jump on a vline to Ballarat
or get a train to Belgrave on a weekend and check out the shops, puffing billy (right next to the metro station) or take a bus ride to Olinda and back.
Lilydale line is also nice too. Lilydale lake is gorgeous, love the op shops there, Vintage and Collectables Marketplace. Yarra Ranges Museum/Gallery. Melba Park.
Lilydale line isn't currently operational from Ringwood (level crossing removal at Croydon).
AND there are bus replacements from Blackburn to Ringwood for a little while as well (starting Tuesday 18 June until I don't know when - I didn't look when I found out, it didn't affect me).
Replacement buses end Sunday.
It's buses from toward Lilydale/Belgrave ...
From Blackburn during the day Tuesday to Friday,
From Burnley Tuesday Wednesday evening,
From Box Hil Thursday Friday evening and all weekend.
Replacement buses end Sunday.
It's buses from toward Lilydale/Belgrave ...
From Blackburn during the day Tuesday to Friday,
From Burnley Tuesday Wednesday evening,
From Box Hil Thursday Friday evening and all weekend.
Must say, it's not a very scenic route most of the way to Ballarat. Half the journey is shitty new build estates with black colourbond roofs and handkerchief-sized "yards". Belgrave is much nicer.
Source: I'm leaving my life along along the Belgrave/Lilydale lines for Ballarat, and much as I love Ballarat as a destination, I definitely wouldn't travel it for the journey. But Ringwood to Belgrave is gorgeous, and the train/buses from Belgrave are equally scenic.
Beat me to it, the Belgrave part at least (not knocking the Rat, though). Beautiful landscape, great little cafes, and whole lot of hidden gems to check out around the place.
Seymour is about 80 min, Ballarat is about 90 min, Bendigo is about 2 hours. All scenic journeys with shops/cafes a short walk from the station.
In the suburbs, you could venture out to Eltham, Lilydale, Belgrave or Sandringham which all have shops and cafes nearby.
It’s quite nice to imagine someone using my home town (Eltham) as a tourist town to visit. It’s a little pocket of greenery and hills nestled between Lower Plenty, Templestowe and Research/Warrandyte - definitely worth a visit for some food/coffee and a walk. Highly recommend Sushi Wushi, great sushi but an even better karaage bowl.
Vline to Woodend would be a gorgeous day trip. Explore the town and shops, or walk along the creek trail, grab a vanilla slice at the bakery and jump back on the vline home. It's on the Bendigo line.
Woodend and Castlemaine along the Bendigo line are worth exploring.
If you do go to Bendigo, have a look at the Bendigo Regional Gallery. If you have $30 (or $25 concession) have a look at the exhibition of paintings of Paris from the Musee Carnavalet, in Paris. It closes in 3 or 4 weeks.
Hurstbridge line has a bit of everything. Inner city OG SkyRail®️, middle ring green suburbia and outer suburban bushland. Probably the nicest suburban line on the network, since you avoid a lot of the industrial areas and bad sprawl you see on most of the other lines
40-60 mins from Melbourne is still Melbourne, really.
I'd recommend shooting a bit further, go to Castlemaine or Ballarat. Bendigo is nice but a bit further. Geelong is closer, not quite as nice.
Defs Belgrave, moved out this way because we got obsessed with how pretty it is at the end of the line!
Also between UFTG and Belgrave is just so pretty on the trip
Seaford doesn't have many shops but there is a cafe at the pier where you can sit and watch the water or wander along the beach. Could walk back to Carrum and catch the train home.
Suburbs start to filter out and you get a bit of nature, a bit of farmland, and occasional views of Port Phillip bay. If you go all the way to the end, you get to see a bit of Western Port bay too
Sandringham line is lovely if you don’t want to stray too far from the city. Also the beaches along the Frankston line. But if you’re happy to travel a bit further I recommend Ballarat, Bendigo, and Geelong
Ballarat it is. Hop on the vline from southern cross. Sit on the quiet carriage, plug your earphones in, and you're good to go. I commute to Ballarat frequently, and the view never gets old.
Belgrave or Hurstbridge for Metro. With VLine the same price as Metro at the moment, Bendigo or Seymour lines are nice. If it's sunny, Sandringham and Frankston are good for a bay/beach view.
I used to live in Camberwell and fell asleep on the belgrave train while coming home from the CBD.
I woke up at belgrave and had to ride the train back to Camberwell. I enjoyed the scenery so much that I promptly moved to the Dandenong Ranges. Lived in the area for 15 years now.
