🌿 Belgrave | A fairytale gateway hidden at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges

📍 Geographical location Located about 40 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, it is located on the northern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, about 220 meters above sea level. It is the core hub town leading to the mountain scenic area and the Puffing Billy steam train. ✨ Town Features 1️⃣ Living fossil of the steam age - The starting station of Puffing Billy Railway, the century-old railway station (Belgrave Station) retains the 1900 wooden platform. Every day, steam locomotives set off from here with white smoke, as if time has frozen. - There are retro signs all around the station, and even cafes (such as "Steam Cafe") are decorated with gears and dashboards. 2️⃣ Bohemian Mountain Style - The main street (Burwood Highway) is flanked by handicraft shops and hippie-style antique shops, recommended: - "Cuckoo Clock Shop" (specializing in Black Forest cuckoo clocks) - "The Independent Little Brewery" (local craft brewery) - There is a farmer's market every Saturday, where you can buy wild honey and lavender products. 3️⃣ Entrance to the jungle secrets - A 5-minute walk will take you into Sherbrooke Forest, the habitat of Australian gray kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets. - Hidden attractions: Grant's Picnic Ground (a legal spot for feeding wild cockatoos). 📌 Practical information - Transportation: - Take the Belgrave Line train from Melbourne CBD (about 70 minutes direct) - Drive via the M1 highway for about 50 minutes (there is free parking in the town) - Best time to experience: - Early morning: the most fairy-tale feeling when the mist covers the mountains - Autumn (April-May): maple leaves dye the town golden red - Stop suggestions: - Reserve 1 hour to explore the main street before taking Puffing Billy - It is recommended to stay in a mountain tree house bed and breakfast (such as "Liberty Lodge") for overnight stay "Belgrave is the kind of place that makes urban people suddenly want to quit their jobs and open a cafe - steam, forest, old times, everything is just slow." #summervacay#myitinerary #travel #thingstodo #naturalwonders #familytravel #myitinerary