Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne
Overview
Available languages
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
What To Expect
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
Board Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station, a historic steam train that whisks you into the heart of the rainforest.
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
Pickup points
Mercure Melbourne Southbank
9 Riverside Quay, Southbank Melbourne Australia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne
Pickup included
Reviews
124 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was an amazing...
Jessica L,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing experience. Highly recommended! Dangling my legs on the Puffing Billy was definitely one of my most memorable moments.
Vacation bucket list complete
Muhamad A,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.005out of 5 . I really enjoyed to ride the old train it’s fell like olden days and it’s worth it also make my days. I love it much.
Nice day activity
Nicole M,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was nice to visit the beautiful region and the train was a unique experience. Nice for adults but I think a very fun activity for children.
Very well organised by...
Lionel C,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organised by Explore Australia. Pick up and the tour was on time. The driver was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Awesome ride!
Josephine B,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was absolutely worth it. Our tour guide, Nathan was an awesome bloke. Friendly and quite knowledgeable on the area. The mini bus was comfortable, neat and tidy. Loved the small hike st the beginning before riding the train. Train ride was great! Did this nearing winter and the air was crisp - love the views! Would definitely recommend for anyone planning to do something in Melbourne. Shouldn't miss this!
A fun and enjoyable family adventure especially with kids
rohanino,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fun day outing with family, especially with kids. It was a nice experience with many photo moments along the journey. The knowledgeable and vocal conductor is an added attraction.
Very nice experience :)
Kiara I,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Matt was very knowledgeable and accommodated to everyone’s vibes- if you wanted to chat you could, but you could also relax in silence which was nice. He also communicated very clearly about the schedule and places we were going, and he still gave us an hour to explore after the Puffing Billy even though the boarding was delayed. Matt also got some really nice videos of the group on the train, so that was a very nice bonus and showed real professional care. The experience on the Puffing Billy was probably the highlight of our trip, the views were very pretty and the experience was unique. I would recommend having some wriggle time for any plans you might make after the guide, as in our experience, the Puffing Billy was almost an hour delayed due to a safety concern, although typically you wouldn’t have to wait that long. The staff at the Puffing Billy communicated very clearly and were very polite.
Had an amazing trip. Will book with anytime again.
Sri Lakshmi T,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing trip with a small group. Darren was amazing, very professional and engaging. Walked with us in the rainforest explaining and engaging. Saw cute koalas, Kengaroos etc in the healesville sanctuary. He took a video of us from a specific place beating the train. It was a very fun and great experience. One tip if you wear light colored clothes the chars from the steam train may fall on your clothes, ofcourse u can wash them away later. If you want valley view sit towards the platform side (preferred) and for mountain view sit on the other side.
Wow factor awesome day out
sue u,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour I would recommend if travelling with children, great experience I had with my grandson . I enjoyed it as well being a nanna.
Puffing Billy Railway with Troy
khilnarayans,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shout out to our Guide Troy!! Very fun, pleasant and knowledgeable person. Someone mixed up our ticketing but Troy was very thoughtful and fixed the the issue and turned our day trip into more fun and adventure. When in Melbourne, just ask for Troy if you want to go to Puffing Billing Railway.
Related Experiences
Operated by Explore Australia Tours