Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience
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
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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
What's included
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
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(256)
The Puffing Billy takes travelers through Victoria’s beautiful rainforest and is truly an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Benjamin, provided us with many facts about the places we went through and their history in a witty and interesting manner. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone, and I can’t wait for our next time aboard the Puffing Billy.
We got picked up from the meeting point promptly at 7:55 with a nice drive up to puffing billy where our guide Robbo was very knowledgeable and had a lot of interesting information . The whole trip was well organised and Robbo was super friendly and helpful and the steam train itself was fun and provided some great views as we went round with our legs hanging off the train taking some col photos. Would definitely recommend.
Booking experience was breezy. Pickup location was good and Jono was great and punctual. Well organized and thoroughly enjoyed myself
Lovely day out on the puffing train. Alisha was a friendly, helpful tour guide who really added to the whole morning. Thank you! Recommended!
The tour was great and Alisha our guide and driver was amazing.
Trip was well worth it and Jono is an awesome guide. We appreciated his inside tips about Melbourne
Could not enjoy much because it has been raining before we boarded and the seats were wet. They could at least give the seats a quick wipe before everyone board the train.
We're sorry to hear that the wet weather - and seats - impacted your journey in such a negative way. We'll be sure to pass this feedback on to the team at Puffing Billy Railway, as what you have suggested here is not at all unreasonable. We're disappointed that this shortcoming reflected on the service that we offer and will be following up accordingly. Thanks for shining a light on this issue and giving us an opportunity to address it!
It was a lot of fun dangling our feet on the side of the train to travel. Quite an experience. Felt like a kid again.
It was quite an adventure. Tom who was our tour guide gave us ample amount of time to explore and appreciate the location that we are in.
EExcellent tourist guide, the incredible service amazing experience Thanks
