Trail Fast Facts

Belgrave Railway Trail is a 12.5km, grade 3 hike in Melbourne Region, Victoria. This hike typically takes 4 hours to complete.

Length: 12.5km

Duration: 4 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: One Way

Start: Bayswater

End: Belgrave

Location: Melbourne Region

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Bayswater

From state capital: 40km

Latitude: -37.83650963

Longitude: 145.2633983

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

Running beside the suburban railway line from Bayswater to Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges, this trail follows the historic route of Puffing Billy, which ran as a narrow gauge railway from Upper Ferntree Gully until it was replaced with the extension of the suburban electric system to Belgrave in 1962.

Historic narrow gauge formations near Belgrave.
Gently climb to the base of the Dandenongs.

There are some short road sections near Upwey and Tecoma.

This trail is part of walking/cycling trail that mostly follows the railway from Ringwood. The maps shows where the trail starts at the Dandenong creek trail.

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Tips

Bayswater to Belgrave in Melbourne Region

40km East of Melbourne

Sealed

Hilly

Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.

Map and GPX file

Belgrave Railway Trail Walk (12.5km)

Share your GPX file

Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.

Trailhead

Getting there

Belgrave Railway Trail Walk (12.5km)

Get directions

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

The narrow gauge (2'6") line to GEmbrook was opened in 1900, connecting with regular broad gauge trains at Upper Ferntree Gully. The little train soon became known as Puffing Billy. The line mainly carried passengers, timber and potatoes. The narrow gauge line was cheaper to build than a regular railway but because of the cost of transferring goods to the broad gauge, it never made a profit.

A landslip at Selby in 1953 prompted closure. The Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed and persuaded the Victorian RAilways to reopen the line as far as Belgrave with a weekend tourist service.

After electrification of the suburban line to Belgrave, volunteers worked to restore the disused and overgrown line beyond Belgrave. A diversion was created near SElby, and it reopened to Menzies Creek in 1962, Emerald in 1965, Emerald Lake in 1975, and finally Gembrook in 1998.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Melbourne Region or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Belgrave Railway Trail Walk (12.5km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.