Tours/Melbourne/Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience
Viator · group up to 24 pax

Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

4.9(232)Melbourne1 hour
VIATOR4.7(43)TRIPADVISOR5.0(189)

Description

Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Melbourne to Belgrave, where you’ll board the iconic Puffing Billy, Australia's best-preserved heritage steam train. Travel through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges, crossing the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. Dangle your legs from the unique open-sided carriages while taking in the beautiful views and crisp scents of fern gullies and mountain ash forests. Arriving at Lakeside, explore Emerald Lake Park’s peaceful walking trails, enjoy the scenic lake, or relax at the café. Visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre to discover the fascinating history of Puffing Billy through interactive exhibits. After exploring, return to Melbourne in the early afternoon, completing a perfect half-day adventure filled with history, nature, and unforgettable views

Tour Options

Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience
  • Half-day experience: This half-day option returns to Melbourne at approximately 1:15pm, giving you the whole afternoon to enjoy at your leisure! Pickup included
Puffing Billy & Penguins combo
  • Add on the Penguin Parade: Continue your journey by joining our Phillip Island afternoon tour following your Puffing Billy experience in the morning. This is a full day experience: You'll return to Melbourne after Puffing Billy & enjoy a lunch break before rejoining for the Phillip Island Afternoon tour Pickup included
Puffing Billy, Redwoods & Wine
  • Puffing Billy, Redwoods & Wine: Belgrave–Menzies Creek Puffing Billy ride, Redwood Forest, Warburton free time, and Yarra Valley tasting. Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included60 min

Upon arriving in Belgrave, you'll step into a piece of living history as you board the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Dating back to the early 1900s, this world-famous heritage railway offers a unique experience with its open-sided carriages, allowing you to feel the fresh air and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

Pass by

As Puffing Billy steams through the enchanting Dandenong Ranges, you'll be treated to stunning views of lush forests, towering trees, and vibrant fern gullies. Along the way, you’ll cross the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, offering breathtaking vistas of the serene landscape.

30 min

Here, you’ll have the chance to explore interactive exhibits that delve into the rich heritage of Puffing Billy and the surrounding region. You could also enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe or venture out to Emerald Lake Park.

30 min

This picturesque park invites you to explore its scenic walking trails, where you can take in the serene views of the lake and lush greenery. Alternatively, you can spend more time in or around the Visitors Centre snapping iconic photos!

Highlights

Pickup from Selected Hotels
WiFi on board
One-way Journey on Puffing Billy
Professional, Friendly & Informative Guide
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Air-conditioned vehicle
English Speaking Tour Guide

What's included

Included
Pickup from Selected Hotels
WiFi on board
One-way Journey on Puffing Billy
Professional, Friendly & Informative Guide
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Air-conditioned vehicle
English Speaking Tour Guide
Not included
Meals & beverages
Gratuities
Optional: Puffing Billy + Penguin option is 2 half-day tours joined together & taken on the same day
Optional: Puffing Billy (Belgrave to Menzies Creek Departure), Redwoods & Wine

Pickup Locations & Times

Pickup is only available from the list of hotels provided upon checkout. Your pickup will be between 7am-8am depending on which hotel you selected. Your exact meeting time will be provided after a booking is placed. This tour returns to a central Melbourne location at approximately 1:15pm.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
232 reviews
5
220
4
8
3
2
2
1
1
1

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
  • Total duration includes the travel time.
  • Combo: Puffing Billy + Penguin option: This package includes our Puffing Billy Half-day tour & our Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon tour
  • Combo: Puffing Billy + Penguin option: Please note that when booking this package you will participate in both tours on the same day, Puffing Billy in the morning & Penguin Parade in the afternoon. You will have a lunch break in Melbourne between the tours.
  • Combo: Puffing Billy + Penguin option: If joining this option your return time to Melbourne will be between 9pm-midnight depending on the season

Reviews(232)

D
davelB6376XV
June 19, 2026
Excellent tour

Alisha is the best tour guide .

_
_B8004NW
June 19, 2026
Nice

Alisha is amazing!! She took photos for us and it's so good.

7
784turka
June 19, 2026
Puffing good time

Our guide, Mike, was excellent and extremely entertaining. Gave us a brief history of Melbourne while we were heading there. He was also extremely clear on the instructions on where to go and what to do. Even gave some of us a lift to Queen Victoria's Market cause it was on the way back!

G
Global07037236625
June 15, 2026
Puffing billy

Jules was very helpful and friendly. She is informed and gave us a great tour.

F
Flyer32134375832
June 12, 2026
Great day out. Definitely a must for families with young kids!

We went on the Puffing Billing tour with our friends from Taiwan. David the tour guide was super friendly and helpful. He even has spare jackets, umbrellas and phone chargers for those who need! The train ride itself was fairly fun and interesting though the journey to Lakeside is a bit lengthy. Sit on the right hand side facing forward for best views.

E
Eric P
June 9, 2026
Wonderful and perfect experience with David

Daivd is great and caring. He is well organised the whole trip and helpful. He will take nice photos and videos with you which it is really appreciated.

J
Jhoan P
June 6, 2026
The best tour guide Go West Tours has!

I have always wanted to go on the Puffing Billy and it did not disappoint! What made our experience even more memorable is Chris N, our tour guide. The best and the most friendly tour guide. He goes out of your way to make the whole experience a good one. Couldn’t find a fault on today’s experience. Thank you so much!

Operator response

Thanks so much for your review! We're delighted to hear that your long-awaited Puffing Billy experience lived up to expectations. It's such an iconic Melbourne attraction, and we're so pleased that you had such a memorable day. We're especially glad to hear that Chris N helped make the experience even more enjoyable. His friendly nature and dedication to looking after guests are qualities that our team takes great pride in, and it's wonderful to know that his efforts made such a positive impression on your day. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Chris, who will be thrilled to hear your feedback. Thanks again for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure from Melbourne in the future.

R
rainat442
June 4, 2026
Amazing!

Jools was an amazing guide, such an infectious energy and went above and beyond to make the day amazing for each and every person. No complaints and big love to Jools and Gumnut

K
kanlayaneeb2022
June 2, 2026
Antique Steam Train

Fun and relaxing suitable for everyone.

B
bkA2114LU
May 30, 2026
Nice experience of Steam Train

Mike is wonderful and friendly

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