Imagine yourself standing on the platform of Selby Station. There’s a gentle breeze blowing from the Dandenong Ranges and the sun is shining warmly on your face. It’s quiet here, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. But look carefully at the station signs. Something is a little unusual.
You’re on the Puffing Billy Railway, one of Melbourne’s most beloved tourist attractions. This railway started as a narrow gauge line connecting Belgrave to Gembrook in 1900. The Selby Station was named after George Selby, a local landowner and Shire council member. This is where the story of Selby actually begins. George, a strong man known for his firm belief in community, donated land for a new station to be built, and Selby Station was born.
The Puffing Billy Railway was an important link for the area in its earlier days. It brought supplies and people to the area, but it also transported goods like timber and even vegetables. The railway took the route through the steep hills, an engineering marvel. The railway line features some famous curves designed to make the journey through the Dandenongs as beautiful as possible. This is why it’s considered one of the best rail journeys in Australia.
For a time, Selby almost rivalled its neighbour Belgrave in popularity with tourists on weekends. However, even though the line was busy with holiday makers, it wasn’t a smooth ride. There were dangers. The terrain was steep and landslides were common.
In fact, there was a major landslide in 1953 near Selby. It made it impossible to use the railway and it was closed. It was only reopened in 1962, but this time as the Puffing Billy Railway, the tourist attraction we know today. The railway had a second life, a new purpose – to bring joy to visitors experiencing the scenic journey. It’s a reminder to us that things can change for the better.
Take a moment to soak it all in. This small station in a quiet town is a window into a past where steam engines ruled the world. The Selby station with its wooden platform and old-fashioned signal box is a reminder that the Puffing Billy Railway is a place where time seems to stand still. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride on the Puffing Billy. Selby, the town named after a local hero, and the Puffing Billy Railway are testaments to the power of community, perseverance and history.