Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

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Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

Escape Melbourne on an unforgettable adventure with the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour. Begin at Grants Picnic Ground, where native birdlife and serene rainforest trails await. Then, board the iconic Puffing Billy Railway at Belgrave Station, and feel the thrill as you dangle your legs over open carriages during a magical one-hour journey through lush forests. At Lakeside Station, explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre, discover steam train history, and enjoy lunch (own expense) surrounded by picturesque views. Perfect for nature and history lovers, this tour promises timeless memories for all ages.

*At times train may operate in reverse

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

1 hour train journey on Puffing Billy

Return transfers to/from Melbourne in modern vehicle

Friendly & informative guide

Lunch is available to purchase from a local cafe

Beverages are available to purchase from a local cafe

What To Expect

1

Grants Picnic Ground

Discover native birdlife and tranquil rainforest trails at Grants Picnic Ground, a serene escape in the Dandenong Ranges. This includes travel time from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges

1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Not Applicable
2

Board Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station, a historic steam train that whisks you into the heart of the rainforest.

15 minutesAdmission Not Applicable

Options

Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

Reviews

4.75

24 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

19
4
1
0
0
  • Need to relook at Tour Itinerary

    Ferhan F,

    Jun 19, 2025

    - Viator

    3.00

    I’d like to share some feedback following our recent Puffing Billy experience. Firstly, the train ride itself was absolutely delightful. The charming vintage locomotive, the gentle chugging of the engine, and the mist of steam against the cool air made for a truly nostalgic and unforgettable journey. It’s an experience I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting the area. That said, there were a few aspects of the tour that I believe could be improved for future participants: 1. Rainforest Walk – In my view, this segment felt unnecessary. With only around 20 minutes allocated, there wasn’t enough time to appreciate the surroundings properly, and the trail wasn’t ideal for older guests. Omitting this portion could allow the tour to focus more meaningfully on the Puffing Billy experience itself. 2. Lunch Stop Logistics – After the train ride, we were given 90 minutes for lunch and a restroom break. Unfortunately, the stop was extremely crowded. It took 15–20 minutes just to access the ladies’ restroom, and queues for food were long. To make matters worse, meals required a 30–45 minute wait, which wasn’t feasible given our tight timeline. This part of the day felt rushed and stressful, and we couldn’t enjoy it properly. Had I known in advance, I might’ve preferred arranging the trip independently — booking tickets online and going at our own pace. I hope this feedback proves helpful in enhancing future tour experiences. Thank you for organising what was, overall, a memorable day.

  • Excellent guide (Loki was...

    Catalina R,

    Jun 19, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    Excellent guide (Loki was very dynamic, delivered the information entertainingly and clearly), the overall experience was neat and punctual. I would have liked to spend more time in during the jungle walk, but the rest all very well.

  • Great experience from the...

    Emily V,

    Jun 17, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Great experience from the moment we were picked up, tour guide was lovely and held a lot of knowledge

  • This IS your grandfather’s railroad!

    Christopher P,

    Jun 9, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    Don’t let the brusque messages from the business put you off: Mark was a kind and generous guide, making the most of our Puffing Bully experience. This tour is largely transport to and from Melbourne – necessary as the station is over an hour from the CBD, and especially so if not booking a return trip on the train. But a brief stop in a nearby Mountain Ash park made the train experience more meaningful, and Mark was more than generous in assisting with photographs. The train itself was marvelous. Stick your feet out of the window, even if it’s raining. Not just for the kids!

  • Our tour guide Matt was...

    kathy d,

    May 23, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Our tour guide Matt was absolutely amazing. He made our journey. I highly recommend this tour. Puffin Billy is a wonderful experience. It's such a great vibe. Healsville Sanctuary is also must.

From AUD 169

4.75
24 reviews