Melbourne · PUFFING BILLY TOURS

The 15 Best Puffing Billy Tours from Melbourne

36 tours  ·  from $29 a head

A century-old steam train through the fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, legs hanging over the side. These 15 options run from the plain train ticket to full days that add a wildlife park or the penguins.

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Taking a breather at Emerald Lake
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

1.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162Our pick

From central Melbourne, ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake, then visit Healesville Sanctuary and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Your English-speaking guide handles the driving and day’s schedule. The $162 price includes transport and admission to the train, sanctuary and chocolaterie, but not lunch or extra treats.

“Tom was very informative and attentive. Enjoyed the day and felt looked after”

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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - What the ride feels like
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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

2.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29Best value

Ride a heritage steam train on Puffing Billy Railway’s original mountain track through the Dandenong Ranges, about an hour east of Melbourne. Choose a journey beginning at Belgrave or Lakeside, meet the railway’s volunteer staff, and, on the Belgrave to Lakeside section, try the traditional legs-out window seat. The journey lasts 2 to 4 hours.

“Beautiful train and beautiful scenery. Staff is highly skilled and very knowledgeable about the train and will tell you all about it if you want to know. Definitely worth it, highly recommend!”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Emerald Lake: a welcome breather
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

3.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend 12 hours combining a Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave, a break at Emerald Lake, coastal views at the Nobbies and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Return transport from Melbourne CBD and train and parade tickets are included. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry and Nathan have led the tour, though your guide may vary.

“Lorraine was a great guide. She was very knowledgeable and explained all about the penguins and the history about the train. Would you 100% recommend this trip!”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - Puffing Billy’s open-sided carriages
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

4.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Leave Melbourne by coach for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages and a chance to dangle your legs outside. After a break at the Lakeside Visitor Centre, spend about two hours at Healesville Sanctuary seeing Australian wildlife. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with audio guides in 12 other languages.

“It was amazing! Such an unforgettable experience to expose legs and hands outside the train. Good to know the history about steamed train in Larkside Centre. Finally, Thanks Darren for his great drive and photos haha.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Starting in central Melbourne
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

5.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

This 12-hour guided trip pairs a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, or the reverse, with The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Your English-speaking guide handles the long transfers and shares local wildlife tips. General parade entry is included; Penguin Plus viewing may be available as an upgrade.

“Excellent long but very enjoyable day out. Puffing Billy train ride was superb. Tour Company has their own reserved carriage. Phillip Island was excellent but very very windy. Take plenty of warm clothing as it gets very cold. Unfortunately no photos allowed of the Penguins!! Our guide Jose was excellent throughout”

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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Puffing Billy: the main event
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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

6.Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $163

From central Melbourne, this eight-hour tour combines Puffing Billy’s steam train ride from Belgrave to Emerald Lake with free time at the lake, Healesville Sanctuary, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Your guide handles the driving, and coffee and tea, WiFi, and admission are included. Guides have included Bonnie, Peter, Matt, and Emily.

“Steam train good fun for all ages Sanctuary was very enjoyable Nathan our driver was excellent We were glad we didn't have to travel with the first bus that arrived as the driver was as miserable as sin and just left us in the pouring rain”

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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour - From the forest to the Nobbies
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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

7.Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 351 reviews · from $171

Spend about 11 hours travelling from Melbourne to Puffing Billy, the Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. The tour includes transport, entry fees and a guide; food and drinks are extra. Guides vary, with Lorraine, Terry and Matt among the names associated with engaging commentary. Expect a full day, late finish and plenty of time outdoors.

“A very good trip driver was helpful and knowledgeable which made the trip the puffing billy train ride was most enjoyable and to see penguins in the wild was fantastic”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - Belgrave Station and the wait for the train
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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

8.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 6 hours - 1 day · from $126

Travel by air-conditioned coach from central Melbourne to Belgrave, then ride Puffing Billy for an hour through ferny gullies and across Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. You’ll have time at Emerald Lake Park before returning to the city around 1:15 pm. Guides such as Robbo, Lisa, Jess, and Jono have brought the route to life with local stories and practical help.

“It was an amazing experience, especially thanks to our driver Rhye, who brought great energy, passionate knowledge about the city, and excellent recommendations.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour - A brief woodland pause at Grants Picnic Ground
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

9.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 6 hours · from $107

Leave Melbourne by coach for Grants Picnic Ground, then ride Puffing Billy for about an hour through the Dandenong Ranges. You can sit with your legs outside the open carriage, spot native birds, and visit Lakeside’s railway displays. English-speaking guides have included Gina, Mark and Margaret, though your guide may differ.

