By Mitchell Clarke
A Gembrook local is working on a new venture that could fill the void left by Puffing Billy and bring back the much-needed tourist dollar in to the small town.
After being closed for 250 days, Puffing Billy announced it’ll start steaming through the Dandenong Ranges again from Saturday 28 November, but the historic locomotive won’t be visiting Gembrook just yet.
For the time being only a limited service from Belgrave to Lakeside (Emerald) will run, meaning Gembrook traders will be without the much-needed tourist dollar.
The final stop was removed from the tourist train’s full route in February, due to a decrease in visitor numbers. The Federal Government’s then decision to implement travel restrictions for Chinese travellers had an “immediate impact” on patronage.
Puffing Billy Railway’s infrastructure manager Bret Butler confirmed the line would open up “progressively”.
From 28 November to 18 December, services will operate between Belgrave to Lakeside between Friday and Sunday. After that, trains will return to a daily service stopping Belgrave to Lakeside and/or Belgrave to Menzies Creek.
“This is to ensure we can smoothly adjust to our new Covid safe processes while safely managing the flow of all visitors, and is also subject to changes in the Victorian Government’s roadmap to recovery,” Mr Butler explained.
“In addition to that, after being shut for 250 days, we need to clear the track and make sure it is safe to operate. There has been some storm damage to this part of the track and while lockdown was in place, we were unfortunately unable to be back onsite until recently.”
Mr Butler said while he understood the news may be “disheartening” to local traders, the railway had plans to return.
“Our services will be subject to ongoing review, where we will endeavour to slowly release tickets to this station once we are satisfied that all Covid safe processes are being followed,” he said.
“We look forward to being back in Gembrook as soon as we can.”
But there could be extra relief on the way for struggling traders, with one dedicated local looking to launch bus tours into the quiet township.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous for now, said there was a gap in the market for tours to the eastern part of the Dandenong Ranges.
“Everyday about 30 to 40 buses go through Olinda and Sassafras at the bottom of the mountain. The Yarra Valley is also huge for tourism, but in our part of the world, there’s nobody,” he said.
“I could talk all day about what we’ve got to offer up here. We’ve got almost five million people in Melbourne, and a lot of them are elderly and semi retired, looking for something to do.”
The venture would provide a welcome boost to struggling local traders, who have been without visitors for much of the year.
While it’s not yet set in stone, discussions have begun with local businesses including Puffing Billy, who have been “extremely supportive” about a potential collaboration.
“Ideally we’d target the retirement homes and the sporting clubs and bring some people into our pocket of the world,” he added.
“There’s so much we can show people. You can run 50 different types of tours out here.”
In the meantime, Puffing Billy CEO Steve O’Brien said visitors could feel confident about “escaping to the timeless wonder of Australia’s favourite steam train”.
“We’re excited to welcome back all guests to Puffing Billy and have been truly humbled by the outpouring of support received during our temporary closure,” Mr O’Brien said.
Visitors can now book out an entire carriage for their family and friends, allowing an exclusive option to enjoy the sights and scenes of the Dandenong Ranges from the comfort of a private carriage.
Bookings are essential as passenger numbers remain restricted.
