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
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
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
149 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great for family members from young to old.
Compass56691,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Feel so special to be riding Puffing Billy on its 125th birthday today. Smooth experience from ticketing, in the carriage and throughout the journey. Passionate crew.
Charming Journey
F5694JSiras,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Charming journey back in time. Riding the historic steam train through lush forests and scenic valleys was relaxing and fun, especially waving while sitting on the open sided carriages. It's a perfect experience for families and anyone wanting to enjoy beautiful nature with a touch of nostalgia.
Not to lose! We recommend the “Combined Tour”
Maria C,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our group of 11 people chose the combined tour, i.e. Puffing Billy in the morning and Penguins in the afternoon and it was a great decision! The whole day went as planned, with the kindness of the company that facilitated us a pick up at 7.10 am at the Hotel, which allowed us to take breakfast, before departure. The morning guide was attentive and provided the necessary explanations accompanying us to the train and returning with us to Melbourne. We can confirm that this is a very fun experience, in the middle of a green landscape and beautiful mountain houses. In the afternoon our guide Jules, enthusiastic and dynamic, led us to Philipe Island, stunned us with an amazing walk by the sea and finally explained everything we should know about the penguins and their return to the beach, a moment so much awaited by all visitors! Congratulations Go West Tour for the excellent organization of both Tours! But, no doubt a very special thanks to Jules, for his dedication, accompaniment and caring dispensed! It was a wonderful day that, despite being long, will leave us unforgettable memories forever!
Puffing Billy and the Yarra Valley
Kenton J,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a beautiful day out for a drive through the Dandenong Ranges with a short ride on Puffing Billy. Then after lunch a stroll through the redwoods and a stop at a Yarra Valley winery was a nice way to finish the tour before returning to Melbourne. Robbo was a great driver and guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the areas covered during the tour.
Fabulous experience on The Puffing Billy Train
9427Lisa,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the Puffing Billy experience today with our guide Gumnut & Jools. What a fabulous day!!!! Such a thrill to hang your feet over the side and watch the beautiful countryside go by. Our guide Jools was amazing, great commentary and organisation from her even going out of her way to find us kangaroos after the tour on the way back! 11 out of 10, a must do for anyone loving trains.
Fun experience
Filly43,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend go west tours ,friendly tour guides made the trip very enjoyable, comfy coaches ,fantastic experience overall
Puffing Billy
Filomena M,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely recommend family friendly. Worth the money Will definitely be doing this tour again and go west tours was excellent
Half.day Puffy Billy train experience
Magng,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and enjoyable.steam train experience..1st time travelling with Go West..No regrets taking the half-day tour as i have my afternoon to complete 2 more attractions of my own using the Klook pass. My driver and guide is Jess from Go West. She is an excellent, patient .very assuring and funny guide. Overall, good service from Jess and GoWest.
Worth the trip with Puffing Billy.
B8559ZNchristinaw,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Being 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
5.00It 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.
From A$179.00
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Operated by Go West Tours