1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Grants Picnic Ground
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.
Puffing Billy Railway
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.
What‘s Included
1 hour train journey on Puffing Billy Steam Train
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entry into Wildlife Park
Lunch is available to purchase on the day at a local cafe
Coffee, tea or beverages are available to purchase from a local cafe.
Pickup points
Mercure Melbourne Southbank
9 Riverside Quay, Southbank Melbourne Australia
Options
1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne
Pickup included
Reviews
241 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sanctuary and Puffing Billy
L8702NFjeanw,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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
Puffing Billy train ride and wildlife park
Mquek89,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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.
Fun day on Steam Train and Wildlife Tour
maryoY6693BH,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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.
Thank you for a great day.
Pamela L,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really 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.
Full day activity with friendly guide
Kevin H,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Full day activity with individual activities. Food and drinks available on site. Nice guide
An easy-paced day out...
David E,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An 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.
A great day trip while in Melbourne!
690shelleyg,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This 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.
Amazing Experience
Eireboi,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This 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!!
Enjoyed the tour thoroughly
Victor C,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had Matthew as our tour guide and he's really funny! The tour was also relaxing
Not a good experience
kathyxpresscopyprint,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The bus was not the best. We did not have enough time at Healsville Sanctuary. Puffing Billy was fun. For the money paid we expected more.
Related Experiences
Operated by Explore Australia Tours