Puffing Billy delivers joy, inclusion and belonging for Variety families

Hundreds of children and families supported by Variety Victoria were all aboard this year’s Unlimited Adventure at Puffing Billy Railway, enjoying a fun-filled day of activities and connection.

Held at the Lakeside Visitor Centre on 20 August 2026, the annual Unlimited Adventure gave children living with disability, illness or disadvantage the chance to ride the famous train, enjoy activities, and spend time with other families in a safe and welcoming space.

This was the fourth year Variety has partnered with Puffing Billy for the event. It has become a much-loved day on the calendar, with families returning each year and places filling quickly.

Variety Victoria Events Specialist Ella Cookson said the day meant a great deal to many families.

‘For a lot of these kids, this is their only opportunity to experience Puffing Billy,’ she said.

The day included a return train ride as well as a range of activities for children and families. There was music, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, dress-up characters and disability sport activities.

But Ella said the real value of the day was not just the fun, it was the feeling of being accepted.

‘The primary thing is that they can be themselves, that there’s going to be no judgement, everyone’s welcome,’ she said. ‘If a child needs some time because they’re happy or overwhelmed, they’re not going to get stared at.’

For many families, the barriers to a day out can be high. Cost, travel, access needs and fear of how others may react can all make public outings hard.

That is why events like this matter.

‘It’s not just special for the kids – it’s for the families as well. Seeing kids running onto the train and having a ball and not caring about anyone looking at them or judging them, it brings a tear to your eye,’ Ella said.

This year about 800 people registered for the event, with hundreds attending across the day. Some families travelled long distances to be there. One group, supported by AMES, had arrived in Australia only 10 days earlier.

Ella said the group found the event to be a warm and welcoming introduction to life in Victoria.

‘They said it was such a great, welcoming space to be introduced to Australian culture and Victorian culture,’ she said.

Variety is a charity that supports children living with disability, long-term illness or disadvantage. It helps families through grants, scholarships and special events. In Victoria, the organisation works with schools, community groups, allied health professionals and families to build connection and provide practical support.

Ella said Puffing Billy’s staff and volunteers had been generous, caring and deeply committed to making the day a success.

‘The volunteers at Puffing Billy really are amazing, I can’t speak highly enough of them,’ she said.

Book your next trip on Puffing Billy via Puffing Billy Railway website.