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Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience: Historic Journey & Wildlife Encounters
4.7
242 Ratings
Dandenong
Step back in time with a captivating expedition on the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges. Immerse yourself in nature and interact with Australia’s treasured wildlife.
Step back in time with a captivating expedition on the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges. Immerse yourself in nature and interact with Australia’s treasured wildlife.
Duration:
8 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Grants Picnic Ground - Take a pleasant break at Grants Picnic Reserve in Sherbrooke Forest. Stroll among the towering Mountain Ash and lush fern gullies. Spot vibrant rosellas, galahs, cockatoos, and possibly a lyrebird.
- Puffing Billy Railway - Delight in a 1-hour steam train ride on Puffing Billy through verdant rainforests, enjoying the…
- Grants Picnic Ground - Take a pleasant break at Grants Picnic Reserve in Sherbrooke Forest. Stroll among the towering Mountain Ash and lush fern gullies. Spot vibrant rosellas, galahs, cockatoos, and possibly a lyrebird.
- Puffing Billy Railway - Delight in a 1-hour steam train ride on Puffing Billy through verdant rainforests, enjoying the classic tradition of letting your legs dangle from the train.
- Puffing Billy Railway - Explore the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, a cultural hub with excellent amenities, and enjoy a meal (at your own cost) at the contemporary cafe.
- Healesville Sanctuary - Get up close and personal with captivating Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park.
- Yarra Valley - Enjoy a scenic drive through the Yarra Valley from Lakeside to Healesville Sanctuary.
What's Included
- 1 hour train journey on Puffing Billy Steam Train
- Entry into Wildlife Park
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All Fees and Taxes
- 1 hour train journey on Puffing Billy Steam Train
- Entry into Wildlife Park
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All Fees and Taxes
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
Additional Information
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
–…
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.
Location
Grants Picnic Ground
Monbulk Rd, Dandenong Ranges National Park
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(242 Ratings)
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Viviadventures
May 27, 2026
Puffing Billy - Great day out in a small group. Our driver / guide Gina was really great and helped us take some lovely photos. Your company’s new App is also very useful in allowing us to track our tour and get background info on each destination. Loved the ride in the Puffing Billy, was so much fun
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L8702nfjeanw
May 2, 2026
Sanctuary and Puffing Billy - We went to Healeville Sanctuary and were able to see many native Australian animals, including a splendid flying display.
The Puffing Billy steam train experience was one not to be missed. The scenery was beautiful and the journey itself was great fun.
Overall we have had a great time and Anthony was knowledgeable, friendly and very approachable. He made sure everyone had an excellent experience and was on hand to answer any questions
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mquek89
May 2, 2026
Puffing Billy train ride and wildlife park - We had a really enjoyable day! Anthony, our driver was the best. Super friendly and helpful, and shared really interesting stories and photos with us.
We loved the Healesville wildlife park and how committed and passionate to conservation they were.
The Puffing Billy experience was really fun. The views were amazing too.
Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone visiting Melbourne.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryoy6693bh
Apr 30, 2026
Fun day on Steam Train and Wildlife Tour - Our driver and guide, Michael, was Fabulous! He was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Was always ready to take photos and videos. He found a spot to video us on the train as it passed by and shared it with us.
The wildlife sanctuary was nice. Michael gave us tips on what to see.
His driving is top-notch: he kept us safe and comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pamela_l
Apr 29, 2026
Thank you for a great day. - Really enjoyed the day with Nathan our driver and guide, who added the interest, information and details. He saw us on to the train and was waiting for us to disembark. A friendly warm young man who embroidered our experience.
Thank you Nathan.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin
Apr 28, 2026
Full day activity with friendly guide - Full day activity with individual activities. Food and drinks available on site. Nice guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_e
Apr 28, 2026
An easy-paced day out... - An easy-paced day out with Michael from Explore Australia. The animal sanctuary at Healesville is such a lovely setting in natural bushland and the Spirit of the Sky show featuring Australian bird life was entertaining as well as informative. Topping off the day with the hour-long journey from Belgrave to Lakeside on Puffing Billy was just the best experience.
Review provided by Viator
690shelleyg
Apr 24, 2026
A great day trip while in Melbourne! - This was a great day trip from Melbourne! The meeting point was easy and on time. Stuart was great - friendly, funny and knowledgeable. We started at Healesville Sanctuary and saw so many Australian animals - it's a great project helping animals displaced by fire etc. They even have an animal hospital on site where you can watch operations and procedures which was really cool and a great bird show. We bought food from the cafe there to eat (there or on the bus) and next stop was the Puffing Billy steam train which was really unique and fun. We did a quick nature walk before the ride home and Stuart told us lots of information about the area and the trees etc which was really interesting. Overall, this is a great day trip especially if you like animals! Thank you to Stuart for being a great guide! Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eireboi
Apr 20, 2026
Amazing Experience - This was one experience we were looking forward to so much! We booked 6 weeks in advance as they sell out very fast and are so popular. Our tour was with Explore Australia , the morning of our booking , we waited for bus and one it arrived , we found out there was an issue with our booking, we had updated the date recently and Viator had it but it wasn't updated so EA didnt know the change! The tour was full so nothing could be done but to reschedule, which we did from two days later. Suddenly , we got phone call an hour later from the manager of Explore Australia and he felt so bad that error had happened and explained about the error, he asked us where we at and he said he was sending a private uber car to get us and take us the 45 mins t catch the train where the tour bus was heading. I was like shocked and we agreed and soon wee were in uber on way to make the experience after all. We made the train with ample time and got to do the experience after all and didn't have to wait another two days. The manager went above and beyond and to me , this is customer care at its finest and he also messaged and called throughout our journey to train and once we completed it. Things happen but this company and manager with his team work above and beyond so we enjoyed even after booking error. I would highly recommend using Explore Australia, great experience but customer service was a bonus without any doubt!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victor
Apr 17, 2026
Enjoyed the tour thoroughly - Had Matthew as our tour guide and he's really funny! The tour was also relaxing
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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