Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

Overview

Available languages

Hindi

German

Russian

Korean

Portuguese

Chinese

Malay

Cantonese

English

Italian

French

Spanish

Arabic

Vietnamese

Thai

Japanese

6 hours

Mobile ticket

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

Additional Info

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Pickup from Selected Hotels

WiFi on board

One-way Journey on Puffing Billy

Professional, Friendly & Informative Guide

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Air-conditioned vehicle

English Speaking Tour Guide

Meals & beverages

Gratuities

Optional: Puffing Billy + Penguin option is 2 half-day tours joined together & taken on the same day

Optional: Puffing Billy (Belgrave to Menzies Creek Departure), Redwoods & Wine

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Puffing Billy Railway

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

Dandenong Ranges National Park

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Puffing Billy, Redwoods & Wine

Puffing Billy, Redwoods & Wine: Belgrave–Menzies Creek Puffing Billy ride, Redwood Forest, Warburton free time, and Yarra Valley tasting.
Pickup included

Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

Half-day experience: This half-day option returns to Melbourne at approximately 1:15pm, giving you the whole afternoon to enjoy at your leisure!
Pickup included

Puffing Billy & Penguins combo

Add on the Penguin Parade: Continue your journey by joining our Phillip Island afternoon tour following your Puffing Billy experience in the morning.
This is a full day experience: You'll return to Melbourne after Puffing Billy & enjoy a lunch break before rejoining for the Phillip Island Afternoon tour
Pickup included

Reviews

4.92

140 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

132

Worth the trip with Puffing Billy.
B8559ZNchristinaw,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Being able to sit on the carriage sill is like bringing out the inner child in me, swinging the legs and enjoying the cool breeze and scenic view along the way from Belgrave to Lakeside stop. We had a fantastic guide Alisha who ensured our comfort and shared some history along the drive. Overall an enjoyable experience!
Rail travel
yasuyukim2025,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a fun bus ride from the city centre to the train station. Naturally, the train was a great tour with great views. Thank you very much.
loved every second!
105dahyunj,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
staff were so friendly and encouraging to make the most out of the trip, accomodities were also so nice with buses comfy seats, wifi on board and even the scenic drive on the way to the train. great atmosphere between the crew, highly recommend!
Nice Billy train
536nelsonw,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Good experience in Billy People are nice in town Tour guild is nice Recommended for people looking for Forrest, train, and happy moments
A must-go if you are in Melbourne. Please be kind and let others take the right seats to fully enjoy the experience.
Seaside26249840276,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The Puffing Billy ride is definitely a very memorable one. Our guide, Naomi, ensured that we are all comfy to and fro and took such a lovely video of our group while we were in the train! Naomi also shared interesting information about Melbourne and some of its history. Thank you Naomi for the pleasant experience! XOXO Stess & Beth ;)
Loved this tour
221vickieg,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a trip I've wanted to do for years & finally got to do it. I was definitely not disappointed, it was awesome, Mike our tour guide driver was informative & attentive to all passengers..good history info & the Puffing Billy train ride was the BEST!! The scenery is stunningly beautiful..I thoroughly recommend this tour from pick-up to drop off..10 out of 10!!
Fabulous Puffing Billy tour!
RosfromCapeTown,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A well organised tour from booking, payment, communication, confirmation to the well informed, friendly and competent guide, Naomi! We enjoyed the experience abd highly recommend this to visitors to Melbourne.
Puffy ride!
Francisco T,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Sherif was wonderful, funny, entertaining and highly knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this no doubt.
Great experience at Puffing Billy
H86LEkaitlinm,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great experience with Naomi on the Puffing Billy tour. She was prompt, informative, and very pleasant. The actual Puffing Billy experience was also wonderful and I’d highly recommend it if you’re wanting to get a bit out of the city!
Fun day riding the rails!
Dolores P,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Fun day enjoying a panoramic drive thru Melbourne country side to visit the historic Puffin Billy train. The approximately 1 hour ride in the restored authentic train cars was exciting and joyful for kids and children alike. Yes, as shown in the promotional photos you can actually sit in the window area with your feet hanging over the side of the train . There is a very nice large dining venue at the final stop on the one way ride. Lots of small activities for parents to enjoy with their children . Good value for a unique experience!