Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Melbourne, Australia
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Ride a heritage steam train and experience a piece of Melbourne’s history first-hand on this unique sightseeing experience. Soak up the scenery of the Dandenong Ranges with your legs dangling out of the unique open-sided carriages. Explore the Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre, where you can traverse Emerald Lake Park and grab some food. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.
- The ideal Melbourne experience for train fans
- Stay connected with Wi-Fi on board the Puffing Billy steam train
- Included hotel pickup promises a seamless experience
- Enjoy views of Melbourne you won't get anywhere else
What's Included
- WiFi on board
- Professional, Friendly & Informative Guide
- Pickup from Selected Hotels
- One-way Journey on Puffing Billy
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Meals & beverages
- Gratuities
- Optional: Puffing Billy + Penguin option is 2 half-day tours joined together & taken on the same day
- Optional: Puffing Billy (Belgrave to Menzies Creek Departure), Redwoods & Wine
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pickup is only available from the list of hotels provided upon checkout. Your pickup will be between 7am-8am depending on which hotel you selected. Your exact meeting time will be provided after a booking is placed. This tour returns to a central Melbourne location at approximately 1:15pm.
Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
1
Puffing Billy Railway
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Dandenong Ranges National Park (Pass By)
2
Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Emerald Lake Park
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
- Total duration includes the travel time.
- Combo: Puffing Billy + Penguin option: This package includes our Puffing Billy Half-day tour & our Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon tour
- Combo: Puffing Billy + Penguin option: Please note that when booking this package you will participate in both tours on the same day, Puffing Billy in the morning & Penguin Parade in the afternoon. You will have a lunch break in Melbourne between the tours.
- Combo: Puffing Billy + Penguin option: If joining this option your return time to Melbourne will be between 9pm-midnight depending on the season
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 207 reviews
Kriti_B, Apr 2026
It was an amazing experience and our guide Jess was wonderful with guidance she provided. The bus arrived on time, had enough time to see around and came back by 1pm.
Puffing Billy was highlight of our Melbourne visit.
Betty_R, Apr 2026
The train ride was amazing, the surroundings were beautiful. Everyone was very friendly and our coach driver Jules was great, very informative and made sure we made the most of our time. Had alot of trouble with the Viator app, could not download my tickets or talk to a human about the problem only AI. Lucky for the emails with trips details
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks so much for your great review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable time on our Puffing Billy tour.
It’s fantastic to know you loved the train ride and beautiful surroundings, and that Jools helped make the day even better with his informative and friendly approach.
We’re sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced with the Viator app — as a third-party booking platform, their systems can sometimes be outside of our direct control, but we appreciate you sharing that feedback.
Having experienced Puffing Billy with us, we hope you might join us again one day to explore more of what Victoria has to offer.
Thanks again for your kind words & very best wishes for your onward adventures.
Ryan_M, Apr 2026
Our tour guide Angel was such a great time and fostered a real sense of fun and group activity with our van full of strangers. She was brilliant.
The Billy Train was one-of-a-kind and the walk through town and the forest was a great way to experience a different side of Melbourne. The winery capping of the day was a nice touch.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks so much for your great review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a fun time on our Puffing Billy tour.
It’s fantastic to know that Angel made the day so enjoyable — it’s great to hear how she brought the group together and created such a fun atmosphere.
We’re so pleased you enjoyed the Puffing Billy experience, the walk through the forest, and finishing the day at the winery — it sounds like a really memorable outing.
Having experienced Puffing Billy with us, we hope you might join us again one day to explore more of what Victoria has to offer.
Thanks again for your kind words & very best wishes for your onward adventures.
Pawitree_N, Apr 2026
I was very impressed with this experience! It was so much fun and truly enjoyable from start to finish. The service was excellent, and everything was well organized. I especially want to mention our driver and guide, Woody — he was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and made the whole trip even more special. I would definitely love to come back again in the future. Highly recommend!
Jennifer_M, Mar 2026
What a fun trip! Our guide, Bluey, was fantastic and provided lots of interesting commentary during the drives. The train trip itself was very cute. Everyone there is passionate about preserving this little bit of local history.
Thomas_L, Mar 2026
It was a really lovely and amazing day
Perfect to enjoy all the activities
Not to short and not to long
Perfect activity to do if you want escape the city for fiew hours
The weather was perfect, guest were friendly ..
Mel was our guide. She was absolutely friendly, funny, lovely with a good energy.
The tour was amazing because of her !
Thank you for everything
Alex_J, Mar 2026
This was cancelled. We showed up at 7:45, as confirmed the previous night. We were told, that we could not go on the other bus, and our tour had been cancelled three days ago. We do not receive any confirmation, nor were we alerted the tour had been cancelled. No emails, no calls. Nothing. 400+ dollars awaiting a refund. What a waste
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We're truly sorry to hear that the numerous messages sent to you via various platforms regarding your tour's cancellation were not received by you in a timely manner. We regret the inconvenience experienced and are looking into our processes to ensure future guests are not similarly inconvenienced. We have issued a full refund, which should be received within 2-3 days.
CHRISTOPHER_D, Mar 2026
We had a good time on this tour and the train ride was a neat experience. I think they were working on repairs on the track so the actual train ride felt a bit short (which is completely out of the hands of the tour agency). Our tour guide Bluey did an amazing job and definitely made the experience better. I would say this is a must do for any train lovers and a fun way to see the Dandenong region.
Gustav_T, Mar 2026
Great experience, had a great time, Driver gets 10/10 for good comments and best music on the way home from the penguin parade.
