Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train

Tue 1st January  until Thu 31st December , Departs daily at 12.30pm - 3.30pm (except public holidays)

We invite you to Puffing Billy for a different experience - travelling First Class! Relax and unwind with a majestic three-hour steam train journey as you take in the scenic vista of the Dandenong Ranges. Indulge in a delicious seasonal three-course menu or Natter Platter filled with a selection of cured meats, fine cheeses and Devonshire Tea. All tickets include your selected meal, 2-hour train journey and 1-hour spare time at Emerald Lake Park.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

See the website for pricing

Devonshire Tea Anyone?

Tue 1st January  until Thu 31st December

People often travel to The Villages just for a real Devonshire Tea and with the increasing popularity of a High Tea, will often spend all afternoon drinking tea and grazing on the sweet and savoury delights. What a way to spend a day! Whether you want a full English High Tea Experience or just a piece of delicious cake or tart with a pot of tea or a coffee - you're in the right place! Find out more about the differences and where you can find the best Afternoon Tea experiences in the Dandenong Ranges.

See the website for best places in the Dandenong Ranges

The Gully Market

Wed 30th January  until Thu 31st December , Saturday 8am-3pm Sunday 9am-3pm

The Gully Market is a long established market that runs every Saturday and Sunday in the carpark of the Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. Drop in on the way up (or the way down) the mountain and stretch your legs as the Gully Market has lots of craft stalls, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and home made goods.

Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station

Enquiries: 0417 599 466

Friday Night Wine Tasting at Olinda Cellars

Thu 31st January  until Thu 31st December , 5pm - 8pm

Join us EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT for free wine tasting where we explore new wines, new vintages and sometimes golden oldies. With a reputation as one of Melbourne’s finest boutique wine specialists, we offer sensational wines from all over Australia, with a great collection of hard to find vintage wines, boutique local beers and Australian Spirits.

Shop 7/540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda

Wines are selected weekly so call 9751 0999 for details of wines available for tasting.

Sunday High Tea at Marybrooke Manor

Sat 1st June  until Sun 29th December , 1-4pm every Sunday

High Tea can be enjoyed every Sunday afternoon at the historic Marybrooke Manor. Celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and hens days or just to spoil yourself. Our delightful menu consists of unlimited Manor made scones with chantilly cream and jam, assorted savoury and sweet selections and a selection of Madame Flavour teas and brewed coffee. Seatings available in the Sherbrooke Room between 1pm and 4pm. Bookings are essential. Please call (03) 9755 2755.

Marybrooke Manor, 10 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke. Bookings Essential on 9755 2755.

Price $40 per person. Children under 12 years are half price.

Weekend Bottomless High Tea Brunch

Sat 1st June  until Tue 31st December , Saturday & Sunday at 10am

Gather your friends and join Mary Eats Cake for a Bottomless Brunch. The brunch menu is High Tea style including: smashed avo, quiches, savoury and sweet scones, homemade bircher muesli and pastries. Filtered coffee and tea are available. Enjoy your high tea and free flowing mimosa and Pimms whilst surrounded by pretty decorations of flowers and vintage teaware. Please note alcohol service is between 10am - 11:30am (we’re trying to be responsible adults and all…)

Mary Eats Cake, 13 Leith Road, Montrose

$49 per head includes brunch, free flowing scones, free flowing mimosas, pimms and specialty teas

Murder on the Puffing Billy Express

Sat 20th July  until Fri 13th December , (Please see the website for dates)

Amongst the glamour of the Flapper Era where pearls and feathers, silk bow ties and braces are the fashion, there has been a Murder on the Puffing Billy Express! All tickets include a three-course meal, 2-hour train journey and 2-hour live entertainment in the Nobelius Packing Shed.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$120 per person. Departs 7pm - returns 11.30pm (please arrive 20 mins prior)

Emerald Lions Grow it, Bake it, Make it Market

Sun 1st December , 9am - 2pm

Fancy a day out, up and around the hills... Do we have the prefect place to start your day off. Come to The Grow It Bake It Make It Market from 9 till 2. How about starting your day off at the market with a delicious egg & bacon roll? While your there pick up some yummy bread, veggies, or maybe some beer and check out all the other amazing stalls that will be there. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Gemco Community Centre, 19 Kilvington Drive & Main St, Emerald

Enquiries: 0467 957 549

Australian Buffet Lunch at SkyHigh

Sun 1st December , 11.30am until 3.30pm

Our Australian Carvery Buffet includes seafood, succulent carvery roasts with all the trimmings, pasta, traditional favourites and a selection of fresh salads. Not to mention the delicious choice of dessert, fresh fruit or cheese board platters.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, 26 Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong

$65 per Adult $35 per Child (5 - 12 Years Under 5 Free)

Lilydale Craft and Produce Market

Sun 1st December , 8am - 1pm

A farm fresh produce and craft market next to Lillydale Lake with over 50 stalls with a variety of fresh foods, easy access and car parking. You'll find a range of local crafts, fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits and berries, butchers with beef, pork and small good products, processed foods – jams, chutneys, sauces, soups and pasta lines, bakery products – breads, croissants, cakes, tarts & muffins and more... and baby farm animals and a jumping castle for young children to enjoy.