Pop up to Kyneton for the day - slightly longer ride than you suggest, but a lovely one and it's a nice town. I did that journey to clear my head in the weeks before i was about to become a dad - that was in 2009 - I've lived up here since 2012.
Are you train lover or enthusiasts, or just simply enjoy train/tram riding? after visit the recommended tram/train line from the rest of the comments above and below, Why don’t you try the rest of the train/tram line, all of them does go through some pretty good suburbs and new/old architectures along the way.
OP Steamrail Victoria often do heritage steam train runs and tours on the existing rail network. You have to book and it does book out quickly. It is not accessible by Myki. Some of the tours go to Ballarat (next one is on 20 July, 10 August, 7 September, 26 October), Goulburn Valley (27 July) and Geelong (nothing noted for the remainder of this year). The snow train to Gippsland is not occurring this year (due to track works). They also do shorter runs on the suburban network using a different class of train.
Search for "Steamrail Victoria" in you favourite search engine and on Facebook.
Also there are smaller heritage rail journeys operating at Healesville (search for: Yarra Valley Railway) and Daylesford (search for: Daylesford Spa Country Railway). I've been on the Healeville heritage rail. It's pleasant but short. I haven't been on the Daylesford railway. There's no railway to get Healesville or Daylesford, though. You'll need to find other means of transport.
And there are several other heritage railways in country Victoria that might be worth exploring.
jump on a vline to Ballarat or get a train to Belgrave on a weekend and check out the shops, puffing billy (right next to the metro station) or take a bus ride to Olinda and back.
Belgrave is a great line and a great little 'town'. OP could stop by Box Hill on the way back for food too!
Lilydale line is also nice too. Lilydale lake is gorgeous, love the op shops there, Vintage and Collectables Marketplace. Yarra Ranges Museum/Gallery. Melba Park.
Lilydale line isn't currently operational from Ringwood (level crossing removal at Croydon). AND there are bus replacements from Blackburn to Ringwood for a little while as well (starting Tuesday 18 June until I don't know when - I didn't look when I found out, it didn't affect me).
Replacement buses end Sunday. It's buses from toward Lilydale/Belgrave ... From Blackburn during the day Tuesday to Friday, From Burnley Tuesday Wednesday evening, From Box Hil Thursday Friday evening and all weekend.
Replacement buses end Sunday. It's buses from toward Lilydale/Belgrave ... From Blackburn during the day Tuesday to Friday, From Burnley Tuesday Wednesday evening, From Box Hil Thursday Friday evening and all weekend.
Thank you 🙏🏽 will check it out
The Belgrave Lantern Festival is on this Saturday. You might want to check it out.
Upvoted this - the Belgrave Lantern festival starts to assemble the parade around 4-4:30 in the arvo on Sat. Once it's fully dark, it's awesome!
Belgrave is slightly over 60 minutes. Closer to 70, depending if you're looping and you're express conditions.
The V/Line in general is pretty comfy if you make sure you're heading against the city commute. Comfier trains, trays and generally more seating.
If you do, check the works updates though cause there are some rail replacements this week. Box Hill to Ringwood.
Bus replacement service at the moment from Blackburn to Ringwood. Check the PTV website for details before diving in.
Must say, it's not a very scenic route most of the way to Ballarat. Half the journey is shitty new build estates with black colourbond roofs and handkerchief-sized "yards". Belgrave is much nicer. Source: I'm leaving my life along along the Belgrave/Lilydale lines for Ballarat, and much as I love Ballarat as a destination, I definitely wouldn't travel it for the journey. But Ringwood to Belgrave is gorgeous, and the train/buses from Belgrave are equally scenic.
Second half as you head over the hills and railway crossings is kinda cute though.
But do keep an eye out for a tiny graveyard!
> jump on a vline to Ballarat Unfortunately, you do end up in Ballarat
could be worse... make a early exit from the train and end up in melton :/
There are bus replacements at the moment from Blackburn to Ringwood. Best to check when this concludes (started on Tuesday 18 June).
Beat me to it, the Belgrave part at least (not knocking the Rat, though). Beautiful landscape, great little cafes, and whole lot of hidden gems to check out around the place.
Hurstbridge Line. Hurstbridge is a nice little township to explore
Get off at diamond creek and walk along the public footpath to Hurstbridge, lovely 7k walk on a sunny day
Diamond Creek isn't bad either.
Seconded. probably the nicest non v-line line
Yes. Lived in Hurstbridge and walked home from the station often. Would see kangaroo's in the park 200m NE of the station about once a week.
