1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

Overview

Available languages

Arabic

Hindi

German

Vietnamese

Korean

Portuguese

Chinese

Japanese

English

Italian

French

Dutch

Spanish

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

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.

Options

1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

Reviews

4.69

210 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

169

100% recommend
Companion33312963796,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely recommend this tour! Our tour guide Peter was hilarious and a great tour guide. There only ended up being 5 of us so it felt like a VIP tour. The puffing billy train was a super cool experience and there were tons of cool animals at the sanctuary. I’d definitely do it again!!
Gerry was a great guide....
Sonia K,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Gerry was a great guide. Friendly and helpful. A great sampling of so many things to see in the far suburbs of Melbourne. The train was fun and gives you a beautiful view of the countryside. The Sanctuary gives you lots of opportunities to see Australian animals you may not otherwise see.
Puffing Billy train experience
kseniap612,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tour guide was very friendly with good sense of humor and knew what to show and where to eat.. Really recommend, had best time!!!!
Andy was the best. He made this so very interesting.
Colleen K,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Andy was excellent. This was a relaxing and interesting trip. We have been go go going for 1.5 weeks and needed something a bit more relaxed. The sanctuary was really great. Very interesting talks every 15 minutes and don't miss the flight show. Very interesting.
Beautiful scenery and...
Ali D,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful scenery and excellent service. The train ride was wonderful and the Healesville sanctuary experience is a must.
You have to do the Puffing Billy trip!!!
Liam K,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Always sit on the platform side of the carriage when you first get on as the views are better from there. Stewart (our driver) was up for some good old interstate banter and I loved it as it helps to break the ice early with the group. He was informative, very approachable, friendly and his driving was pretty good for a Victorian haha! I highly recommend the Puffing Billy trip, it is a unique experience hanging your legs out the side of the carriage and having the old fashioned Steam Train pulling you along whilst taking in fantastic scenery.👍😀 PS. Go Crows!
Wonderful fun, nature and service!
charlesbS7641BD,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A wonderful day out. Healesville animals are fabulous with a well thought out dedicated care programme so as not to exploit them. Puffing Billy so much fun too. We were looked after by Margaret who was wonderful. Her short trip into the forest was inspirational. As if things couldn't get better, I stupidly lost some money on the bus and left it unknowingly. Yet 3 days later Margaret returned it to me having found it later. Great service and thank you Margaret!
Great Day Out
Jayne L,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fabulous day to animal sanctuary and Puffing Billy was an amazing experience. Dandenong ranges are beautiful. Driver very informative throughout the excursion.
Highly engaging tour
Rosemarie P,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our trip was wonderfully relaxing and filled with fascinating moments. Mark, our guide, made the journey even more enjoyable with his engaging fun facts—especially the story about lyrebirds mimicking the sounds of the Puffing Billy train! The ride itself was a delightful way to immerse ourselves in the native bush, surrounded by stunning scenery and magnificent views. A highlight of the day was visiting Healesville Sanctuary. The Spirit of the Sky show was truly special, with the wedge-tailed eagle and the barking owl stealing the spotlight. Watching these majestic birds up close was both inspiring and unforgettable. Overall, it was an interesting, enriching, and beautifully paced experience and would highly recommend this tour!
Melbourne excursion
France A,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
The guide explains the steps of the day. Healesville Sanctuary very nice pictures of koalas and kangaroos. The Billy Shearwater train is a beautiful way to see the landscape. I recommend!