Bellbird Park, Swansea Rd, Lilydale

Live EnterTRAINment on Puffing Billy

Fri 6th December  until Sat 7th December , 7.30pm Friday & 7pm Saturday - 11.30pm (Please arrive 20 mins prior)

Live EnterTRAINment is the perfect setting for your birthday celebration, Christmas work function or a great night out with friends. Dine & dance the night away as the entertainers play the 'classic favourites' to get you up and dancing. All tickets include a three-course meal, 2-hour train journey and 2-hour live entertainment in the Nobelius Packing Shed. Entree is served onboard Puffing Billy before arriving at the Nobelius Packing Shed where Main meals and desserts are served by alternate drops. A range of beverages are available at bar prices both on board the train and in the Nobelius Packing Shed.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$115 per person

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

Sat 7th December , 6pm Saturday

The fun starts as the audience waits to be seated and then hurtles along for two hours of fully immersive, highly improvised comedy theatre. Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up some madcap mayhem and a three-course meal – with the audience playing the part of their restaurant diners. Enjoy the dinner, with drinks at bar prices, a comfortable night in en-suite accommodation and breakfast for two.

Country Place, Olinda Creek Road, Kalorama

$365 per couple, dinner, Show, accommodation and breakfast for two. Book a table of 8 and receive a 10% discount.

Antoinette Blyth's Students' Exhibition

Sat 7th December , Open Wed - Mon 11am - 4pm (closed Tuesdays)

The Antoinette Blyth's Student Exhibition, now in its forth year, showcases over 15 student's works of art at a variety of painting levels. Antoinette Blyth is an artist, tutor and demonstrator residing in Melbourne, Australia. She is a past Vice President of AGRA, (The Australian Guild of Realist Artists) a member of the Victorian Artists Society, The Watercolour Society of Victoria, Sherbrooke Art Society and Whitehorse Arts Association. Antoinette has work represented around Australia, New Zealand and Europe. She has won many awards and commendations for her Watercolour Painting.

Sherbrooke Gallery, 62 Monbulk Road, Belgrave

Free Entry

Kallista Community Market

Sat 7th December , 9am - 1pm

Kallista is a vibrant outdoor country market with handmade and home crafted goods including jewellery, plants, wood crafts, soap, clothing, delicious food and so much more.

Village Green, Church St, Kallista

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

Sun 8th December , 9 am - 2 pm

A place to find all things grown and made with love : A dream come true : A dream to foster community, abundance, joy and creativity. You'll discover a collection of Melbourne's finest Artists and Makers. Discover original and bespoke design pieces alongside some of the yummiest and freshest produce the area has to offer with live music courtesy of our very talented onsite buskers, bouncy castle and facepainting for the kids, this is a market for the whole family to enjoy!

Hayes Car Park/Blacksmiths Way, Belgrave

Free Entry

Mt Evelyn Twilight Christmas Market

Fri 13th December , 4pm - 9pm

Come along to Mt Evelyn’s RSL Community Market. With great stalls from local businesses and community groups, it’s a great day to catch up with friends, do some local shopping and find out what’s available in Mt Evelyn. Located in the beautiful RSL Memorial Gardens on the corner of Wray Cres and Birmingham Rd. There is a lot of (free) parking along Wray Cres, and public toilets are located next to the gardens.

RSL Memorial Gardens, Wray Cres, Mount Evelyn

Kallista Community Market

Sat 14th December , 9am - 1pm

Kallista is a vibrant outdoor country market with handmade and home crafted goods including jewellery, plants, wood crafts, soap, clothing, delicious food and so much more.

Village Green, Church St, Kallista

Monbulk Produce Market

Sat 14th December , 9am - 2pm

Monbulk Produce Market at top of main street brings fresh seasonal produce, home baked good and wares to our local town where the community. Make it, Bake it, Grow it. Meet the producers and everyone benefits.

