Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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.
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
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
212 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
nxdao,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip were excited, the view is wonderful, I love it.
A Delightful Day on Puffing Billy with an Outstanding Guide
Kasia T,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a wonderful experience on the Puffing Billy Railway tour with Cloe. Everything was exceptionally well organized—the tour started right on time, and the bus that picked us up from the city was clean and comfortable. Cloe truly made the experience stand out. She was not only a skilled driver but also an engaging and knowledgeable guide, keeping everyone entertained along the way. Her energy and warmth added a special touch to the trip. The one-hour train ride was absolutely delightful, taking us through beautiful eucalyptus forests, charming local villages, and the rolling hills on the outskirts of Melbourne. The scenery was peaceful and picturesque—exactly what you hope for on a heritage train journey. Overall, it was a fun and memorable experience, especially for families with kids. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something relaxing, scenic, and a little bit magical
Cloe the best
Anna1222222,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful tour, wonderful experience . Local people are great. And Cloe is a really nice person and a super guide. True gem . Thank you !
A joyful ride
Dushyanth H,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a joyous ride on the historic train with everyone sitting on the ledges, fresh air , beautiful scenery and of course the cheering / waving locals. Our guide Lucy was awesome too.
Wonderful experience- Puffing Billy
Kriti B,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing experience and our guide Jess was wonderful with guidance she provided. The bus arrived on time, had enough time to see around and came back by 1pm. Puffing Billy was highlight of our Melbourne visit.
Melbourne weekend
julietho257,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have an amazing day with Graeme, was really nice, we enjoy all the places and the information, recommend your if you are thinking to came to Melbourne
Puffy Billy steam train
Betty R,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The train ride was amazing, the surroundings were beautiful. Everyone was very friendly and our coach driver Jules was great, very informative and made sure we made the most of our time. Had alot of trouble with the Viator app, could not download my tickets or talk to a human about the problem only AI. Lucky for the emails with trips details
Fabulous day to see the forest and a glass of wine
Ryan M,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Angel was such a great time and fostered a real sense of fun and group activity with our van full of strangers. She was brilliant. The Billy Train was one-of-a-kind and the walk through town and the forest was a great way to experience a different side of Melbourne. The winery capping of the day was a nice touch.
Awesome Experience
J3706DWkathleenb,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day on the tour with Jool’s and Gumnit. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking about it.
Nice tour guide - Jools and Gumnut
Voyager66341761384,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good itinerary and arrangement! Nice postcard design
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