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 & 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
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
Reviews
201 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Puffing Billy
335nessp,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience my daughter and my mom really likes it a lot. and our tour guide MICHAEL was so fantastic he really knows what he his saying about the tour and a welcoming experience to him made the tour well memorable. Thank you!!! Cheers.
Bluey is a great guide!
Jennifer M,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fun trip! Our guide, Bluey, was fantastic and provided lots of interesting commentary during the drives. The train trip itself was very cute. Everyone there is passionate about preserving this little bit of local history.
A happy getaway
Thomas L,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a really lovely and amazing day Perfect to enjoy all the activities Not to short and not to long Perfect activity to do if you want escape the city for fiew hours The weather was perfect, guest were friendly .. Mel was our guide. She was absolutely friendly, funny, lovely with a good energy. The tour was amazing because of her ! Thank you for everything
Who was gonna tell me my tour was cancelled??
Alex J,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This was cancelled. We showed up at 7:45, as confirmed the previous night. We were told, that we could not go on the other bus, and our tour had been cancelled three days ago. We do not receive any confirmation, nor were we alerted the tour had been cancelled. No emails, no calls. Nothing. 400+ dollars awaiting a refund. What a waste
Brilliant but sort out the Lakeside cafeteria service.
Road325893,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The train boarding and journey was superb with our conductor imparting lots of info and prompting us to be ready for outstanding photo opportunities. A unique experience. The Lakeside visitor centre cafe was quite chaotic. They need at least one more coffee machine and barrista. The drive to remove personsl service and toward QR codes at tables was not working. Staff were quite short with those they thought were in their way. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. The sheer dedication of those who brought this line back to life and who now maintain and staff it is brilliant. Just sort out the catering at Lakeside.
Great for train enthusiasts.
CHRISTOPHER D,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We had a good time on this tour and the train ride was a neat experience. I think they were working on repairs on the track so the actual train ride felt a bit short (which is completely out of the hands of the tour agency). Our tour guide Bluey did an amazing job and definitely made the experience better. I would say this is a must do for any train lovers and a fun way to see the Dandenong region.
Puffing Billy half day tour
yun long zhang,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic half-day trip on the Puffing Billy steam train with Go West Tours. Lisa, who picked us up in the morning, was super friendly and chatty. She shared heaps of interesting stories about Melbourne and the history of Victoria, which made the drive really enjoyable. Our guide Jono was an absolute legend – full of energy and great fun to chat with. He told us lots of cool facts about Puffing Billy, and his playlist on the road kept the vibe lively the whole way. The weather wasn’t perfect at the start and we had a bit of rain, but Jono kept everyone in great spirits. He also took some amazing photos and videos for us – honestly the angles and shots looked almost professional. If you’re visiting Melbourne, I’d definitely recommend Go West Tours. And if you’re lucky enough to get Jono as your guide, you’re in for a great day out!
Amazing experience
marialarav2026,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jono is absolutely amazing!!!! He’s the best tour guide we’ve ever had.
Great experience
Gustav T,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, had a great time, Driver gets 10/10 for good comments and best music on the way home from the penguin parade.
Two-person small train: The Journey of Rain and Color.
Dream56405286456,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David gave us with a wonderful explanation. He was very attentive and thoughtful, helping us have a perfect trip. He also took many beautiful photos and AirDropped them to us.
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Operated by Go West Tours