Puffing Billy Railway

Bus & minivan tours

Arrive at the station via car or public transport and prepare to travel on a historic locomotive through the scenic Dandenong Ranges. Built in 1900 and recognised as one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, Puffing Billy continues to travel on its original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, Puffing Billy offers traditional train journeys, first-class wine and dine experiences and so much more to explore off the tracks. Discover the new state-of-the-art facility set in the scenic surrounds of Emerald Lake Park. The new Lakeside Visitor Centre enhances the Puffing Billy experience, featuring a café, function room, significantly upgraded facilities, extensive retail, dining options, and interpretation spaces for you to enjoy.

Enjoy two top experiences with this day trip from Melbourne. Travel from Belgrave to Emerald lake onboard the nostalgic Puffing Billy Railway steam train and be mesmerized by waddling sea birds at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.  Be picked up from a central Melbourne CBD location and travel in air-conditioned comfort to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Hop onboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train for a ride from Belgrave to Emerald through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. Stop at Emerald Lake where you can take a leisurely walk around the picturesque Emerald Lake and have the opportunity topurchase your own lunch at a charming local eatery. Stop at the The Nobbies Lookout and visit the Nobbies Tourist Information Centre to find out about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Take pictures of glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this spectacular lookout. Walk the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Head off to watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way home into their burrows at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Buy a nice dinner at the Penguin Parade while you watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Return to Melbourne CBD with unforgettable memories at the end of your tour.

Drive from your central accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the scenic Emerald Lake, then explore Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander around, observing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take a seat at the animal education lessons and live shows. You can also purchase lunch here. Finish the tour with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can sample complimentary chocolates. Return back to your accommodation in central Melbourne.

Experience the magic of the past as you embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges on board the legendary Puffing Billy steam train. Behold the breathtaking vistas and breathe in the fresh, crisp air, taking in the beauty of the historic locomotive as it chugs along on its hour-long expedition from Belgrave to Lakeside. If thatʼs not enough, after the ride, wander through a wildlife sanctuary where you can encounter some of Australiaʼs most beloved creatures face-to-face, including koalas, kangaroos, and soaring birds of prey.

Embark on an enchanting afternoon and evening nature tour from Melbourne. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, walk along The Nobbies boardwalks, and see adorable penguins on Phillip Island. Start your journey through the verdant Dandenong Ranges aboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Marvel at the lush landscapes and historic locomotive as it winds its way from Belgrave to Lakeside (or reverse) during an hour-long trip. At The Nobbies, enjoy panoramic coastal vistas of Bass Strait from the clifftop boardwalks and witness the awe-inspiring blowhole. As twilight descends, be captivated by the spectacle of little penguins returning to their burrows on Phillip Island, an all-year-round penguin-watching experience. Watch as they dart across the sand to their nests, or observe their charming interactions, from greetings to nesting and chick-rearing. Throughout your wildlife odyssey, keep an eye out for other native wildlife such as swamp wallabies, Eastern barred bandicoots, Cape Barren geese, and short-tailed shearwaters. This exceptional experience immerses you in the wonders of nature and wildlife, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Join the operator on a charming afternoon adventure aboard the iconic Puffing Billy Steam Railway as we embark on a journey through the verdant Dandenong Ranges. On this 25-mins to 1-hour-long adventure, you'll marvel at lush landscapes and historic locomotives as they wind their way between Belgrave and the Gembrook. At The Nobbies, you can enjoy panoramic coastal views of Bass Strait from the cliff-top boardwalk and witness the stunning blowholes. As the sun sets, you head out to Summerland Beach. Observe hundreds of little penguins come up to the shore, making their way across the beach to their homes in the sand dunes.

Important:The exact departure time will between 8am to 12pm, the exact time provided 12 Hours before departing by SMS or E-mail. Enjoy a full-day trip from Melbourne to some of its must-see attractions in the company of your driver guide. Witness colorful beach huts, an old steam train and penguins as you make the most of your time without the stress of having to arrange your own schedule. Meet your driver-guide in the Melbourne Central Business District, then head for your first stop at the Brighton Bathing Boxes. Be enchanted by these vibrant, multi-coloured beach huts which make the perfect backdrop for selfies or group shots. Next, get ready to go back in time to the age of steam. Ride the hundred-year-old Puffing Billy Steam Train and feel as you are in a fairytale world as you puff through the atmospheric and scenic route. Next, Maru Koala and Animal Park(at your own expense). Maru is a family-run attraction where you can see koalas, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, Australian birds, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, emus and even more! (Subject to the schedule of Puffing Billy Railway, not guaranteed to go) Continue to the western tip of Phillip Island to The Nobbies Centre, a rugged rocky outcrop with magnificent coastal views.  Complete your trip with a visit to Phillip Island Nature Parks. Settle into your chair in the tiered seating section to be awed by Penguin Parade, and watch these little creatures waddle home as you overlook floodlit Summerland Beach.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Melbourne to the charming town of Belgrave. As you travel through Melbourne’s outer suburbs, your driver-guide will share fascinating stories about the region’s history and landscape. • Arrive at Belgrave Station - At the gateway to the Puffing Billy adventure, Belgrave Station, explore the charming heritage station, snap photos with the iconic steam engine, and even meet the friendly conductors for a picture-perfect moment. • Hop aboard the Puffing Billy Train - Climb aboard the Puffing Billy Train for a ride through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. Feel the thrill as you dangle your legs over the edge while crossing the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, suspended nearly 20 meters above lush fern gullies. • Explore the Lakeside Visitors Centre - End your journey at Lakeside, where you can enjoy a variety of activities. Stroll through the scenic Emerald Lake Park, capture some memorable photos, explore the interactive exhibits at the visitor centre, or simply unwind at the café while soaking in the serene surroundings. • Choose to continue your adventure with a visit to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade in the afternoon, or return to Melbourne by early afternoon with a central drop-off on Flinders Street. ⭐ With over 10,000 5-star reviews, Go West Tours promises you're in expert hands. We stand by our services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Enjoy a private tour of the Puffing Billy Steam Train, Nobbies, and Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace with a private driver and guide. Begin your day with a private pick-up from Melbourne CBD or your preferred location. Your driver will adjust the route and pace based on your preferences for a hassle-free experience. Board the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train and journey through the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges, enjoying one of Australia’s most iconic railway adventures. After the steam train experience, your private vehicle will take you directly to Phillip Island, passing scenic countryside views. Discover the stunning coastal scenery of the Nobbies at Phillip Island. Stroll along the boardwalks, take in the breathtaking ocean views, and spot seals in their natural habitat. In the evening, visit the Penguin Parade Viewing Area and witness the magical moment when little penguins return home from the ocean. Your guide will provide insights into the fascinating penguin habitat. After a memorable day, your private vehicle will take you back to Melbourne CBD or your chosen location.

Start your day with a pick-up from various locations in Melbourne. Check-in at the Instagram-famous Brighton Beach Rainbow Huts, known for its vibrant beach lifestyle and unique artistic atmosphere (depending on the time of the train on the day, may change to Maru Koala and Animal Park instead). Travel through the lush Dandenong Ranges, celebrated as Australia's natural treasure trove. Ride the iconic Puffing Billy Railway, one of Australia's oldest steam trains. If time permits, visit the Maru Koala and Animal Park (optional, at your own expense), an ideal place to learn about native Australian wildlife up close (at own expense, and depending on the time of the train on the day, may change to Brighton Beach Rainbow Huts instead). Marvel at the magnificent sea views at The Nobbies Viewpoint. As the sun sets and darkness falls, witness the Penguin Parade. Watch as groups of little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach to their nests.