History

Puffing Billy's line began operation in 1900. It carried large quantities of timber, potatoes, as well as weekend visitors looking for a day trip. Although electric trains arrived, the train continued on. The only thing that could stop it were two landslides. In 1954 the train was officially farewelled.

The Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed to keep the line alive, and not be replaced by electric trains. A lot of work was involved. A new terminal was created, miles of track had to be replaced, several level crossings had to be restored, and the landslide bypassed. After a lot of volunteer work, in 1962 the train was running to Menzies Creek. Three years later the track was extended to Emerald. In 1975 the track was extended to Lakeside. In the early 90's work began on extending the line to Cockatoo, and by 1998, the track was extended all the way to Gembrook.

The Trestle bridge, just out of Belgrave is one of the largest wooden railway bridges. It is one of the most easily recognised parts of the track. A viewing area is located near by for observors to watch the train cross over. Several smaller trestle bridges were recreated in between Lakeside and Gembrook, though none as impressive as the Trestle Bridge.

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