FrancoisBucquet, Mar 2026
Hasard de la locomotive… unfortunately we did not get the steam train ! Would be better in good weather condition
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We sincerely regret that Puffing Billy cancelled their services on the day of your scheduled experience due to extreme heat. While this is completely beyond our control, we do recognise the negative impact this has on your Melbourne experience and for this we apologise.
Margy_W, Feb 2026
Well organised with excellent guide/driver Jackie who even surprised the group with fantastic video taken by her from a distance. Experimenten pleasant lady with a lot of experience!
Carol_R, Feb 2026
Sophia/Angel was very pleasant and made the day enjoyable.
The train was a lot of fun. You should suggest that people try and sit facing the train platform for the best views.
The trip could have been a little shorter. We didn't need time before the train departed.
Silvina_H, Jan 2026
We really have fun! I feel like a child again.
We have a wonderful time there, nice landscape, nice people
Kenia_M, Dec 2025
Was a great experience, Robbie was great tour guide!
So glad to found this website on social media. Don’t hesitate to get it.
Tracey_B, Dec 2025
Sit on station side of train, it gave the best views and best experience.. it says the windows sit 4 people, if you are a size zero I guess it would…other than that 3 persons are cosy :) the staff are amazing, they clearly love their jobs and the customers, the bridge is phenomenal and it’s exhilarating going over. Comfort is not 100 but the fun makes up for it.. the cafe at the end is ok, service is chaotic and it’s expensive for what you receive. Again the staff are lovely! If the weather is warm, sunny and dry this is probably the loveliest excursion in Melbourne… if it’s inclement then bring a coat and warm clothes xxx
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review! We’re really glad to hear you enjoyed the Puffing Billy experience overall — from the station-side views to crossing the bridge and taking in the scenery. It’s great to know the warmth and enthusiasm of the staff stood out to you as well.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the seating and comfort too. It’s a unique and nostalgic style of travel, so it’s helpful to hear how it felt from a guest perspective. Your notes about the café and pacing are also useful for us to keep in mind, so thank you for highlighting that.
We’re delighted the weather cooperated and helped make it such a lovely day for you — and yes, a coat and warm layers can definitely make all the difference when Melbourne weather has other plans!
Thanks again for your review and for joining us. We hope we might see you on another Melbourne day out in the future! 🚂🌤️
Kenton_J, Dec 2025
Was a beautiful day out for a drive through the Dandenong Ranges with a short ride on Puffing Billy. Then after lunch a stroll through the redwoods and a stop at a Yarra Valley winery was a nice way to finish the tour before returning to Melbourne. Robbo was a great driver and guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the areas covered during the tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks so much for your review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed such a beautiful day exploring the Dandenong Ranges, riding Puffing Billy, and finishing the tour with a stroll through the redwoods and a visit to the Yarra Valley. It sounds like a wonderfully well-rounded day out.
It’s great to hear your kind words about Robbo — his friendly nature and local knowledge really help bring the regions to life, and we’re pleased he helped make the experience so enjoyable.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, and we hope to welcome you back on another Melbourne day tour in the future. Very best wishes for your onward travels.
Filomena_M, Dec 2025
Definitely recommend family friendly.
Worth the money
Will definitely be doing this tour again and go west tours was excellent
Francisco_T, Nov 2025
Sherif was wonderful, funny, entertaining and highly knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this no doubt.
Dolores_P, Nov 2025
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 promotional photos you can actually sit in the window area with your feet hanging over the side of the train . There is a very nice large dining venue at the final stop on the one way ride. Lots of small activities for parents to enjoy with their children . Good value for a unique experience!
Omar_C, Oct 2025
A great day out for the family and unique experience. Friendly and accommodating staff. Highly recommend
namita_d, Oct 2025
Wonderful experience , guide cum was extremely good . Place visited was beautiful except that to be time spent at the hilltop was considerably less as caffe out there was very busy and it was taking more than half hour to cater due to which lakeside visit had to be skipped .
Rajeev_G, Aug 2025
Great, Visitors should know how Australian's have preserved their heritage line (more than century old) in such a excellent condition.
Victoria_K, Aug 2025
Puffing Billy was amazing! So fun and such a good, unique experience. Bluey, my tour guide, was awesome as well! He was hilarious, easy to talk to, and was so informational. I would recommend this tour for anyone visiting Melbourne!
Mutsumi_H, Jul 2025
Had a wonderful day thanks to this tour.
Mike, the guide always talked to me,
the staff of steam train were all friendly.
As it was cold but sunny, I appreciated the scenery, the sound of steam and the other passengers who sat on the rim.
It is recommended that we wear clothes that can get dirty as the ash flies (you get it on your face, too!).
BongMie_L, Jun 2025
What a great experience. My son was so happy to coincide with his birthday, getting a surprise from the tour guide. Highly recommended traveling with Viator & Go West Tour.
Merline_L, Jun 2025
Very clear instructions for pick up , and friendly guide ! Very nice experience! Nice length of time spend there
Bital_S, May 2025
It was a great experience. The driver was super friendly. The attraction is great. Highly recommended.
Sofia_F, May 2025
Fun ride on a historic train through the countryside. Not too far from
Melbourne and our tour guide was knowledgeable and humorous.
Kushal_K, Apr 2025
First time in Melbourne had a great experience. Simon, hes a great person had a really fun experience with him on board. He made our puffy train journey great and memorable. Much love
Amy_M, Apr 2025
Robbo our guide was great, our tickets for train were later in afternoon and we got an extra walk in and lunch before. The train ride is magical and you can have your legs over the outside. Must do when in Melbourne.
From $130.80
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience
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