1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne
Description
Step back in time with our exceptional offering: a captivating expedition through the Dandenong Ranges via the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Envelop yourself in the enchanting rainforest, relishing panoramic views and invigorating air as the historic locomotive winds through a one-hour odyssey from Belgrave to Lakeside. But that's not all – post-ride, immerse yourself in an intimate wildlife sanctuary rendezvous. Interact firsthand with Australia's treasured fauna, from cuddly koalas to bounding kangaroos and majestic raptors. Elevate your journey beyond ordinary sightseeing; embrace history, nature, and cherished encounters all in one extraordinary experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pause for a delightful break at Grants Picnic Reserve in Sherbrooke Forest. Wander amid majestic Mountain Ash, & lush fern gullies. Encounter vivid rosellas, galahs, cockatoos, and perhaps a lyrebird.
Enjoy a 1-hour steam train journey on Puffing Billy through lush rainforests, embracing the time-honored tradition of dangling your legs out of the train.
Wander through the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, a cultural hub with top-notch facilities, and grab a bite to eat (own expense) at the modern cafe.
Encounter the fascinating Australian wildlife up close and personal at Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park
Scenic drive through the Yarra Valley from Lakeside to Healesville Sanctuary.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your pickup time may differ from the time shown on your voucher. Explore Australia Tours will contact you via email shortly after booking to confirm your exact pickup time. Pickup locations are selected at the time of booking: 8:25am – Mercure Melbourne Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank 8:35am – Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne 8:45am – Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 9:00am - Mail Exchange Hotel, 688 Bourke Street, Melbourne All tours are conducted in English. Guests can access pre-recorded audio and written tour information in 16 languages by downloading the free Explore Australia Language Translation App from Google Play or the App Store prior to departure. Your guide will provide a code on the day to unlock the content. Please bring your own headphones. Tours operate rain or shine. Estimated return time for the Puffing Billy & Wildlife Tour Tour is between 17:00 and 17:30.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(259)
Anthony was a superb guide. The pick up points were easy to locate and everything was clearly explained. The day ran smoothly and was hugely enjoyable. The music playlist was top notch.
Outstanding day trip from Melbourne. The zoo was great, with plenty of native wildlife on show, and to be up close watching a lyre bird in full display was truly memorable. The bird show was also exceptional, and a platypus swimming about just topped things off. Puffing Bllly was well organised and beautifully scenic, as well as authentic and nostalgic in equal measure. Our guide Anthony was a delight from start to finish and gave clear explanations throughout as well as driving with care and ensuring everyone had the best experience - thank you!
We had an excellent day even with mixed weather. Anthony was a superb guide - informative, friendly and professional. The wildlife tour was really special and we saw an incredible bird show. Puffing Billy train ride combined a step back to another century with superb views of the forests and local area.
While I was on the railway, he took many pictures of me and I was very service-minded. It was a lot of fun. Thank you for your wonderful journey!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re delighted you had such a wonderful time on the Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour. It’s fantastic to hear our team helped capture some special memories for you and made the experience even more enjoyable. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon! 💜
Great Melbourne Tour..Mr Anthony is kind..friendly..loves to joke wth us.
What a fantastic review of your Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne! 😊 Anthony is truly a gem, always ready with a joke and a smile. He will be delighted to hear your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. We are so pleased you had a great time exploring the city. Cheers and happy travels! 🚐🌆
Guide matt was very friendly. Really helpful enjoyable and great guide .
Hi Milan, Appreciate your great feedback! 😊 Matt is indeed a fantastic guide, and we are delighted to hear he made your experience so enjoyable and memorable. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and I will be sure to pass them on to Matt. Thanks for choosing Explore Australia Tours, and we look forward to having you on another adventure soon! 🚐 Cheers, The Explore Australia Tours Team
Great experience and fantastic tour guide from Matt and he was such a lunatic (funny and knowledge)
We’re thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful experience on tour with us! We agree that Matt is both funny and knowledgeable—just don't tell him we said that! 😄 Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back on another adventure with us soon.
A great experience. We really enjoyed ourselves. Our bus driver was very knowledgeable and really looked after us.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great experience on the Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour. It’s fantastic to know your driver looked after you so well and shared their knowledge along the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again soon! 💜
Had a wonderful experience on the Puffing Billy Steam Train today! The scenery was beautiful, and the whole trip was well organised. A special thanks to our guide, who was friendly, helpful, and excellent throughout the tour.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour and the beautiful scenery. It’s fantastic to hear your guide helped make the day so enjoyable with their friendly and helpful approach. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again soon! 💜
Our tour guide Anthony is really funny and amazing! He is very helpful and managed to rent a stroller for us at Healsville, the tour operator didnt allow us to bring it on the vehicle. But the puffing billy ride is so worth it and Healsville is so amazing. Definitely worth it
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour, and Anthony will be delighted to hear your kind words. We’re also glad he could help arrange a stroller at Healesville. Our buses don’t have dedicated storage, so strollers cannot be safely accommodated without obstructing the middle walkway. This is an OH&S requirement to keep everyone safe. We’re always happy to assist with stroller hire options at our stops. 💜
