Melbourne · PUFFING BILLY STEAM TRAIN TOURS
An hour east, a century-old steam railway and open carriages you can still hang your legs out of. These 15 compare the run you get, the wildlife-sanctuary pairing and whether transport from the city is included.
Spend eight hours beyond Melbourne on a guided day trip with Puffing Billy, Emerald Lake, Healesville Sanctuary, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Expect an English-speaking driver-guide, central CBD pickup, a scenic steam-train ride, Australian wildlife, and free time for lunch.
“Guide was there for us every step of the way. Great tour for the money.”
Ride the historic Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, walk around Emerald Lake, visit the Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, and Nathan add local stories, wildlife tips, and practical help throughout the long day.
“I had a lovely day filled with 2 very exciting activities. Lorraine, our tour guide, really made sure we got the full experience. Thank you!”
Leave Melbourne by minibus for a one-hour Puffing Billy steam-train ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, followed by two hours at Healesville Sanctuary. Expect rainforest views, open-sided carriages, koalas, kangaroos, birds of prey, and a friendly English-speaking guide such as Gary, Stuart, or Anthony.
“We had an amazing time Stuart as a tour guide was fantastic”
Join Explore Australia for a 12-hour trip from Melbourne with guides such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Bring warm layers and consider the Penguin Plus upgrade.
“Nathan was amazing! Super knowledgeable and was really friendly. Thank you for making this trip one of our main highlights of Melbourne.”
Travel from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges for a Puffing Billy steam-train ride, Emerald Lake, Healesville Sanctuary, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. The small-group tour includes entries, WiFi, air-conditioning, and coffee or tea. Guides such as Peter, Matt, Emily, and Graeme add local stories along the way.
“This is a great day trip from Melbourne because it covers some pretty exciting spots in southern Melbourne. If you’re looking for a day trip that’s shorter than the great ocean road or Philip island this would be an ideal choice. Our guide Graham was fantastic and very patient and understanding with all the passengers. Highly recommend!”
Join Wine Hop And Coastal Tours for an approximately 11-hour trip from Melbourne to Puffing Billy, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, and Russel lead the day, with train admission, park entry, transport, and Penguin Parade admission included.
“From the time we were picked up with guide Lorraine it was a very interesting and fun day. The Puffing Billy train raid was like going back in time and the hour went by fast. On the drive to Phillip Island Lorraine told us a lot about the Island and the animals living there and of course about the penguins. Before we saw the penguin parade we drove around and got to see wallabies, geese and we were lucky enough to see a penguin in his burrow. The penguin parade was very interesting, seeing the penguins in real life.”
Join Go West Tours for a six-hour Melbourne outing with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned coach, and a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside. You will cross the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, visit Emerald Lake Park, and return near Flinders Street around 1:15 PM.
“Bree was so kind and made our Puffing Billy tour incredibly fun! I really enjoyed the whole experience. I joined the afternoon Penguin Parade tour by myself, but Ben was so friendly and attentive that I had a great time. I’m really glad I got to be guided by both Bree and Ben – they made the experience so much fun and gave me some lovely memories.”
Ride Puffing Billy’s open-sided carriages through rainforest, visit Grants Picnic Ground for native birds and a short walk, then explore Lakeside Visitor Centre. An English-speaking guide such as Gina, Mark, or Michael handles the transport and train arrangements. Bring warm layers, water, and snacks.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the day trip. Gina was a brilliant tour guide, very friendly and accommodating. An efficient half day tour, you're back in the CBD by 1pm-2pm to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Our only, slight, comment would be that there is in inequality of views depending which side of the carriage you sit on. Whilst both have nice views, one is significantly better. This is no fault of Gina's, of course, however perhaps she could suggest to all of those in the carriage that it would be polite to switch sides half way around so everyone can enjoy the view over the valleys.”
Travel from central Melbourne to Grants Picnic Ground, ride Puffing Billy for an hour with its famous open-sided carriage style, then visit Healesville Sanctuary. Guides such as Gerry, Andy, Mark, Margaret, and Stewart add local stories, while the bird show and kangaroo encounters are worth your time.
“The Puffing Billy train ride is unique and fun. We also loved the Healesville Sanctuary and seeing all the koalas, kangaroos and other unique animals there. It is beautifully laid out and feels like you are just out walking in a lovely natural area. Our guide Lucky was great and made the tour very enjoyable.”
Spend about 12 hours linking three Victorian highlights: a Puffing Billy steam-train ride, The Nobbies coastal boardwalk, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Guides such as Daniel and William are praised for clear timing and useful viewing tips. Maru Koala and Animal Park is optional for AUD $33.
“A lot to do in one day but we really enjoyed the experience.”
Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave through the Dandenong Ranges in open-sided heritage carriages, then visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre and Emerald Lake Park. Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. Guides have included Robbo, Bluey, Mel, and Simon.
“Fun day enjoying a panoramic drive thru Melbourne country side to visit the historic Puffin Billy train. The approximately 1 hour ride in the restored authentic train cars was exciting and joyful for kids and children alike. Yes, as shown in the promRead more”
Join a driver-guide such as Angel, Steven, Tony, or Alex for a long but well-planned day from Melbourne. You’ll photograph Brighton’s beach boxes, ride Puffing Billy, visit the Nobbies, and watch little penguins return to shore. Maru Koala and Animal Park may be added if the train schedule allows.
“Everything was perfect! Guide Angel is so good and kind!”
Join Wild OZ Adventures for a long, full-day trip from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley, Puffing Billy, and Phillip Island. Taste wine and chocolate, add Maru wildlife park if timing allows, then watch the Penguin Parade. Choose a shared coach or a Mercedes-Benz minibus for up to 16 people.
“Fantastic day tour and fun experience with the tour guide who was nice and professionally taking care of us.”
Travel from central Melbourne to Grants Picnic Ground, then board the historic Puffing Billy steam train at Belgrave. Your guide handles transport and timing while you enjoy open-carriage views, rainforest scenery, and free time at Lakeside. Guides may include Gina, Stuart, Alan, Margaret, or Gerry.
“Jerry was a fantastic guide, full of knowledge and general information. We did the half day tour and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Pick up in the city was a breeze and Jerry did an absolutely awesome job with some grid lock in the city to drop us back only meters from our door.”
Leave Melbourne CBD with guide Jay or Joe for a private half-day trip into the Dandenong Ranges. Walk among Mountain Ash and tree ferns, stop for lunch in Kallista, visit Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, and finish at the award-winning Australian Garden.
“Traveling with Jay was great! Really cool to have a personalized tour and learn more about the areas history. Would definitely recommend for a half day trip.”
Pick a direction out of the city.
