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
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.
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
225 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Antique Steam Train
kanlayaneeb2022,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and relaxing suitable for everyone.
Nice experience of Steam Train
bkA2114LU,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mike is wonderful and friendly
Wonderful Steam Train ride
bkA2114LU,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mike is a wonderful and good. Vey friendly!
Beautiful...absolutely worth it
Scenic44098190915,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely memorable experience with Jools and Gumnut (our tour guides ;) ) The Dandenong forest is breathtakingly beautiful and the tour is just the right length of time.
Puffing Billy a must have experience
shuvjitm,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Puffing Billy tour was fun. A different experience which takes you back to your childhood sitting in a steam engine pulled train with legs dangling. Aleks was our driver cum guide for the tour and she was pretty good.
Ben was fantastic as a...
Joan L,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Ben was fantastic as a driver and guide for the half day tour. Puffing Billy experience was fun and unique and good way to spend the morning. I will say the price of this tour is literally just getting a round trip ride there and back and the ticket for the train. You don’t really do much else so the price of this tour is a bit high in my personal opinion. With that being said, given it’s next to impossible to get a ticket for Puffing Billy inidividually, this is something I’d recommend doing if you really want to see the train.
Nice To experience
chunhok667,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice experience and good view!
Alisha is an Absolute Gem!
50abooda,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an incredible day at Puffing Billy, all thanks to Alisha! She is an amazing guide who is incredibly knowledgeable and explains everything perfectly. I actually lose track of the bus for a few minutes, but Alisha found me with a massive smile and made me feel completely at ease. Her warmth, professionalism, and wonderful attitude made the entire day unforgettable. If you get Alisha as your guide, you are in the best hands.
Highly Recommend. Fantastic tour and Awesome Guide Aleks!
sulochanan18,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing experience with Go West Tours! Aleks, our tour operator, was absolutely fantastic. She made everyone feel so welcome from the very start. She shared so much interesting information about Melbourne and Puffing Billy and even recommended some really cool cafes and places to explore. Her personality was warm, charming, and super engaging, which made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Everything was well-organized. she was punctual, professional, and communicated clearly throughout the day. Highly recommend this tour, especially if you get Aleks as your guide!
A fun family experience especially with kids. Thoroughly enjoyable, well organised with some great photo moments.
rohanino,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyable and fun family experience. It’s well organised and a great family bonding opportunity. The kids will love it. There are some fine photo moments along the way and the conductor in every bogey is a knowledgeable and fab tour guide. This is a definite must do when travelling with family in Melbourne.
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Operated by Go West Tours