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(235)
Jai was an excellent guide had a great sense of humour and was lovely to have a conversation with. Was very knowledgeable about not only puffing Billy but the city of Melbourne in general. Would highly recommend.
Our tour guide Chris N was amazing, really great guy
The guide was great, Puffing Billy was fun, and there was about 45 minutes to wander around at tge end of the ride. Wasn’t sure I’d feel comfortable alone since never done any type of tour —alone or with someone—but it was fine. Glad I got to see this part of Melbourne outskirts.
Alisha is the best tour guide .
Alisha is amazing!! She took photos for us and it's so good.
Our guide, Mike, was excellent and extremely entertaining. Gave us a brief history of Melbourne while we were heading there. He was also extremely clear on the instructions on where to go and what to do. Even gave some of us a lift to Queen Victoria's Market cause it was on the way back!
Jules was very helpful and friendly. She is informed and gave us a great tour.
We went on the Puffing Billing tour with our friends from Taiwan. David the tour guide was super friendly and helpful. He even has spare jackets, umbrellas and phone chargers for those who need! The train ride itself was fairly fun and interesting though the journey to Lakeside is a bit lengthy. Sit on the right hand side facing forward for best views.
Daivd is great and caring. He is well organised the whole trip and helpful. He will take nice photos and videos with you which it is really appreciated.
I have always wanted to go on the Puffing Billy and it did not disappoint! What made our experience even more memorable is Chris N, our tour guide. The best and the most friendly tour guide. He goes out of your way to make the whole experience a good one. Couldn’t find a fault on today’s experience. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for your review! We're delighted to hear that your long-awaited Puffing Billy experience lived up to expectations. It's such an iconic Melbourne attraction, and we're so pleased that you had such a memorable day. We're especially glad to hear that Chris N helped make the experience even more enjoyable. His friendly nature and dedication to looking after guests are qualities that our team takes great pride in, and it's wonderful to know that his efforts made such a positive impression on your day. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Chris, who will be thrilled to hear your feedback. Thanks again for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure from Melbourne in the future.
