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
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
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
Options
Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne
Pickup included
Reviews
105 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Puffing Away
William M,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip….sanctuary was great, Puffing Billy was an experience and the chocolatier was wonderful. Margaret was a great guide….
Extremely interesting and variety plus
Jennifer C,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My experience was Good from pickup to drop off. The add of knowledge of our guide together with "being human skills" walking in tge shoes of the tourist on stops making sure all were accounted for
Puffing Billy Fun
Julie H,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a fantastic time. Was picked up in an easy to find place in the city by an awesome young man, Nathan. Our first stop was Grant’s Picnic Grounds where we went on a short bush walk, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and bird wildlife. We were then taken to the Puffing Billy Train Station and Nathan escorted us to a train carriage and ensured we all had good positions. The train ride was so fun with our legs dangling out the train carriage. Nathan drove to a crossing and took a video of us as the train went by. We arrived at Lakeside Station and went for a walk around the lake which was beautiful, breathing in the clean air. We returned back to Melbourne city at around 1pm. My daughter and I had a wonderful time, thank you Nathan.😊😊
Puffing Billy Dandenongs tour with Explore Australia
Beth B,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour guide - Michael was friendly, informative, and took us safely to and from our destination. He also took photos of us and gave relevant local advice. Thanks, Michael! Tour ran on time (in fact, we left 8 minutes early as everyone was ready to go!) with no issues. Tour bus was new, clean and comfortable. Great way to see the Dandenongs and go on the Puffing Billy if you don't want to drive.
Avoid this company.
Buffy011,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Explore Australia is very unsympathetic and has unreasonable conditions. I would definitely avoid them.
The experience was good,...
WENGHONG S,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was good, mostly. However, it would be a bit better if the guide can lead us to walk part of the trail and introducing more jungle information to us.
Enjoy rhe extreme beaty of the rainforest and fascinating history
MartiBrown,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had so muchFun! Thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful rainforest landscape and the fascinating history!
It was an okay trip. The guide was very nice and enthusiastic. The ride was to get there was long and the rainforest a
roz,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The ride to get there was long and the called train ride too short. Upon reflection felt it was gimmicky.. The tour guide was great and very enthusiastic!
Great trip! Must do in Melbourne!
Kerri M,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was absolutely amazing. The guides are so nice and it was a great experience for our family. I highly recommend this trip to anyone in Melbourne!
Happy Birthday to me.
fionak487,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour met all my expections from pick up to drop off it was a fun day out. I would recommend this tour if you wanted to live a nostalgic day in the Dandenong's. The train was quaint, and not the most comfortable but it is 100 years old. The only thing I was disappointed about was the scenery itself, I thought we would be travelling in more remote type bushland, but we did in fact see housing for most of the journey. In saying all that worth a look if you have never been.
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Operated by Explore Australia Tours