Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife Park
Steam Train Through the Ranges, Then Face-to-Face With Koalas
You ride a heritage steam train for an hour through rainforest, stop to spot native birds in Sherbrooke Forest, then spend the afternoon at Healesville Sanctuary meeting koalas, kangaroos and raptors up close. Transport, train entry and wildlife park entry are all included. Lunch is separate. The day takes about eight hours door-to-door.
Step-by-step itinerary
Puffing Billy train and wildlife tour
- Take scenic drive to Grants Picnic Reserve
- Pause and explore Sherbrooke Forest
- Enjoy 1-hour Puffing Billy steam train ride
- Visit Lakeside Visitor Centre and cafe
- Drive through Yarra Valley to Healesville Sanctuary
- Explore Healesville Sanctuary wildlife park
- Puffing Billy Railway Entry included 1h
- Healesville Sanctuary Entry included 1h 30m
What’s included
- Your day includes hotel or central pickup in Melbourne, air-conditioned transport throughout, a 1-hour steam train journey on Puffing Billy Railway through the Dandenong Ranges, a stop at Grants Picnic Reserve in Sherbrooke Forest, entry to Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park, and a scenic drive through the Yarra Valley.
- All fees and taxes are covered.
- Lunch and cafe purchases are at your own expense.
Times
- Every day 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Explore Australia Tours
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
Our driver picked us up early, and on the way to Belgrave he mentioned that locals still call it "the Puffing Billy" like it's a person they've known forever, which, in a way, they have. The train's been running since 1900, and you can feel that history the moment you see it waiting at the platform, all brass and dark wood and the smell of coal smoke. The 1-hour journey winds through the Dandenong Ranges rainforest, and yeah, you can dangle your legs out the open sides if you want, which is exactly as odd and wonderful as it sounds. The track curves through mountain ash and fern gullies, and if you're lucky you'll spot rosellas or a lyrebird in the canopy: our guide pointed out a family of them near Sherbrooke, where we stopped at Grants Picnic Reserve for a proper look around.
After the train pulls back into Lakeside, there's a new visitor centre with a cafe if you need coffee or lunch (that's on you, not included), and then you drive about 20 minutes through the Yarra Valley to Healesville Sanctuary. This is where the day shifts from "nice heritage experience" to "you're actually touching Australian wildlife." Koalas are closer than you'd expect, kangaroos wander past like they own the place, and the raptors (wedge-tailed eagles, kestrels) are massive up close. It's not a zoo in the old sense. The animals have space, and the whole thing feels less like you're gawking and more like you're in their world for an afternoon.
The whole day runs long enough that you're not rushed between stops, but tight enough that you're back in Melbourne by evening. Air-conditioned vehicle the whole way, all entry fees covered, and the train ride itself is the kind of thing that sticks with you. There's something about moving through a forest at the speed of a steam engine that makes you actually look instead of just passing through.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main Dandenong Ranges and wildlife experiences in one day without arranging train tickets, park entry or transport yourself. The fixed itinerary handles all three, and the timing lets you see both the heritage railway and the animals without feeling rushed.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How long is the Puffing Billy steam train ride?
One hour, from Belgrave to Lakeside through the Dandenong Ranges rainforest.
Can you really dangle your legs out of the train?
Yes, the train has open sides, and that's part of the experience.
What animals will I see at Healesville Sanctuary?
Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, kookaburras, wedge-tailed eagles and other native Australian wildlife. You can get close to most of them.
Is lunch included?
No. There's a cafe at Lakeside Visitor Centre where you can buy food, but meals are at your own expense.
How long is the whole day?
About eight hours from pickup to return, including the train ride, Sherbrooke Forest stop, and the wildlife park.
What's included in the price?
Air-conditioned transport, the 1-hour Puffing Billy train journey, entry to Healesville Sanctuary, and all fees and taxes.
Do I need to book the train in advance?
The tour operator handles all bookings and entry. You don't arrange anything separately.
Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife Park
8h 30m · EN
from AU$ 219 per person
≈ US$ 156 in your currency
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