East

Venture East

Driving Force

A childhood dream comes true for one Puffing Billy enthusiast.

When he was a small boy, Graham Cornish’s father would take him to Belgrave, the home of Puffing Billy, Melbourne’s renowned heritage steam railway, to watch the engines being readied.

“I remember sitting on the platform and watching the shunting moves, dreaming about being able do what those men do,” recalls Graham. “The highlight of any visit was to be allowed to sit on the driver’s seat and look out the window.” It took many years but, finally, in September 2017, his childhood dream was realised and Graham became a Puffing Billy driver. But it’s far more than simply jumping aboard and stoking the coal fire.

“The driver is wholly responsible for not only the locomotive and train, but all the passengers as well,” he says. “Every morning, I have to inspect the locomotive and train to ensure it is safe and ready for the day’s running. During the day, I constantly monitor the locomotive, train, and its operation to ensure all the railways regulations are followed.”

Graham Cornish Kathryn Roytel

But the joy of the journey remains, even to this day. “Where else can a visitor travel on a beautiful steam railway where history abounds, plus travel through a wonderfully diverse environment so close to Melbourne?” +puffingbilly.com.au

Housemuseum Galleries

Discover East

See + Do

Shop till you drop at Australia’s largest shopping centre, Chadstone, The Fashion Capital. Featuring luxury brands and designer boutiques, you can get there via a free tourist shuttle bus from Federation Square daily. +chadstone.com.au

Spend a few relaxing hours on the Yarra River surrounded by native bushland when you hire a rowing boat at Studley Park Boathouse. +studleyparkboathousekew.

com.au

Stroll through some beautiful walking trails at Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. It’s one of the few significant remaining natural bushland reserves in Melbourne. Harlow

+blackburnlakesanctuary.org Architect Corbett Lyon occasionally opens his Kew home so people can view his collection of contemporary pieces. Now he’s built Housemuseum Galleries next door to provide a new platform for international and Australian artists. +lyonhousemuseum.com.au

Eat + Drink

A historic Hawthorn East auction house has been transformed into East End Wine Bar. The list focuses on artisanal producers and is complemented by charcuterie boards and wood–fired pizzas. + eastendwinebar.com

Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes created using seasonal produce and served in a traditional setting – white tablecloths and all – at Centonove in Kew. There’s also an award-wining list of wines sourced from across Australia. +centonove.com.au

Healesville Sanctuary

Share Asian-influenced dishes like Korean fried chicken and soba noodle salad with friends at Prohibition Food and Wine in Camberwell. As the name suggests, there’s an impressive wine list, too. +prohibitionfoodandwine.com.au

The former Great Britain Hotel has been replaced with a rocking menu of pub favourites and a stellar happy hour in Harlow. Located in the heart of Richmond, stop by to enjoy the relaxed surrounds and views from the new rooftop. +harlowbar.com.au

Travel Further

Just under an hour from Melbourne, you’ll find yourself in picturesque Healesville, right in the centre of the Yarra Valley food and wine district. Healesville Sanctuary is committed to fighting wildlife extinction and visiting helps to protect our native species. +zoo.org.au/healesville

Puffing Billy Railway

Loved by locals and visitors from around the world, Puffi ng Billy is Australia's favourite steam train. Experience the magic of steam train travel as you ride in open-sided carriages and into the lush forest of the Dandenong Ranges, located only one hour east of Melbourne. Additional experiences include: + Pre-purchased picnic or lunch packs + A short 30-minute journey to the Menzies Creek

Museum where you can enjoy morning tea and discover more than 80 railway exhibits + Opening in March 2021, visitors are welcome to visit the new state-of-the-art $20 million Visitor Centre at

Lakeside Station Train: Belgrave Line to Belgrave Station Open: Daily except Christmas Day 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave w puffi ngbilly.com.au t 03 9757 0700 Find us on: