Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne
Description
Escape Melbourne on an unforgettable adventure with the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour. Begin at Grants Picnic Ground, where native birdlife and serene rainforest trails await. Then, board the iconic Puffing Billy Railway at Belgrave Station, and feel the thrill as you dangle your legs over open carriages during a magical one-hour journey through lush forests. At Lakeside Station, explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre, discover steam train history, and enjoy lunch (own expense) surrounded by picturesque views. Perfect for nature and history lovers, this tour promises timeless memories for all ages. *At times train may operate in reverse
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover native birdlife and tranquil rainforest trails at Grants Picnic Ground, a serene escape in the Dandenong Ranges. This includes travel time from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges
Board Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station, a historic steam train that whisks you into the heart of the rainforest.
Enjoy a magical journey through lush forests on Puffing Billy, dangling your legs over open carriages for an unforgettable ride.
Explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre, learn Puffing Billy's history, and grab lunch (at own expense) while surrounded by the serene lakeside scenery.
Depart Lakeside and head back to Melbourne in the early afternoon
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: 7:25am – Mercure Melbourne Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank 7:35am – Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne 7:45am – Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 8:00am - 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 & Rainforest is between 13:30 and 14:00.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(131)
Great experience even on a cold Melbourne day! Lochie the tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and the day ran really smoothly.
Anthony was good value and fun guide. Weather was not the best however guide made the experience fun!
Great experience! Tour guide was amazing, the scenery was incredible and overall had lots of fun with everybody
We were fortunate to have great weather, cool and clear. This made for nice photos. Van picked up and dropped off on time and driver/guide Margaret was cheerful and informative. Lunch in the café was better than expected.
Thank you so much 🌟 We are really glad you enjoyed the Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour 😊 It is wonderful to hear you had a pleasant day out of the city, enjoyed the scenic views, and found everything well organised, including your guide and transport 💜 We truly appreciate your kind feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Amazing experience! Fun time! Staff was great atmosphere was amazing. People waved in excitement as we cruised through the town. Must see!
Thank you so much 🌟🚂 We are really glad you had an amazing experience on the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour 😊 It is wonderful to hear you enjoyed the fun atmosphere, great staff, and the excitement from people waving along the journey 💜 We truly appreciate your kind feedback and hope to see you again soon!
It is not the rain forest feeling I thought I would experience with lots of animals. Train is cool but basically in people’s backyards.
Thank you for your feedback 🌿 We are glad you experienced the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour and enjoyed the train journey 🚂 We are sorry to hear the experience did not fully match your expectations of a rainforest setting with wildlife. Grants Picnic Ground is a bird-focused area, where guests can often see native species such as lyrebirds, Crimson Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets. As these are wild animals, sightings can vary on the day. The Puffing Billy railway itself travels through a mix of forested areas and local residential sections, offering a scenic journey through the Dandenong Ranges rather than a remote wilderness rainforest experience. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, as feedback like yours helps future guests know what to expect and helps us continue to improve 💜
Thoroughly enjoyed Puffing Billy and the tour and our guide Margaret was knowledgeable and funny . Definitely would do that tour again 😊
Thank you so much 🌟🚂 We are really glad you thoroughly enjoyed the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour 😊 It is wonderful to hear Margaret made the day even better with her knowledge and humour 💜 We truly appreciate your kind feedback and would love to welcome you again in the future!
This tour is exactly what i needed as a solo travel: tickets to puffing billy train ride as well as pick up and drop off services from the CBD. Guide was informative and extremely helpful too
Hi Gillian, Thanks for the great review. Glad to hear you enjoyed your tour and the hassle free day that came along with it. I will pass your kids words onto your guide. Enjoy the rest of your travels. The Explore Australia Tours Team.
It was an amazing experience. Highly recommended! Dangling my legs on the Puffing Billy was definitely one of my most memorable moments.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback 🌟🚂 We are thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience on the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour 😊 Having your legs dangling from the Puffing Billy is certainly a memorable and iconic experience! 💜 We truly appreciate your recommendation and are so glad you enjoyed your day.
5out of 5 . I really enjoyed to ride the old train it’s fell like olden days and it’s worth it also make my days. I love it much.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback 🌟🚂 We are thrilled to hear the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour helped tick something off your bucket list 😊 It is fantastic that you enjoyed riding the historic train and felt transported back to the old days. We are so glad it made your day and created such special memories 💜
