Melbourne · TRAIN EXPERIENCES
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 train trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
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.”
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 14-hour Melbourne day tour with air-conditioned transport, a Puffing Billy steam train ride, Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Guides including Evan Wu and Lei have led departures in Chinese and English. Standard penguin viewing is included, but Maru entry costs extra.
“Our tour guide, Evan Wu, was responsible and had a great sense of humor. The whole trip was well-organized and very enjoyable. We watched the amazing penguin parade and rode the exciting and scenic Puffing Billy Railway.”
Spend about 12 hours on a guided trip from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. English and Chinese guides, including John and Tony, lead the day. The optional Maru animal park costs extra, and dinner is not included.
“Driver was inconsiderate to my grandfathers mobility issues and parked very far at the penguin parade despite there being open spots closer which upset my grandfather who insisted we go on without him so he didn’t get to properly enjoy the experience or see any penguins.”
Board the Q Train at Drysdale Railway Station for a three-hour private meal for two. Expect five courses made with local produce, a drink pairing with each course, Swan Bay views, and tea or barista-made coffee afterward. Select services use Queenscliff Station instead.
“The food and service were very good. The dining conditions exceptionally clean and comfortable. The use of locally sourced food and beverages is commendable. Parking at the Drysdale station is a little scarce and the area provided shoRead more”
Spend about 12 hours exploring two Victorian highlights with a licensed guide. Ride Puffing Billy for one hour, visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre and The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Guides such as Darren, Gina, Stewart, Cat, and Leelee are praised for attentive help.
“We had an amazing day on Puffing Billy and Penguins wildlife tour. Gina, our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful the whole day through. Puffing Billy is an amazing experience and watching hundreds of penguins come in from tRead more”
Ride the restored Q Train from Drysdale toward Queenscliff and back while enjoying five courses made with Bellarine produce. You’ll hear about local makers, watch the countryside and Swan Bay pass by, and buy wine, beer, cider, tea, coffee, or soft drinks separately.
“Train moves slowly and stops a couple of times to stretch legs. Staff were friendly and helpful, food was lovely and well prepared and presented.”
Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English and Chinese-speaking guide. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train, visit the Nobbies, stop in Cowes, and watch little penguins come ashore. The Maru Koala and Animal Park is optional and costs extra. Guides may include Ken or David Chen.
“Manjša skupina, prijazen in ustrežljiv vodič. V enen dnevu smo obiskali in videli veliko stvari.”
Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train, visit the Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Air-conditioned transport, a guide, train fare, and standard Penguin Parade viewing are included. Maru Animal Park costs extra, and some departures are primarily in Mandarin.
“Just know this is a primarily Chinese tour but the guide is amazing and translates everything for you. This was the only tour I found that offers train, koalas and penguins parade and that was a big factor in why we chose it. The animal park is a separate admission of $33AUD and additional $30 if you want to get up close to the koalas. That was literally just to take pictures while petting it and no other show or commentary with that. But feeding the kangaroos was quite amazing along with other up close animals. The penguins was not what I expected but overall still an amazing and unforgettable…”
Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned coach with an English and Chinese-speaking guide, ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit coastal Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s little penguins return after sunset. Brighton Beach or Maru may replace one stop depending on timing.
“Good guide, very good service. His advices were key during the trip to get the best experience. Really happy with the trip in general. The train is the best part. Bring proper clothes, you will need it for the Penguin Parade.”
Pick a direction out of the city.
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train - Puffing Billy and the sound of a working steam engine](https://6.lovingmelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/private-tour-healesville-sanctuary-wildlife-puffing-billy-steam-train.jpg)
