About the Tour

Half-Day Puffing Billy Tour

Start your day the right way, with this laid-back half-day tour from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges. Climb aboard a heritage steam train in the Dandenong Ranges, where history meets nature. Enjoy this unique experience through the pretty Australian woodland on the famous Puffing Billy steam train! Enjoy native Australian wildlife in its natural habitat and ride this vintage train through the lush green ferns of the Dandenong Ranges.

Tour Details

Operates: Daily

Departs: 9:00am

Returns: 2:30pm

Important Information

Child prices are available for children aged 4 – 15 years. Infants under 3 years require a booster seat, please advise age at time of booking

Highlights

Experience the legendary Puffing Billy steam train
Spot native Australian wildlife in its natural habitat
Take in the peaceful rainforest views
Explore the cultural heritage of Victoria’s most iconic steam train
Enjoy a relaxing stroll amidst an enchanting rainforest

Itinerary

Half-Day Puffing Billy Tour Itinerary

Your tour starts in the morning, where you’ll head from Melbourne to our first stop, the Grants Picnic Reserve. Here, you’ll get your first taste of the enchanting Dandenong Ranges National Park! Stroll through the pretty forest before we head to the train station.

Then, we arrive at the Puffing Billy Railway station in Belgrave. You’ll have a chance to pick up a coffee and a snack at Belgrave before climbing aboard this charming steam train.

Enjoy this train ride through the lush green ferns of the Dandenong Rainforest and admire the pretty scenery from the sides of the train. You can also dangle your legs from the side of the train for an immersive experience through the rainforest.

After this charming train ride through the beautiful rainforest scenery, you’ll arrive at the Lakeside Visitor Centre.

Enjoy this bright, airy Visitor Centre and tuck into some lunch from their on-site café, which sells a whole range of yummy lunch options, from burgers to afternoon tea (own expense).

Take a walk through one of the walking trails around Emerald Lake Park and spot some of the native Australian birdlife and wildlife that roam around the forest! Spot rosellas and cockatoos as they glide between the trees. Wander around the Visitor Centre and explore the historical artefacts, where you’ll learn about the history and heritage of Puffing Billy.

What's Included?

Puffing Billy Historic Steam Train ticket
National park fees
Transport on a comfortable bus
Central Melbourne pick-up and drop-off
Friendly and informative local guide

Pickup Locations

Location	Address	Time
Mercure Melbourne Southbank	9 Riverside Quay, Southbank	7:25 AM
Regent Theatre	191 Collins St	7:35 AM
Her Majesty’s Theatre	219 Exhibition St	7:45 AM
Mail Exchange Hotel	688 Bourke St	8:00 AM