Puffing Billy Running Festival 2026

Race a historic steam train through the Dandenong Ranges

The Puffing Billy Running Festival returns on 12–13 September 2026, bringing runners, spectators and families together for one of Victoria’s most unique running events. Set in the scenic Dandenong Ranges, the festival challenges participants to race alongside the iconic Puffing Billy steam trains between Belgrave and Emerald Lake Park.

The highlight of the weekend is the 13.5 kilometre Classic, where runners take on the famous railway line as two century old steam trains run alongside the course. With rolling hills, forest scenery and a lively finish at Emerald Lake Park, it is a memorable experience for runners and spectators alike.

Alongside the main race, the festival also features a 5 kilometre family fun run and a 1.2 kilometre kids’ dash, making it a great event for visitors travelling with children or groups looking for a fun day outdoors.

Beyond the race itself, Emerald Lake Park becomes a vibrant hub with spectators, picnic areas and a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Event Details

Race Events:
– 13.5 km Classic – the signature race where runners challenge the historic Puffing Billy steam trains from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.
– 15 km Fun Run – a family friendly race suitable for a wide range of runners.
– 1.2 km Kids’ Dash – a short course designed for younger participants.

Course Highlights: Scenic forest landscapes, a mix of paved and gravel terrain, and approximately 239 metres of elevation gain for the 13.5 km Classic.

Image credit: Puffing Billy Running Festival

Make a Weekend of It in Marysville

Located around 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Dandenong Ranges, Peppers Marysville offers a relaxing base for visitors attending the Puffing Billy Running Festival. After a day of racing or spectating, return to the quiet surrounds of Marysville to unwind with dinner at Andiamo Restaurant & Bar, enjoy the sauna or heated pool, and settle into comfortable accommodation surrounded by nature.

Discover more events and seasonal experiences happening across Marysville and the Yarra Valley during your stay.

Puffing Billy Running Festival 2026

When From 12 September 2026 to 13 September 2026

Where Belgrave and Emerald Lake Park, Dandenong Ranges, Victoria

Website https://puffingbillyrunningfestival.com.au/

More Moments to Discover

See what’s unfolding across Marysville and the Yarra Valley

From seasonal festivals and food experiences to cultural events and outdoor adventures, there is always something happening in and around Marysville. Explore what’s on during your stay and shape a retreat that feels uniquely yours.

Event date: From 11 January 2026 to 13 December 2026

Marysville Sunday Market

Held on the banks of the Steavenson River, the Marysville Sunday Market is a relaxed community market showcasing local makers, growers and producers from across…

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Marysville Sunday Market

Local makers, fresh produce and a relaxed Sunday morning in Marysville

Held on the banks of the Steavenson River, the Marysville Sunday Market is a relaxed community market showcasing local makers, growers and producers from across the region. With around 30 stalls, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to spend a Sunday morning while discovering handmade goods, seasonal produce and local flavours.

Running from 9:00am to 1:00pm, the market invites visitors to stroll through the stalls, meet the people behind the products and take home something unique, whether that’s fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade crafts or regional wine.

What you’ll find at the market

The Marysville Sunday Market features a rotating mix of stallholders offering:

Handmade crafts, gifts and clothing
Plants, soaps and homewares
Preserves, jams, chutneys and olive oil
Local honey, fresh fruit and vegetables
Regional wine and specialty food products

Food stalls are run by local fundraising groups, adding to the community feel of the market. The market is also located close to a playground, making it a relaxed stop for families visiting the area.

When and where

The market is held at Settlers Park, in the car park of the Marysville Information Centre.

Market schedule:

Held on the second Sunday of each month, except for Easter Sunday
Closed during winter (June, July and August)
An additional Easter Market is held on Easter Sunday, with the next Easter Market scheduled for Sunday 5 April 2026

As dates may occasionally shift to accommodate seasonal events, visitors are encouraged to check the official market website for the most up-to-date information before planning their visit.

Getting there from Peppers Marysville

The Marysville Sunday Market is located just 3 minutes’ walk from Peppers Marysville, making it easy to visit without needing to drive. Guests can enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the stalls before returning to the hotel to continue their day in the High Country.

Event date: From 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026

Seasonal Fruit Picking at Rayner’s Orchard

Rayner’s Orchard in Woori Yallock offers a unique take on seasonal fruit picking, combining hands-on tasting with guided farm experiences in the heart of the Ya…

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Seasonal Fruit Picking at Rayner’s Orchard

A guided, year-round fruit tasting experience in the Yarra Valley

Rayner’s Orchard in Woori Yallock offers a unique take on seasonal fruit picking, combining hands-on tasting with guided farm experiences in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Open year-round from 9:00am – 5:30pm, this family-run orchard is home to more than 450 varieties of fruit, making every visit a little different depending on the season.