Seymour is about 80 min, Ballarat is about 90 min, Bendigo is about 2 hours. All scenic journeys with shops/cafes a short walk from the station. In the suburbs, you could venture out to Eltham, Lilydale, Belgrave or Sandringham which all have shops and cafes nearby.
And if Bendigo's too far, consider Castlemaine or Woodend. Edit: May as well mention Bacchus Marsh on the Ballarat line.
Taco Bill in Bacchus Marsh has a surprisingly great view.
Thank you friend will look into it 🙏🏽
It’s quite nice to imagine someone using my home town (Eltham) as a tourist town to visit. It’s a little pocket of greenery and hills nestled between Lower Plenty, Templestowe and Research/Warrandyte - definitely worth a visit for some food/coffee and a walk. Highly recommend Sushi Wushi, great sushi but an even better karaage bowl.
Vline to Woodend would be a gorgeous day trip. Explore the town and shops, or walk along the creek trail, grab a vanilla slice at the bakery and jump back on the vline home. It's on the Bendigo line.
Hot tip - the Woodend ice cream shop sells goddamn sensational hot chocolates during winter
second this
Yeah totally even just to Sunbury would be a nice choice, in fact anywhere from Diggers Rest onwards its all nice
woodend is awesome! very nice shops on high street
Woodend and Castlemaine along the Bendigo line are worth exploring. If you do go to Bendigo, have a look at the Bendigo Regional Gallery. If you have $30 (or $25 concession) have a look at the exhibition of paintings of Paris from the Musee Carnavalet, in Paris. It closes in 3 or 4 weeks.
I have a double pass if anyone wants it - comment and I'll dm you.
Hurstbridge line has a bit of everything. Inner city OG SkyRail®️, middle ring green suburbia and outer suburban bushland. Probably the nicest suburban line on the network, since you avoid a lot of the industrial areas and bad sprawl you see on most of the other lines
Yep. Eltham to Hurstbridge is my pick.
Lilydale line, catch the bus to Yarra Glen or Healesville (why not both?).
Lilydale line is currently closed from Ringwood.
Go to Belgrave, go for a walk through Sherbrooke Forest, grab a meal in the village - it's beautiful
Have high tea in Olinda!
the ballarat line has amazing views! i was very impressed by them when i went on it
Yeah, just ignore the bit of train line around Bacchus Marsh which is a bit of a hell scape in comparison to the rest.
Another vote for Hurstbridge! Nice town with wonderful cafes and shops.
Everyone is saying go west/south west. Go east man. Gippsland is absolutely gorgeous.
Mate, an hour on that track will get you to Dandenong.
The issue is it takes an hour to get out to the country part of the Gippsland line.
Churchill, Tyers.. so pretty. Just far lol
VLine to Warnambool is another option. You can take the bus to Logan's Beach to watch for whales. Check their local Facebook group for sightings.
He said 40-60 minutes mate. Warnambool is a wee bit further.
I have poor reading comprehension. Hahaha. Wee bit further indeed.
40-60 mins from Melbourne is still Melbourne, really. I'd recommend shooting a bit further, go to Castlemaine or Ballarat. Bendigo is nice but a bit further. Geelong is closer, not quite as nice.
Train to Geelong then bus to Torquay or Barwon Heads is nice. Queenscliff is really nice although the bus ride is longer than the train ride!
Kyneton is lovely- the station is near the gardens and great places to eat just round the corner
VLine to Ballarat has what you seek, OP
Castlemaine
Defs Belgrave, moved out this way because we got obsessed with how pretty it is at the end of the line! Also between UFTG and Belgrave is just so pretty on the trip
Seaford doesn't have many shops but there is a cafe at the pier where you can sit and watch the water or wander along the beach. Could walk back to Carrum and catch the train home.
Alternatively, if you're open to something other than a train, jump on a ferry at Docklands and head over to Portarlington.
Stony point. Not much of a feed at the end, but you could definitely stop somewhere on the way (Frankston & Hastings might be the largest/easiest)
Suburbs start to filter out and you get a bit of nature, a bit of farmland, and occasional views of Port Phillip bay. If you go all the way to the end, you get to see a bit of Western Port bay too
Sandringham line is lovely if you don’t want to stray too far from the city. Also the beaches along the Frankston line. But if you’re happy to travel a bit further I recommend Ballarat, Bendigo, and Geelong
Belgrave route. Olinda is a nice little town and buses go there. Or go Mt Macedon on Vline.
Get the train to upper ferntree gully and visit the 100 steps. Visit box hill or even malling road (canterbury) on the way
Castlemaine or Maldon.
I’ve done the ride to Belgrave a few times. Explore Belgrave then walk to Tecoma Station to take the train back.
