Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

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 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

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

Options

Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

Pickup included

Reviews

4.71

92 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We loved the open-sided...
Jayrajsinh C,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We loved the open-sided carriages — dangling our legs out the side (safely, of course!) while winding through towering ferns, rainforests, and over wooden trestle bridges was incredibly fun and gave us stunning views of the scenery. The one-hour journey (typically Belgrave to Lakeside or similar) was perfectly paced, with friendly volunteer staff and conductors who shared interesting facts about the railway's history. Booking via Viator made everything seamless: reliable pickup/drop-off from Melbourne, a knowledgeable guide Matty who kept things organised and entertaining, and no hassle with tickets. The tour was well-coordinated, with plenty of photo stops and time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Puffing Billy- a fun trip
Owen S,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Make sure you get there early to enjoy the gift shop and be able to look around the station before boarding.
It was great. Tour guide...
James W,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was great. Tour guide was very friendly! The train ride was also a good length and lots of nature & sights.
Enjoyable but could have been better
Linda J,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00
Despite the instructions saying the tour wouldn’t wait for latecomers it did and we left Melbourne 30 mins late. Then traffic was heavy which meant we couldn’t stop at the park before the train. The train itself turned out to be a diesel not a steam train (as it was pulling 12 carriages all full). It would have been nice to know in advance it was a diesel especially as the guide gave a spiel about the old steam trains. The stop at Emerald Lake was an hour only , no add on time despite being late starting. The guide and driver were good and the trip itself on the train nice but it could have been better if we had started on time.
Good if you get a better guide
chloesC7141HQ,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
The steam train was amazing! However the tour guide we had, was not good with questionable driving at points and bad advice. Was not made to feel welcome. He advised we take a walk along the trail. The trail had many paths and myself and another guest got lost. Felt like an inconvenience to the guide which made me as a solo traveller feel very isolated. Tour guide was quite condescending and it did not feel like he wanted to be there. I was really looking forward to this excursion and feel very let down by the guide.
Gina was awesome! So...
Jordana J,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Gina was awesome! So knowledgeable and really made me feel comfortable being solo. All in all great experience, will be taking all my family when they come to visit!
A fun time!
Rachael O,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great tour! Our tour guide was amazing, you can really tell she loves the environment she's teaching about! She made sure everyone was comfortable and informed of all our options! The train was fun, definitely a cool experience waving at all the spectators!
Puffing Billy
Debby H,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Quiet, easy trip. We enjoyed seeing the birds in the rainforest and the train through the countryside. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. Overall a good tour for a quiet day.
Margaret who drove us was...
Sandra G,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Margaret who drove us was fantastic, so friendly and very knowledgeable about the area. The train journey was great
Great fun day out
Orla D,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great fun experience! Staff all wonderful & helpful, train journey stunning going through woodlands & beautiful rainforest areas. Visitor centre is very well appointed & organised & food was good. Would def recommend!