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
235 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Had a great time!
JohnPhilip C,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a lovely time visiting the Healesville Sanctuary, where we were able to see an incredible variety of wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, and the platypus. The day continued with a refreshing stop at Grants for a quick and light hike, which provided a perfect dose of nature before the main event. Riding the Puffing Billy steam train was a truly wonderful experience and a clear highlight of the trip. Our guide, Lucky, was exceptional and went out of his way to ensure we had the best seats on the train for the most scenic views. His hospitality and attention to detail made the entire journey seamless and enjoyable. This activity is highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable day out!
Very good for families with little human beings
OWAIS A,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good and timely managed Very good to travel with infants, the bus was nice and had a car seat for infants/ toddlers
Excellent Experience
TaushDutta,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very nice experience.... our tour guide Jose was very friendly as well.... excellent experience... Must visit!!!!
Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary Day Trip
Kentishexplorer,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great down out. First stop was to Healesville Sanctuary , a dedicated animal attraction for animals from Australia. Plenty of time to walkaround to see all the animals. Then onto Puffing Billy. Puffy Billy was a good trip but its important to understand which side to sit on to get the best experience, this is the platform side and the wooden bridge is just outside the station. This it winds through the local woodlands with view of the valley and small towns. All locals are very happy to wave you pass which was great to see. It is only a one way trip. Seating with you legs out was a great experience but not very confortable, and maybe an issue with people with mobility issues - Larger seats would be ideal, lower bench seating is also there so not a massive issue. Driver and Guide Matt was very knowledgeable about Australia and the trip.
Kangeroos, koalas and a steam train
olliesmum,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip. Matt our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us ample time at each location. Tour was very well organised. We loved all of it a great way to spend a day
Puffing Billy was wonderful! The weather was great!😎
Jill P,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous day! Everything went well (I hope Gina’s finger heals well)! Nathan was nice enough to come and drive us back into Melbourne, but we missed Gina! It didn’t hurt that the weather was fantastic and the animal park was very nice.
Related Experiences
Operated by Explore Australia Tours