Country getaways in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne



Autumn in the Dandenong Ranges
The colours of the trees and a warm fire at night

What could be better

 
 

Puffing Billy Country, situated in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges is an international icon that draws travelers from all over the world for that good old fashioned country hospitality. If you are trying to find timetables or details about the Puffing Billy Train follow this link. But we suggest you stay and enjoy a longer visit in the hills.

The Puffing Billy Country Getaways group is made up of independent tourism based accommodation operators.

Welcome to Puffing Billy Country
 
Cosy and comfortable BedroomsDelightful peaceful sunset Bed and Breakfast cottage
Secluded peace and quiet B&B amongst the treesLuscious green forests in the Dandenong Ranges

Our B&B venues are nestled in amongst the rolling hills and villages of the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Gembrook along the Puffing Billy line, only one hour's drive from Melbourne, Victoria. The quality Bed and Breakfast accommodation consists of a variety of romantic Cottages and self-contained Suites all offering 1st Class accommodation with an emphasis on friendly hospitality.

Browse the Map for convenient Accommodation Locations. Have a look at the complete listing of Cottages and Suites to cater for your tastes. Or just email us for a brochure or download brochure from here (pdf format 2 meg)

Visit the gardens, craft and antique shops. Travel on the Puffing Billy Steam train, then enjoy the excellent restaurants. Follow this by relaxing in our beautifully appointed B&Bs all designed with your comfort in mind. Stay a few days and visit the nearby wine growing district of the Yarra Valley. Enjoy another day visiting the Mornington Peninsula. Even Phillip Island and its famous Fairy Penguins are an easy day trip away. If you want a romantic weekend  or a holiday to see the sights of the Dandenong Ranges choose accommodation from a venue from within our group. You are sure to have a memorable and relaxing experience.


Enjoy the change of scenery with some fabulous walks, heaps of things to do, sight seeing, some great places to eat and drink, or simply relax. It all adds up to a really special getaway experience. The Puffing Billy Country area has many historic links to the past and retains the unspoiled beauty of natural bushland, majestic forests and mountain fresh air.

 

What's Happening in the Hills
Here are a few things happening in the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley which should not be missed, visit these while you are here, or plan to make a special trip and stay for the occasion

PAVE Festival & Emerald Funfest (Performing And Visual arts in Emerald) -6th to 10th April 2011
5 days of live performances, activities, courses, workshops, shows culminating in the Emerald Funfest on 11th April. Planned events include: Art Show, Gemco Theatre Performances, Live Music in Emerald Cafes, Spoken Word and Poetry, Writers Workshop, Cartooning, Photography Competition, Guinness World Record Attempt . PAVE Festival Website.

Kurth Kiln Heritage Festival 10th April 2011
This once a year event at the historic Charcoal Kiln near Gembrook in the Dandenong Ranges won the 2005 Cardinia Shire Event of the Year award. There are activities planned such as Stage Coach robbery, old machinery displays, Horse shoeing and Black smithing, Bullock teams, shearing and other entertainment. For more information go to Friends of Kurth Kiln Website.

The Great Train Race - 1st May 2011
Race against Puffing Billy's Big Brother G42 and see if you can beat Australia's world famous veteran steam train, as thousands of runners have previously in this popular annual event. The variety of mountain scenery, the alternating stretches of uphill and downhill winding roads and tracks combine with the sounds of the competing train and several crossings of the Railway to provide an enjoyable challenge for runners of all ages. The Event runs from Belgrave via Selby, Menzies Creek and Clematis to Emerald Lake Puffing Billy Website.

Gembrook Market - Fourth Sunday of every Month
Gembrook Market promotes sustainable living and many of its 90+ stall holders are artisans and craftspeople who have created unique items from recycled materials. Purchase home grown produce including some wonderful gourmet foods. Only an hours drive from Melbourne, soak up the atmosphere of this little country hamlet, walk to shops, parks, tearooms, cafes, and Puffing Billy, it is all on the doorstep! Markets held between 9am and 3pm Gembrook Market Website.

Inspiring in Spring Dandenongs Garden Festival
Experience the natural majesty of The Dandenongs at its up-close and exhilarating best at this year’s Inspiring in Spring – The Dandenongs Garden Festival. This new festival will delight all garden lovers of Melbourne, with the very finest of cool climate garden experiences on show during September and October. Equire from our Accommodation providers about our Spring Specials Dandenongs Garden Festival Website
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Kids Fun Run with Thomas in Gembrook 14th November 2010
The only Kids fun run with Thomas in the world is for under 12 years old and is getting more and more popular and obviously heaps of fun. For more details and an entry form go to the Kids Fun Run with Thomas Website.

Carols in the Hills
Come and join the Christmas Celebrations in the Hills. Gembrook will be holding its popular annual Carols in the Park in JAC Russell Park next to the Puffing Billy Station Saturday 22 December starting 6.30pm. Or There are the Cockatoo Community Carols by Candlelight Friday 21 December starting 8pm in the Alma Treloar Reserve with A Picnic before. And of course the Emerald Carols By Candlelight Friday 14 December Commencing 8.30pm with the Emerald Village Picnic starting at 5.30pm at Worrel Reserve.

Tulip Festival September 16th to October 13th 2009
You can experience more than a million spring flowering bulbs, 65 varieties of tulips, people dressed in Dutch costume, wooden clogs, great food and daily entertainment. Delight in the magic of spring at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Tulip Festival Website
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Yarra Valley Grape Grazing - 18th and Sunday 19th April
The Yarra Valley plays host to a weekend full of fun and frivolity. The Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival promises to be a real celebration of this truly remarkable region and attendees can enjoy this special autumn weekend and know they are helping to support the Yarra Valley community and local business that have been hit hard by the bushfires. The Festival spans the Valley taking in 25 wineries, with a focus on beautifully crafted wine, superb food and the deluxe sounds of world-class musicians. Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Website.

Gippsland Slow Food Festival 9th May to 8th Jun 2009
West Gippsland’s food and wine producers are diverse and creative and we are proud to invite you to spend some time with us. Come and taste the fruits of our labour, learn from our farmers, chefs and winemakers and enjoy our hospitality. Slow Food Website

Gembrook Open Gardenfest 12th October 2008
The third Gembrook Gardenfest will take place on Sunday between 10am and 5pm. Five gardens including 4 larger country gardens will be open to the public varying from cottage themes, colorful exotic Rhododendrons and Camellias to waterwise natives. Meet at the CFA Building, Innes Rd Gembrook to purchase a garden pass to all five gardens for just $10 per person. All proceeds to CFA. For a poster on the event click here
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Tom Quilty Gold Cup 14th to 21st September 2009
Come and be part of the National Endurance Riding Championship of Australia held at Tonimbuk. More than 4000 Enthusiasts are expected to take part in one way or another. For more information check the Tom Quilty 2009 Website Puffing Billy Country Getaways was pround to sponsor the 1st Heavyweight Divison trophy won by Brodie Freeman riding Cedar Ridge Magnetic.

Email us for a brochure or download brochure from here (pdf format 2 meg)

Puffing Billy Train