!

Really beautiful spot for a walk that's within the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Lush greenery and a well beaten track made it easy to navigate the park. Some areas were closed when I went, due to modifications, so would love to go back when they're done. Overall, really nice track!

Birdsland Reserve is not only a much needed wildlife corridor, it is the location of the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery which propagated and supplied 77,000 indigenous plants in 2024. It is also a much loved reserve for dog walkers, picnickers, nature lovers, walkers and runners. Kallista General Store makes up great picnic hampers. I was excited to see a turtle basking on a rock but it slid back in the water before I could get a picture. It is wonderful to see so many newly planted indigenous grasses and shrubs beside the Monbulk Creek, the sculpture ‘Storm Leaves’ by Anton McMurray and an acknowledgment of the Wurundjeri people. According to the Indigenous Scoping Project compiled by Georgia Lloyd the Bunurong people moved seasonally and often, so as not to deplete resources. In summer, they came down from the Dandenong’s towards the Koo-wee-rup swamp where they fished for eel and hunted wombats, wallabies and kangaroos, following the various watercourses they also collected native rushes, raspberries and currants. During winter the Bunurong people returned to the Dandenong’s for shelter and collected and ate the pith of treeferns. Nathania Springs of Monbulk was believed to be a place of healing and I guess they at that time they made their way along the Monbulk Creek through the Birdsland Reserve. Sadly an Environmental History of Casey states that: By 1836 overlanders began to move their livestock eastwards and to establish pastoral runs on the grassy open country in the vicinity of Dandenong… It has been estimated that by the early 1840s "...almost 12,000 Europeans had appropriated the lands of most Kulin clans and dispossessed the others". [Barwick, Diane E. "Mapping the Past: An Atlas of Victorians Clans", in 'Aboriginal History', 1984, p. 108.] The lifestyle of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri was changed forever as their hunting grounds were reduced and they lost access to tribal lands and waterways, while traditional food sources disappeared with the clearing of the bush, and the draining of the swamps. Many died with the introduction of new diseases like measles and smallpox. The Bird family had used the Birdsland area for cattle and grain growing and thankfully donated the land on the proviso that it was used for passive recreation and conservation.

Very nice spot for walking, walking the dog and do forth. Aptly named as it is a good spot for a variety of birdlikeeith large gum trees, lower bush, a lake a stream. Keep your eye out for birds like Kookaburra (very common near the picnic grounds and carpark), Crimson and Eastern Rosella's (in larger trees near carpark of feeding in the trees near the creek), swans, ducks, grebes, cormorants, egrets, buff banded rails, a few honey eaters and your more common usual suspects. Be sure to check out the little wetlands section beside the track straight ahead of the carpark. There is also a carpark at the front gate if the inner carpark is full. The walk in from the outer carpark is nice among the bigger gum forest trees. Many Rosella's hang out here. Picnic tables and toilets are there. Be sure to take your rubbish away with you so it doesnt polite the bush. On your way in or out theres a decent bakery at Belgrade South and more cafes and pubs in Main Belgrave town. Enjoy it and be considerate of others and wildlife

We had such a beautiful time here! One of the best kept secrets in the area. Such a great walk or good for folks who would like a relatively flat bike ride. So nice to walk along the creek as well as doing a full lap around the lake. Plenty of bird life, a variety of nature a lovely experience, whatever the weather and walking ability. Leave yourself plenty of time if you prefer a stroll or allow an hour for a quick lap. Dogs on leads welcome and appreciated especially with little children enjoying the park and surrounds. Oh also, there's a fabulous picnic area close to the car park. Very shady and peaceful.

Lovely spot for tranquil walks along the pods and through some nice bush and meadows. Plenty of birds and kangaroos, wildflowers blooming and waterfowl. Right now, the track along the pods is closed after the 1st pond so you have to walk along the leftside track to get to the 2nd pond and further. Even so, it is a very relaxing rejuvenating walking experience. You can walk up to Granite Track Peak with a lovely view of Lysterfield lake and Upwey, and all the surrounding halls and meadows.

Aptly named - there’s always a variety of native birds around including darters, ducks, kookaburras, lorikeets, king parrots, rosellas, and more. Quite flat, easy paths. Usually relatively busy, especially on weekends and sunny days. Dogs are welcome, and there are always plenty of people walking their dog around here. Please keep your dog leashed for the protection of the birds.

Nice little park with a well maintained playground. Plenty of picnic tables and a bbq spot. Perfect place to bring some takeaway nearby and enjoy it in the peaceful park. Popular park to bring dogs as well.