Unlike traditional pick-your-own farms, Rayner’s Orchard is best known for its guided Fruit Tasting Adventure Tours. Visitors hop aboard a tractor and travel through the orchard with knowledgeable guides, tasting tree-ripened fruit straight from the branches, discovering rare and exotic varieties, cracking fresh macadamias and learning about how the orchard operates.

Alongside the tours, guests can visit the farm shop, stocked with house-made jams, chutneys, bottled fruit, dried fruit, juices and seasonal produce, all made onsite using fruit grown in the orchard. The experience is relaxed, family-friendly and designed to give visitors a deeper connection to the region’s produce.

What fruit can you pick and taste?

Fruit availability changes throughout the year, but seasonal highlights typically include:

Summer: Peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, berries and specialty stone fruit varieties such as pluots, apriums and peachcots.

Autumn: Apples, quinces, figs and plums, along with persimmons, feijoas, guavas and pomegranates.

Winter: Citrus fruits including oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemons and Australian limes, plus kiwi fruit and tamarillos.

Spring: A mix of citrus, berries and early-season produce as the orchard transitions toward summer.

Most fruit is tasted during guided tours, with limited u-pick opportunities available during select periods of the year. Fruit availability varies based on growing conditions and harvest timing.

Getting there from Peppers Marysville

Rayner’s Orchard is located approximately 50 minutes by car from Peppers Marysville in Woori Yallock, making it an easy and scenic day trip through the Yarra Valley.

Driving directions:

– Travel via the Maroondah Highway toward Healesville
– Continue through Healesville toward Woori Yallock
Follow signs to Rayner’s Orchard on Schoolhouse Road

The drive offers classic Yarra Valley scenery, passing vineyards, farmland and forested landscapes along the way.

Image credit: Rayner’s Orchard

Event date: From 21 March 2026 to 19 April 2026

Autumn Flower Season at Blue Lotus Water Garden

Each autumn, the Blue Lotus Water Garden in the Yarra Valley becomes one of the region’s most vibrant seasonal attractions. Running from 21 March to 19 April 20…

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Event date: From 28 March 2026 to 29 March 2026

Victorian Enduro Tour – Lake Mountain

Lake Mountain will host the Victorian Enduro Tours on 28–29 March 2026, bringing riders from across the state to compete on the renowned Cascades MTB Trail in M…

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Victorian Enduro Tour – Lake Mountain

Cascades MTB trail hosts one of Victoria’s premier mountain bike events

Lake Mountain will host the Victorian Enduro Tours on 28–29 March 2026, bringing riders from across the state to compete on the renowned Cascades MTB Trail in Marysville.

Part of a statewide series that includes events at Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Bright, the Victorian Enduro Series challenges riders across multiple timed stages while showcasing some of Victoria’s most scenic mountain bike terrain.

One of Victoria’s Most Scenic Enduro Courses

The Marysville round features five staged sections along the Cascades Trail, with riders navigating forest descents, technical sections and flowing singletrack. Since its debut in 2025, the event has attracted riders across a range of ages and skill levels, with many visitors discovering Marysville and the surrounding Yarra Ranges for the first time.

Across the weekend, the event hub in Marysville becomes a lively gathering point for riders, spectators and supporters, with presentations, sponsor stalls and a relaxed community atmosphere following the race.

Event Details

Saturday 28 March – Practice Day

Saturday provides riders with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Cascades MTB Trail ahead of race day. Registered participants have access to practice day shuttles operating between 9am and 3pm, departing from Marysville in front of Marysville Holiday Park.

Riders can explore the course at their own pace, gaining an understanding of the five race stages and the terrain they will tackle during the event. Participation in practice day is optional, allowing riders the flexibility to complete their runs when it suits them.

For visitors and riders staying in town, the Cascades Trail also remains open to the public, with the usual weekend shuttle pick-up available at Peppers Marysville, making it easy to access the trail network during the day.

Sunday 29 March – Race Day

Race day begins with riders assigned specific shuttle departure times between 8am and 12pm, departing from Marysville. Shuttles transport participants to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, where competitors ride to the first timed stage before beginning the race.

Riders complete each stage individually, with times recorded and combined across all sections to determine the final standings.

Throughout the day, the event hub in Marysville becomes a gathering point for riders and spectators. Race presentations take place in the afternoon alongside sponsor stalls and community activities, creating a lively atmosphere to celebrate the weekend’s racing.

