There is a variety of accommodation options available in towns and villages close to Puffing Billy Railway.

From cosy B&Bs in the Dandenong Ranges to luxury hotels in the Yarra Valley, there is something for everyone. You'll be sure to find the perfect place to relax after a day out and about exploring our region!

Please note that you cannot book accommodation through Puffing Billy Railway. Kindly book online on any of the websites listed below or contact one of the providers directly.

SPECIAL DEALS FOR RUNNING FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS

SAGE MELBOURNE RINGWOOD

Special offer for Running Festival participants and their families:

Sage Melbourne Ringwood spans five floors atop the Eastland Shopping Centre and offers guests 120 modern hotel rooms, located only 30 minutes from Puffing Billy Railway by car or Metro Train from Ringwood Station.

Visitors to Puffing Billy can enjoy a 20 % discount off published room rates at Sage Ringwood!

Sage Hotel Ringwood's lobby

Terms & Conditions: 

  • Check-in after 2:00 PM, Check-out before 11:00 AM.
  • Rates are for a DELUXE KING ROOM.
  • Credit Card Guarantee required, pre authorization of $100 required on arrival.
  • Free cancellation up to 24-hours prior to arrival, except for new years eve where this night will be charged.

PARKROYAL MONASH MELBOURNE

Special offer for Running Festival participants and their families:

Retreat into PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne, anchored by modern comforts and friendly service that will make you feel at home as soon as you enter the hotel. Located in Clayton, PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne is just a 30-minute drive from race start in Belgrave.

Stay at PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne around the Puffing Billy Running Festival, and enjoy a generous 15% off their best available rate!

The Exterior of PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne at Dusk.

OFFER TERMS AND BOOKINGS:

Included in this package

  • Receive 15% off Best Available Rate
  • Discounted breakfast is available at AUD$39 per person per day during your stay
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Terms and conditions

  • Booking valid from stays until 30 December 2024.
  • For full T&Cs, visit their website via the link below.

Emerald Ridge B&B

Special offer for Running Festival participants and their families:

Emerald Ridge B&B is set on a 10-acre property with rural views over valleys and gardens. It offers two options for clean, stylish, private accommodation; A fully equipped self-contained 2 bedroom cottage (sleeps up to 4 people) OR a private Guest Suite with King Bed, Lounge & an extra-large Ensuite with Spa and Double shower (sleeps 2 people).

Emerald Ridge B&B is located only 5-minutes from Lakeside (Saturday race start and Sunday Finish Zone) and 15-minutes from Belgrave (Sunday race start).

Stay two nights at Emerald Ridge B&B and enjoy a 10% discount off the second night!   

B&B with bed and sofa in light grey and white tones.

Included in this package:

  • Stay two nights and enjoy a 10% discount on the second night.

The Chen Melbourne - Art Series (Box HIll)

Special offer for Running Festival participants and their families:

The hotel features 100 intelligently designed suites that are complemented with the vibrant works of Chinese born, Australian Artist, Zhong Chen. The Chen plays home to local and interstate travellers looking for a stay for work or play. Featuring spectacular views of Melbourne's CBD and surrounding suburbs from the impressive rooftop pool and entertainment deck and all the while only being a hop, skip and jump to Box Hill's exciting dining precinct. The Chen is conveniently located only moments from Box Hill station, making travel to the Race Start on Sunday morning by train a breeze!

Stay at The Chen during the Puffing Billy Running Festival weekend, and enjoy a 10% discount off the best available rate!  

A hotel room featuring a queen bed, desk and chairs.

Included in this package:

  • 10% discount off the best available rate.
  • Valid for stays on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2024 only.

How to book:

Over the phone on 03 9131 0200 or via email to chen.switch@artserieshotels.com.au.  Mention that you are coming for the Puffing Billy Running Festival to get this deal!

HOLIDAY INN DANDENONG

Special offer for Running Festival participants and their families:

Experience a brighter way to travel at Holiday Inn Dandenong. Situated in Dandenong CBD, the hotel is located approximately 20 kilometers drive from Puffing Billy Railway. It is a vibrant social hub for guests and surrounding local community to work, rest, and play.

Stay at Holiday Inn Dandenong during the Puffing Billy Running Festival weekend, and enjoy a discounted rate of $155 per night including buffet breakfast! 

Hotel room with bed, chari and table.

Included in this package:

  • Pay only $155 per night including buffet breakfast for 2 guests.
  • Offer based on 2 pax/room in a queen standard.
  • Valid for stays on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th September 2024 only.

How to book:

Over the phone on 03 8908 0000 or via email to reservations.meldg@ihg.com. Mention that you are coming for the Puffing Billy Running Festival to get this deal!