“Great day. Our guide was very informative and enthusiastic. The stop at the picnic grounds with the short bushwalk was a good extra. Being able to sit on the windows towards the outside of the train was a great experience.”

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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne - Free Time at Lakeside
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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

10.1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · from $157

Travel from central Melbourne by air-conditioned bus to Grants Picnic Ground, ride Puffing Billy for an hour, then visit Healesville Sanctuary. The day also includes free time at Lakeside and a scenic Yarra Valley drive. Train and sanctuary entry are included; lunch is extra. Guides vary, with past guides including Andy, Margaret and Mark.

“Amazing tour!! We loved it!!! The train was so funny and interesting. The view was incredible. The visit of the sanctuary was also great!”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour - Maru Koala & Animal Park, if the schedule allows
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

11.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 195 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Take a 12-hour coach trip from Melbourne to Puffing Billy Railway, The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Your English-speaking guide handles transport and timing, while you explore the stops at your own pace. A visit to Maru Koala & Animal Park may be offered for an extra AUD $33, but it is not guaranteed.

“The tour was called for 10am, but my immediate notification from the tour operator Vast told me, due to the time of year (and the penguins) pick up would be at noon. Fabulous communication right off the bat! Daniel, our guide, showed up promptly and gave us a run down of the schedule of the day. He also gave us some interesting history. We arrived at the Puffing Billy train in plenty of time to absorb the ambiance. So much fun on the train. The scenery was amazing, and dangling your legs out of the train made me feel like a kid! Daniel awaited us at the end of the…”

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Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - Making the most of the train journey
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Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

12.Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 169 reviews · from $128Top rated

Set out from Melbourne with a guide and hotel pickup for a one-way ride on Puffing Billy, the early-1900s steam railway. Sit in an open-sided carriage, watch forest and fern gullies pass, then spend time at the Lakeside Visitor Centre and Emerald Lake Park. The tour lasts about six hours, including travel, and has a maximum group size of 24.

“Our group of 11 people chose the combined tour, i.e. Puffing Billy in the morning and Penguins in the afternoon and it was a great decision! The whole day went as planned, with the kindness of the company that facilitated us a pick up at 7.10 am at the Hotel, which allowed us to take breakfast, before departure. The morning guide was attentive and provided the necessary explanations accompanying us to the train and returning with us to Melbourne. We can confirm that this is a very fun experience, in the middle of a green landscape and beautiful mountain houses. In the afternoon our guide Jules, enthusiastic and dynamic, led…”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes Tour - Puffing Billy gives the day its old-fashioned charm
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes Tour

13.Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 161 reviews · 1 day · from $140

From central Melbourne, a driver-guide takes you to Brighton’s colorful bathing boxes, Puffing Billy’s heritage steam railway, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. The train ride and penguin entry are included; the optional Maru animal park costs extra and may be skipped if timing changes. Guides have included Steven, Angel, Tony, and Alex.

“Experienced so many things in one day! Amazing and friendly guide”

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Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-One - Cool-climate wine, at your own cost
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Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-One

14.Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-One

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 128 reviews · 13 hours · from $120

Spend 13 hours traveling from Melbourne through the Yarra Valley to Phillip Island. The day can include Rochford Wines, the Chocolaterie, Puffing Billy and the dusk penguin parade. Choose a coach or a Mercedes-Benz minibus for up to 16 people. Wine tasting and Maru Animal Park cost extra, and Maru is not guaranteed.

“Sunday trip was fabulous. tour guide Shin was very caring throughout the trip. love the cute penguins ~ were what I enjoyed most.”

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Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne - Grants Picnic Ground: a gentle start in the forest
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Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

15.Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 81 reviews · from $121

Take a half-day trip from central Melbourne to Grants Picnic Ground and the Dandenong Ranges, then ride Puffing Billy for about an hour in an open-sided carriage. A guide handles the transport and timing, leaving you time at Lakeside for the visitor centre, a walk, or lunch at your own expense. The tour starts at 8:00 am and has a maximum of 27 people.

“I wanted to thank Gina and the crew - what a fantastic day today. Gina is a very kind, happy and knowledgable guide - I thoroughly enjoyed today’s tour to the Rainforest and the Puffing Billy Train Ride through the Dandenong Ranges. The experience was fantastic and something that I will take with me forever. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Indigenous knowledge that she possesses - it’s something that I am interested in, and have learnt a lot from Gina today. It has been an amazing birthday week in Melbourne for me. Topped off with this amazing experience today. Whilst I move on the Sunshine Coast and then back to…”

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New in Puffing Billy Tours

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★ 4.5Puffing Billy & Penguins Combo Tour PackageFrom $1737 reviews

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