Puffing Billy riders will be able to once again dangle their legs over the side during the ride, with the return of the sitting on the sills experience.
The more than a century old tradition of sitting on the window sill and hanging ones legs out was banned in 2018, after the Puffing Billy steam train and a tour bus collided in the Dandenong Ranges.
The announcement of the return of the event was well attended by both locals and politicans, with Deputy Premier James Merlino and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula making their way to Belgrave.
Mr Merlino said Puffing Billy is a much-loved favourite for tourists, day-trippers and school groups.
“The return of sitting on the sills will ensure more visitors come to our region to experience all we have on offer.”
Members of the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, who manage Puffing Billy, were also in attendance.
Mr Pakula said the return of the experience was great for tourism and local businesses in the region.
“There’s no other railway experience like sitting on an open-side carriage sill as Puffing Billy winds through the Dandenong Ranges.” He said.
Prior to the pandemic, Puffing Billy attracted around 500,000 visitors annually.
The $24.8 million Lakeside Visitor Centre also recently opened in Emerald, which officials will hope will boost tourism related to the steam train in the area.