LILYDALE PINE HILL CARAVAN PARK

Special offer for Running Festival participants and their families:

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is central to Victoria’s famous Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, just over 30 minuntes' drive from either Belgrave or Lakeside station.

Choose a cabin to suit, ensuite or drive thru site for your RV’s, or large rig. Powered and unpowered sites are available to compliment your budget.

The inside of a cabin, showing a kitchen area with wooden floors, leading out to a front porch.

Included in this package:

  • Enjoy a 10% discount on cabins and sites.
  • 2 night minimum stay.
  • Valid for stays on Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2024 only.

How to book:

Over the phone on 03 9735 4577. Mention the Puffing Billy Fun Run promo to redeem this special deal!

Other recommended accommodation options

Cloud View Garden

Cloud View Garden offers luxury accommodation and a choice of two suites, the Cloud Retreat & Garden Retreat. 

LOCATION | Menzies Creek

Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park

Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park sets a new standard of accommodation located in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, a mere 20 minutes from Puffing Billy Railway.

LOCATION | Scoresby

ibis
Glen Waverley

Relax with stylish, convenient & affordable accommodation at ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley. The hotel offers an ideal location close to Melbourne CBD, Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley.

LOCATION | Glen Waverley

Yering Gorge Cottages

Yering Gorge Cottages features 13 self-contained, beautifully appointed one, two and five-bedroom cottages. All cottages include separate living and bedroom areas, and guests can relax on their wide balcony watching the kangaroos graze, whilst enjoying a glass of local Yarra Valley wine.

LOCATION | Yering (Yarra Valley)

Where to eat nearby

Bam Bam Italian

A modern, all-day Italian bistro, Bam Bam Italian is friendly, and bustling – celebrating fresh, seasonal Italian fare and vibrant hospitality in the Dandenongs.

LOCATION | Avonsleigh

Cognoscenti Food & Wine

A cosy neighbourhood restaurant nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, located next door to the historic Cameo Cinema and 5 minutes' walk from Puffing Billy's Belgrave station.
LOCATION | Belgrave

The General Food Store

Serving well-crafted rustic food, you will enjoy anything from waffles, eggs and sides, hearty salads, braises, tasty burgers, and fresh baguettes.

LOCATION | Emerald

Incy Wincy

Incy Wincy is a seasonal grab-and-go cafe hatch, featuring coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, sandwiches, salad bowls, pies, and sausage rolls.

LOCATION | Emerald

Micawber Tavern

Set on the edge of the majestic Sherbrooke Forest, the Micawber Tavern is the perfect destination for lunch and dinner throughout the year.

LOCATION Belgrave

Paradise Valley Hotel

Be seated on the enclosed bistro deck, where we boast an immaculate view of the historic steam train as it passes by.

LOCATION Clematis

Things to do nearby

COG Bikes Australia

Hire a bike from COG Bikes Australia's bike hire hub at Puffing Billy's Lakeside Station!

LOCATION | Lakeside station, Emerald

Emma Jennings Gallery

Emma Jennings Gallery is an exciting addition to beautiful Olinda Village in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.

LOCATION | Olinda

Global Ballooning Australia

Experience a birds-eye view of the bustling Melbourne CBD or the picturesque Yarra Valley with a sunrise hot air balloon flight.

LOCATION | Yarra Valley and Melbourne CBD

Killik Handcrafted Rum & Gininfinity

Killik Handcrafted Rum & Ginfinity are a pair of unique craft distilleries, one focused on funky HOGO rum and the other on unique craft gins.

LOCATION | Belgrave

Lakeside Paddleboats

Lakeside Paddleboats are located within the picturesque Emerald Lake Park and operate on the safe waters of Emerald Lake (also known as Lake Treganowan).

LOCATION | Emerald Lake Park

The Orchard at Montague

Unlike any of the apple orchards in Victoria, the Orchard at Montague provides a memorable and fun experience with family and friends just 35 kilometres from Melbourne.

LOCATION | Narre Warren North

Selby Community House

Community House in Selby offering a range of community exhibitions including ArtSpace and the annual SelbyFest. 

LOCATION | Selby

Tall Trees Studio

Tall Trees Studio is in the heart of Olinda Village and is both Gallery and working Studio for Goldsmith Helene Campbell.

LOCATION | Olinda

Warratina Lavender Farm

Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this family run 5-acre lavender farm, an hour’s drive from Melbourne at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

LOCATION | Wandin North

Where the Wilde Things Are

Where The Wilde Things Are is a store like no other, where you will find the most beautiful & unique handmade treasures & accessories from near & far, sourced sustainably from both global and local travels.

LOCATION | Olinda