Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour
Overview
Available languages
Experience the scenic Yarra Valley on the Puffing Billy train. This full-day trip takes you through the Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake, the Healesville Sanctuary Zoo, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. This trip starts and ends near Southern Cross Station in the Melbourne CBD.
Description
Duration: 8 hours
PICK UP TIME ranges between 8am – 10am
DROP OFF TIME ranges between 4pm – 6pm
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Stop At: Emerald Lake, Emerald, Victoria 3782 Australia
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around beautiful Emerald Lake.
Stop At: Puffing Billy Playground, 13 Kilvington Dr cnr Heroes Avenue, Emerald, Victoria 3782 Australia
Hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train for a scenic ride from Belgrave to Emerald Lake.
Stop At: Healesville Sanctuary, Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville, Victoria 3777 Australia
Explore the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander at your leisure. You can also purchase your lunch here.
Stop At: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, 35 Old Healesville Rd Cnr Melba Highway, Yarra Glen, Victoria 3775 Australia
Make your way to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for free tastings and chocolate shopping.
Please meet Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street Melbourne.
Please note, this tour is NOT suitable for cruise passengers due to tour timings.
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entry to ride Puffing Billy (Belgrave to Emerald Lake)
Entry to Healesville Sanctuary
Entry to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Entry to Emerald Lake
What's not included
All food and beverage is excluded
Please note:
Pick up location and times to be confirmed by the company once booking completed 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation more than 48 hours prior to a tour departure will result in a full refund of the tour fare. (less credit card fee charged if applicable).
Cancellation inside 48 hours of tour departure or failure to take up a booked tour will result in the full fare being forfeited.
Meeting points
Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street Melbourne
Options
Reviews
443 reviews
Train/Sanctuary
Diane S,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well worth it!!! Our trip was well paced and interesting throughout. Puffing Billy was a fun & unique experience. We had plenty of time to eat & explore before heading to the Healesville Sanctuary. The drive there covered some beautiful countryside. The Sanctuary itself was great. We were able to see most of it in the time allotted. I thought the ice cream/chocolate stop was unusual; but when we actually got there, it was awesome. We loaded up on chocolate to take home. Our guide, Peter was fabulous! Courteous, professional, funny, helpful & very clear about timelines. My only negative is that the coach has very tight seating if you’re tall. Other than that, a great day.
Terrible service Unbelievable terrible annoying and would not recommend to anyone And the minimum 100 characters is a wa
Peter O,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00It was canceled with minimal notice and ZERO explanation very very very bad what more do You need to know
Tour cancelled
Lesley B,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour was cancelled with one days notice no explanation so I can’t comment on how good or bad it was
Do this!!
Ellen C,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the best excursion we have done in Melbourne. The train, sanctuary, and chocolate experience was top drawer. Don’t miss the bird show at the sanctuary. Our driver/guide Emily brought so much positive energy that up lifted the day and made it fun.
A perfect day and tour!
WindsorTenor,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From pick up to drop off a perfect tour. Our driver (horrible with names but I think Ellie) was amazing. All kind of information and so much energy! Of course both Puffing Billy and the Sanctuary lived up to their reputation. Well done!
Day Out from Melbourne
David W,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00A well organised day to visit the wonderful Puffin Billy Railway . About an hour from Melbourne we had time for a comfort stop before departing . A trip of 1 hour was plenty to take us to Lakeside Station . There was a good cafe,shop & lakeside walk before we departed Our next stop was Healesville Sanctuary about 50 minutes away The sanctuary was set in a forest location and showcased a large number of Australia's indigenous creatures. Really would have appreciated more time there to get the full experience ! Michael our driver and guide was very good and kept us informed throughout the day on local sights & history Would thoroughly recommend this trip
Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour
zeashanh2025,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary tour and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience as a family. Our driver and guide, Peter, was excellent — friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. He kept the day well organised and made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. The itinerary was well planned, the locations were beautiful, and it was a memorable day for both adults and kids. We truly appreciated Peter’s effort in keeping things running smoothly and ensuring everyone had a great time. The only downside was that a few passengers did not return to the bus on time at some stops, which caused unnecessary delays and wasn’t fair on the rest of the group who were punctual. This, however, was no fault of the driver or the tour itself. Overall, a wonderful experience and highly recommended. Thank you to Peter for a great day!
Memorable Family Day
Maria P,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun, wholesome experience to share with family. With all the driving taken care of, you can truly relax to just sit back and enjoy the scenery as you’re taken from stop to stop. Each location allowed plenty of time to explore and appreciate what made it special, without ever feeling rushed. My family and I had a wonderful day from start to finish.
Super fun day trip from Melbourne
Lakshminarayan B,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary tour was simply excellent. It began with a unique and vintage train experience followed by a serene walk around a lake, a date with diverse wildlife species, a special bird show and chocolate and ice cream for dessert all in the expansive Yarra Valley. The tour began at 830 am ended at 6 pm, was efficient and still offered a lot. Special thanks to our driver and guide Adam who made the day even better with his warm and friendly attitude. Must do in #MELB…
Firstly, our guide Peter...
Oliver H,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Firstly, our guide Peter was great. Highly professional and informative providing just the right amount of commentary. Puffing Billy was a really fun experience as was the wildlife sanctuary. The Ice cream/chocolate stop was very busy and whilst nice was the weakest part of the day.
From A$230.00
Melbourne, Australia
- Free cancellation
Reserve Now & Pay Later - available
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