Beautiful playground area for children with so many fun equipment eg slides, ropes course, swings etc. There's also a half basketball court for older kids and a large grassy area which is very popular for dog owners. There's a walking trail from the park to a small lake with yellow wattle trees in late winter and early spring.

If you're a deep sea daddy or just an average park goer this place is for you. We got out door gyms, we got a lake, we got a veeeery interesting kids playground and also a water thingy you can fill an empty river

Nice quiet spot to walk the dog. Children's play area and a small pond plenty parking

I love this space. The creek is beautiful, the playground amazing, and happily dog friendly. Locals are easy to talk to and welcoming. Only downside is there is no fence between dog area and car park.

Beautiful area to catch up with friends and stroll around the lake.

Quite a small walk but pleasant lake and walking area. Great for taking your dog on lead, with the paths relatively well marked. There's a few bridge walkways through the ferns across the streams, which take you towards the lake. There's an off leash dog park nearby too which is great for letting the dogs run off some steam.

Perfectly situated near a car park in the back streets of Belgrave, the Big Dreams Market has a little bit of everything you might find at a crafty market, in saying that - apparently the day we went it was not completely full with lots of stalls missing 😔 With friendly stall holders, coffee, some food vans & a musician, this market has a calm & relaxing atmosphere. You will find all things from knits, soaps, veggies, clothing, books / authors, plants, chutneys to name a few. Will have to go back to experience a full market & check out what else is on offer.. 🥰 Overall a very nice country market, defs check it out if you’re a lover of craft markets. Ps - not a lot of organic produce on offer!

It was absolutely awesome 😍 I was t expecting that big market but it was nice and dog friendly so many space. Kids can get entertained by staff. Handmade craft and so on. It’s worth trying! If you are going to go to Dandenong.

Free parking and lovely market experience. A great time had by all on 2025 Mother's Day

Wow!!! They have many stalls and you can find food to eat...fruits and vegies are available which is what I was looking for....very large market and lots of variety. I loved it and will go again

Family friendly Market. Had lot of fun checking out all the stalls

Beautiful community markets that just have the best vibes. I especially love the kids area right in the middle of the market, complete with cushions and colouring in tables!

Lovely little market. All homemade goods. Lots of beautiful creations perfect if in need of a gift. Most vendors accept cards. Great for little kids as it's at the primary school and the playground is open. Food, drinks and toilets available.

Rates higher than its size! Low on facilities and parking, but surprisingly boasts a large amount of native flora. At its best in Orchid season. Rough tracks, wear good shoes. No toilets.

A great spot to see some of Victoria's native orchids in the wild. For the best spot walk back up the entry road from the car park, across the intersection and find the track on the far side of the road. Following it away from the Carpark you can often find as many as 8 different species within 20m.

Created with good intentions for the over 100 varieties of wild orchids, I have been disappointed each time I visited, the latest in October, supposedly the delayed wild orchid season (due to cold weather this year)!! I managed to locate only less than two varieties! I wish it the best because the wild orchids are truly the little gems of our bush!! Please Let them grow, appreciate them where they are and never Pick Them!! Please leave them alone to survive for the greater future!!

Beautiful reserve with so much to see, if you look closely at the ground!

Lot of orchids to see.

The recent rains have made the mushrooms emerge. Patches of weeping grass and kangaroo grass were very soothing to write dried out by the smoke and heat from our 'Black Summer 2019-20'. The little tongue orchid was a thrill to find.

The orchids and wildflowers are outstanding. There's a good information board as well with flower identifications.

wide collection of different clothing, trinkets and other locally made products from various designers in the area. lots of candles and unique clothing items!!

Warm and dry on a wet cold Sunday. Lovely mix of interesting objects to buy! Staff helpful and friendly. We are lucky to have this eclectic group of stalls locally. Love it for a quiet search for something different!

Great area specific items to take home with you as souvenir.

Belgrave Emporium boasts an eclectic, well-curated selection of items and oddities in an accessible and cozy location! One can truly spend hours picking apart a seemingly never-ending collection - I know I did. Prices are usually reasonable but may occasionally be somewhat on the steeper side for select objects. The staff offer an amicable hospitality, but seemed rather glacial and condescending at times - especially in comparison to other storekeepers in the area. Overall a pleasant place with some flaws.

Unique products from handicrafts to upcycled resale. Something for everyone.

Only giving 2 stars because of the staff there. Judgemental, rude and unhelpful. Was not acknowledged as we came in and was treated as an inconvenience when we wanted to buy a plant. Train your staff on how to conduct themselves in retail customer service. Otherwise, the shop had great items. The main feedback I would add to be more specific is that there was not a hello, and when we asked if we could pay for the item and come back to pick up the item after we had lunch, it was like we asked for too much.

Amazing they had face masks I really needed.