73 Main Road, Monbulk

Free Entry

Live EnterTRAINment on Puffing Billy

Sat 14th December , 7.30pm - 11.30pm (Please arrive 20 mins prior)

Live EnterTRAINment is the perfect setting for your birthday celebration, Christmas work function or a great night out with friends. Dine & dance the night away as the entertainers play the 'classic favourites' to get you up and dancing. All tickets include a three-course meal, 2-hour train journey and 2-hour live entertainment in the Nobelius Packing Shed. Entree is served onboard Puffing Billy before arriving at the Nobelius Packing Shed where Main meals and desserts are served by alternate drops. A range of beverages are available at bar prices both on board the train and in the Nobelius Packing Shed.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$115 per person

Friends of George Tindale Plant Sale

Sat 14th December , 10am - 12 Noon

Keen gardeners should not miss the opportunity to purchase a treasure at the monthly plant and bulb sale hosted by Friends of George Tindale Gardens. Smaller in size, our sales will focus on seasonal plants, propagated from our collection & donated from the Friends' gardens. Visitors will also have an opportunity to meander through the magnificent George Tindale Gardens. All monies raised will be used to assist with ongoing improvements to the garden.

George Tindale Gardens, Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke

Free of charge

High Tea Express on Puffing Billy

Sun 15th December , Train departs at 12.30pm returning at 3.30pm

Join us for the High Tea Express - allowing visitors to enjoy high tea on the tracks in the train’s historic first class dining carriages. We've partnered with Melbourne's high tea extraordinaire and local Montrose business, Mary Eats Cake. A high tea menu will be delivered with a fresh modern twist while keeping to the old fashioned traditions of vintage teaware and classic desserts. Guests will enjoy delicious savoury items, fluffy scones and sweet treats prepared by a French-trained pastry chef. All adult guests will also receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Puffing Billy's Belgrave Station

$115 per person

Indian Buffet Lunch at SkyHigh

Sun 15th December , 11.30am until 3.30pm

Our Sunday Indian Buffet is fit for a king and a must have for all occasions. Our menu is prepared in a traditional Indian way with all the essential spices & condiments and comprises of a kaleidoscopic of invigorating aromatic dishes. Spicy, sour, creamy, crunchy, and sweet dishes will whet your appetite and leave you craving for more. We also cater to children, perfect for groups small & large.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, 26 Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong

$65 per Adult $35 per Child (5 - 12 Years Under 5 Free)

Emerald Craft and Produce Market

Sun 15th December , 9am - 3pm

The Emerald Market is vibrant and colourful featuring locally made products and home grown produce right in the centre of town. Visitors can expect a variety of goods including preserves, cakes, hot food stalls, local specialties, vegetables and plants, jewellery, clothing, food, lifestyle products and massage. Our market is plastic bag free, so don’t forget to bring along your own bags.

Cnr Kilvington Drive & Main St, Emerald

Enquiries: 0419 345 750

Kids stay FREE during School Holidays

Sat 21st December  until Tue 28th January , 2 nights or more

That's right, every school holidays, stay 2 nights or more at any of our family properties and the kids stay FREE! That's a saving of up to $200 in some of our properties which is more money to spend on the things that make going away fun. Just use the Code KIDSFREE when booking online or call 1300 48 84 48 and we'll do the rest. Sorry, but not to be used in conjunction with any other offer and only when booking direct. Explore our Family Accommodation and Family Getaways Guide for lots of fun things to do with the kids.

Any Family Friendly Valley Ranges Getaways Property

Not available between 25th December - 1st January.

Montrose Craft Market

Sat 21st December , 9am - 1.30pm

Situated at the base of the mountain on the way to Lilydale the Montrose Market has a variety of craft and fresh produce stalls. Drop in on the way out to the Yarra Valley.

Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Montrose

Enquiries: 9728 1703

Gembrook Market

Sun 22nd December , 9am - 2pm

Promoting sustainable living, many of the 90+ stall holders are artisans and craftspeople who have created unique items from recycled materials. Purchase home grown produce including some wonderful gourmet foods. We have a 'garage sale site' and if occupied on the day you visit, who knows what bargain you may find! A jumping castle, farm animals or similar activities for young children are on site at most markets.

Gembrook Community Centre, Gembrook-Pakenham Rd, Gembrook

Australian Buffet Lunch at SkyHigh

Sun 29th December , 11.30am until 3.30pm

Our Australian Carvery Buffet includes seafood, succulent carvery roasts with all the trimmings, pasta, traditional favourites and a selection of fresh salads. Not to mention the delicious choice of dessert, fresh fruit or cheese board platters.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, 26 Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong

$65 per Adult $35 per Child (5 - 12 Years Under 5 Free)