Image credit: Victorian Enduro Tours

Event date: From 30 September 2026 to 30 September 2026

CherryHill Blossom Festival 2026

Each spring, the CherryHill Blossom Festival transforms the Yarra Valley into a sea of soft white cherry blossoms, drawing visitors from across Victoria to expe…

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Event date: From 23 October 2026 to 25 October 2026

The Great Tarmac Rally 2026

The Great Tarmac Rally returns in October 2026 with its most ambitious format yet. For the first time, this iconic Australian tarmac rally expands into a three-…

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The Great Tarmac Rally 2026

Three legendary roads. Three days of pure alpine driving.

The Great Tarmac Rally returns in October 2026 with its most ambitious format yet. For the first time, this iconic Australian tarmac rally expands into a three-day event, transforming Victoria’s High Country into a showcase of endurance, precision and world-class driving.

Running from 23 to 25 October 2026, the rally brings together three of Victoria’s most renowned roads: Lake Mountain Road, Eildon–Jamieson Road and the legendary Reefton Spur, delivering more than 350 kilometres of closed-road competition across alpine and forested landscapes.

What to expect across the weekend

Friday | Lake Mountain Road
The rally launches from Marysville with a dramatic ascent up Lake Mountain Road. Wide sweepers tighten into technical alpine corners, with rapidly changing conditions adding to the challenge. Fog, sleet and sunshine can all appear within a single stage, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.

Saturday | Eildon–Jamieson Road
Saturday shifts the focus to stamina and precision. Across six stages and more than 110 competitive kilometres, drivers tackle one of Victoria’s most demanding stretches of tarmac, where consistency and concentration are critical.

Sunday | Reefton Spur
The final day belongs to the Reefton Spur. With a staggering 95 percent corner ratio across 37 kilometres, this legendary stage winds through alpine forest with sweeping views across the Upper Yarra Catchment. Technical, relentless and visually spectacular, it’s widely regarded as one of Australia’s great driving roads.

From its Marysville base to the raw beauty of the surrounding alpine region, the 2026 Great Tarmac Rally promises to be a landmark event on the Australian rally calendar.

Getting there from Peppers Marysville

Marysville serves as the rally’s base, making Peppers Marysville an ideal location for spectators, car clubs and participants attending the event. Many stages start or pass through the surrounding High Country, with easy access by car to key viewing points across the three-day program.

Guests are encouraged to check the official Great Tarmac Rally website closer to the event for stage timings, road closures and spectator access points.

Image credit: Visit Victoria

Event date: 21 March 2026 - 11:00

On The Palate 2026

On The Palate returns to the Yarra Valley on Saturday 21 March 2026, marking its first appearance since 2008 as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival pro…

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On The Palate 2026

A family-friendly food and wine celebration in the Yarra Valley

On The Palate returns to the Yarra Valley on Saturday 21 March 2026, marking its first appearance since 2008 as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival program. Held at Healesville Racecourse, this much-loved event brings together local producers, gourmet food, live entertainment and family-friendly experiences in a relaxed, festival-style setting.

Running from 11:00am to 5:00pm, the daytime fair invites visitors to taste their way through the region, while an evening program extends the celebration across the valley with curated dining events and after-dark experiences.

What to expect on the day

During the daytime fair, guests can enjoy tastings from more than 30 independent Yarra Valley producers, including:

Wines, craft beers, ciders and local spirits
Artisan cheeses, baked goods and fresh regional produce
Locally made specialties ranging from chocolate to caviar
Food trucks offering gourmet bites and family-friendly options

Live music, classic car and machinery displays, and petting zoos create a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, making On The Palate a genuine family-friendly food and wine event.

As evening falls, the festival continues with a valley-wide epicurean program, featuring wine dinners, list takeovers and masterclasses hosted by local venues and producers. Details of the evening program will be announced closer to the event.

Tickets:

Adults: $50 (includes all tastings, a commemorative glass and tote bag)
Children under 18: Free

For the latest program updates and ticket information, visitors are encouraged to refer to the official On The Palate website.

Getting there from Peppers Marysville

Healesville Racecourse is approximately a 45-minute drive from Peppers Marysville, making it an easy day trip through scenic High Country and Yarra Valley roads. Travelling by car allows flexibility to arrive early, enjoy the full daytime program, and return at your own pace.

Image credit: Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Peppers Marysville

Puffing Billy Running Festival 2026

Race a historic steam train through the Dandenong Ranges

Event Details

Make a Weekend of It in Marysville