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(247)
The train ride experience was worth every penny. Just to sit and enjoy the train ride for a good hour or so is an absolute must on visit. The added sanctuary visit and rainforest walk is a nice touch. The rainforest walk can be a bit difficult with muddy conditions but I highly recommend everything about the tour.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback 🌟🚂 We are thrilled you enjoyed the Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour 😊 It is fantastic to hear the train ride was a highlight and that you also enjoyed the wildlife sanctuary and rainforest walk 🌿We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon! 💜
My partner and I had a very good time . The tour guide anthony was great he made the experience very enjoyable and funny . Would highly recommend
Thanks for the great review. Anthony is a legend. I will pass this onto him for sure. Thanks Marnie Explore Australia Tours.
Matt our driver cum tour guide made the trip different from just another trip. Always cheerful and telling jokes, our whole day was full of laughter. Well done Matt!
Thanks for the great 5 star review. We really appreciate your kind words. I will pass this onto Matt. He is a great guide and how nice to hear he made your Puffing Billy Tour so much better. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Thanks The Explore Australia Tours Team
The train was very fun cos can sit on the rail thingy and enjoy the scenery. Matthew, me tour guide was really nice and funny. Wildlife tour was nice cos can see animals like Lyle birds, parrots, kangaroos and koalas
Hi Pei, Thanks for the great five star review. I will pass your kind words onto Matt. Getting to dangle your legs on the train is definately a fun way to enjoy the scenery. Sounds like you go to see lots of native animals, which is great. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Thanks The Explore Australia Tours Team
Margaret was a wonderful guide. Couldn’t have asked for a friendlier and more interesting guide. Loved the walk in the woods, animal sanctuary and Puffin Billy train ride
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback 🌟🚂🐨 We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour 😊 Margaret will be so happy to hear your kind words about her friendly and engaging guiding. It is wonderful that you loved the rainforest walk, wildlife sanctuary, and iconic train ride 💜 We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
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
Thanks for the 5 star review. We are very excited about the new App and happy to hear that it is being enjoyed and useful to customers. I will pass on your comments to Gina, she loves helping with photos and taking caring of her people. Thanks for traveling with Explore Australia Tours.
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
Jean, it sounds like you had a fantastic adventure! 🌟 We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed both the Healesville Sanctuary and the iconic Puffing Billy steam train ride. The scenery truly does make for an unforgettable experience! Anthony's approachability and knowledge clearly made the day all the more special, and it is heartwarming to know he contributed significantly to your time with us. Your wonderful words mean a lot to the team here at Explore Australia Tours, and we would love to have you join us for another memorable exploration soon! 🐨🚂
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.
It is such a joy to read your delightful feedback! 😊 Anthony sounds like a real treasure with his friendly nature and captivating stories. We are thrilled he added so much to your experience. It is lovely to hear you enjoyed the Healesville wildlife park and their commendable conservation efforts. The Puffing Billy adventure and the stunning views definitely make for a memorable day, do they not? Your warm recommendation is much appreciated, and we are so grateful you chose to explore with us. We would love to welcome you back for even more fantastic adventures in the future! 🐨🚂
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.
Mary, what a joy it is to read your kind words! 😊 Michael is indeed fabulous, and we are thrilled to know he made your experience so special with his knowledge and enthusiasm. His knack for capturing moments truly adds a delightful touch to the day. Your appreciation for the wildlife sanctuary and the tips Michael shared is wonderful to hear. We are so pleased his driving ensured a safe and comfortable journey for you. Thank you for choosing to explore with us, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon! 🐨🚂
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.
Hi Pamela, Thanks for the great review. I will make sure we pass this review onto Nathan. The guides have an abundance of knowlege and a genuine love for showcasing what Australia has to offer. Im so glad you enjoyed your tour with Explore Australia Tours and hope you enjoy the rest of your travels Thanks The Team @ Explore Australia Tours.
