Taylah Eastwell
Gone are the days of leaving your four-legged friends at home while you enjoy a weekend outing, with Puffing Billy Railway set to launch an all-new ‘Dog Express’.
Beginning on 29 May, furry friends and their owners will have the opportunity to climb on board the historic carriages at the popular tourist railway, with a special service running from Emerald Lakeside to Gembrook each month.
Pets and owners can both experience the 40-minute hills journey through Wright Forest, over the famous trestle bridges and past Cockatoo and Fielder stations as the train pulls into Gembrook.
Visitors can start the day at Emerald Lake Park, with plenty of walking tracks and trails for families and dogs to explore before boarding dog-friendly carriages at Lakeside Station.
Upon arrival at Gembrook, passengers and their canine-friends will have ample time to play in the adjacent JAC Russel Park or wander through the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail.
Puffing Billy CEO Peter Abbott said “there are many people in our community who love their pets and with 40 percent of canines living in Australian homes, it made sense to include them in on an outdoor activity like Puffing Billy”.
Spaces are limited to two dogs per booking.
The Dog Express will run on 29 May, 19 June, 17 July, 31 July, 14 August and 28 August.
Cost: $15 per dog, plus usual passenger fares.
For more information or to book, visit https://puffingbilly.com.au/experiences/puffing-billy-dog-express/