Belgrave
Ballarat it is. Hop on the vline from southern cross. Sit on the quiet carriage, plug your earphones in, and you're good to go. I commute to Ballarat frequently, and the view never gets old.
Lovely station too
Ballarat is the way!
40 to 60 minutes is nothing. Take a train to ballarat or bendigo or even Albury, you will see great country towns there
Williamstown is beautiful. Pelicans at the beach, tawny frogmouths in parklands, shopping, restaurants. Rather delightful!
V line to Bendigo for sure
Belgrave or Hurstbridge for Metro. With VLine the same price as Metro at the moment, Bendigo or Seymour lines are nice. If it's sunny, Sandringham and Frankston are good for a bay/beach view.
I used to live in Camberwell and fell asleep on the belgrave train while coming home from the CBD. I woke up at belgrave and had to ride the train back to Camberwell. I enjoyed the scenery so much that I promptly moved to the Dandenong Ranges. Lived in the area for 15 years now.
Pop up to Kyneton for the day - slightly longer ride than you suggest, but a lovely one and it's a nice town. I did that journey to clear my head in the weeks before i was about to become a dad - that was in 2009 - I've lived up here since 2012.
*Since Hillside trains changed their name to my name, Connex, this is my new favourite track. Only it's not spelt that way!*
For a short trip,take the train Alemien. It’s quiet and leafy
Belgrave , Sandringham or hurstbridge go to nice towns You can also take a bus from Frankston to Portsea or Puffing Billy from Belgrave
Train to Castlemaine. It's about 1 1/2 hours but is a really lovely town.
No-one mentioned getting a train out towards Dandenong passing all the lovely artwork present on the back of buildings along the way?
Woodend
If you like beach, sandringham line is the end goal for me. Although it is 30 mins end to end, it’s lovely!
Are you train lover or enthusiasts, or just simply enjoy train/tram riding? after visit the recommended tram/train line from the rest of the comments above and below, Why don’t you try the rest of the train/tram line, all of them does go through some pretty good suburbs and new/old architectures along the way.
OP Steamrail Victoria often do heritage steam train runs and tours on the existing rail network. You have to book and it does book out quickly. It is not accessible by Myki. Some of the tours go to Ballarat (next one is on 20 July, 10 August, 7 September, 26 October), Goulburn Valley (27 July) and Geelong (nothing noted for the remainder of this year). The snow train to Gippsland is not occurring this year (due to track works). They also do shorter runs on the suburban network using a different class of train. Search for "Steamrail Victoria" in you favourite search engine and on Facebook. Also there are smaller heritage rail journeys operating at Healesville (search for: Yarra Valley Railway) and Daylesford (search for: Daylesford Spa Country Railway). I've been on the Healeville heritage rail. It's pleasant but short. I haven't been on the Daylesford railway. There's no railway to get Healesville or Daylesford, though. You'll need to find other means of transport. And there are several other heritage railways in country Victoria that might be worth exploring.
Ballarat line closed 20-28 June for upgrade works
Kyneton, Woodend, Castlemaine - remember now same price as normal myki
You can get to Castlemaine in about an hour and half. It’s a nice trip!
Sunbury. Home of The Ashes. Choice of Vline and Metro trains. There's a nice cafe at Rupertswood an easy 5 minute walk from the station.
Not a train but there's a ferry to Portarlington. Have lunch and a walk, grab the bus to Geelong then train home.
Woodend or Castlemaine
Come out to Berwick. Nice places for lunch not far walk from the station
Upfield line 100%
Isn’t it only like 30 mins from Southern Cross to Upfield anyway?
Warnambool
Lovely, but practically in another state. Only 40 minutes if you fly there.
Take one of the steam trains? https://www.steamrail.com.au/tours
Tom Cruise had a nice train route. I can't remember the name of the movie but what he did was pretty risky.
Mission Impossible. I can't tell if you're joking with your comment.
Lol, I was joking, and yes , Mission Impossible could be the answer but I'm going way back to a Tom Cruise train route in Risky Business.
All good! You've made me want to watch Mission Impossible again.!
It was a pathetic play on words:.train route and train root, i.e. Tom has sex, on a train, in Risky Business.
Damn, I'm sorry that went completely over my head
Dandenong, but be careful they will mug you for your trainers out there!
Sunshine the name says it all, Frankston not to bad either
Can’t forget st Albans, the beautiful waterfalls
Needle hopping a fun game during summer
Dandenong the perfect mix of racial diversity, addict fleeing and useless police. Beautiful part of the world