On Saturday, Ross and I travelled to Melbourne to take part in a very special event.  Over a year ago, we booked tickets to go with a group of friends to attend a murder mystery night aboard the Puffing Billy.  For those of you who don’t know, The Puffing Billy is a heritage listed steam train that runs daily from Belgrave to Gembrook.  It is a century old and still runs on its original track.

The murder mystery party was 1920’s themed, so I took full advantage of the opportunity to dress to the nines.

I am wearing:

– Feathered hair piece (gift from my parents)

– Midnight blue antique dress from The Dookie Emporium

– White faux fur stole from a vintage store

– Blue crystal beads which belonged to my grandmother

– Silver glomesh purse which belonged to my other grandmother

– Brown and gold heels from Savers

– Sapphire ring (18th birthday present from my Dad)

-Black vintage gloves from The Dookie Emporium

I couldn’t resist running some of these photos through a black and white effect

I attended the night with a group of good friends. They all dressed the part, as you can see:

The boys playing Talisman in their gear before we headed off.

My 1920’s manicure

Ross and I in front of Puffing Billy

The trip was truly extraordinary.  While we were waiting for the train to depart, a number of actors came up to us and introduced us to their characters.  We were instantly swept into the story of a rich logging tycoon, his saucy maid and his jealous wife.

We took a journey on the train to The Nobelius Packing Shed.  On the trip, we enjoyed drinks, an antipasto platter and the most delicious pumpkin soup I’ve ever eaten.

The journey to The Packing Shed was so much fun.  Because it was dark outside, you couldn’t really see any of the scenery.  However, that really helped us to get into the spirit of the night, because you could imagine that you were really on a train in the 1920’s.

It was very interesting trying to eat and drink on the train.  The rocking of the carriage made it tricky to avoid spilling things on yourself.  After a little while though, you kind of got used to the motion.

When we arrived at The Packing Shed, the night really got under way.  The air was cut by a shriek, and we were told that a murder had just taken place.  While we enjoyed a meal of roast meat, vegetables and salad, The Detective questioned each of the suspects and invited the audience to participate.

Katherine and I at The Packing Shed

Katherine (Ross’s sister) and her partner Evan.

After our dessert of black forest cake and pavlova, each team was invited to submit a guess who the murderer was.  Our table got it wrong, sadly, but it was still a great show.

The night wasn’t a total loss though, because I was awarded Best Dressed!  I was extremely excited and honoured.  My prize was a family pass for Puffing Billy.

I was having such a good time that I almost didn’t want to get on the train back to Belgrave.  On the return journey, we were treated to tea, coffee and chocolates.

Evan, looking a little bit Boardwalk Empire on the trip home.

Me, doing my best Alec Baldwin impersonation.

Smiling on the trip home.

I had a truly excellent time.  The meal was delicious, the entertainment was fantastic and the train ride was oh so much fun.  If you have an opportunity, you should certainly take a trip on Puffing Billy.  You can book tickets for Murder on The Puffing Billy Express right here.

Have you ever been to a murder mystery party?