Hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train—Australia’s best-preserved heritage railway—for an unforgettable ride through the towering ash trees and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges. Travel in century-old open-air steam carriages, with your legs dangling over the edge as you roll past postcard-worthy scenery. Cross the iconic Puffing Billy trestle bridge over Monbulk Creek, stop at charming stations like Lakeside Station Puffing Billy, and bask in views along the way.
Book Puffing Billy Railway tickets for flexible half-day or full-day tours from Melbourne, with the option to extend your adventure to Healesville Sanctuary or the Phillip Island Penguin Parade—perfect for a scenic Puffing Billy day trip.
An iconic two-day race where runners attempt to beat the Puffing Billy steam train along the scenic hills from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.
When: 13 & 14 September 2025
A magical winter twilight ride through the Dandenong Ranges, lit by thousands of dazzling LED lights on the train and along the track for a festive glow‑filled journey.
When: 2026 winter season — the event will return then after the 2025 season sold out in record time
A glamorous 1920s–themed theatrical dinner mystery aboard the train featuring costumed performances, interactive storytelling, and a whodunit dinner experience that chugs through the forest at night.
When: 15 & 16 August, and 5 & 6 September 2025
A whimsical family event where children meet Thomas the Tank Engine and friends on select weekends—plus themed rides, activities, and photo ops with characters from Sodor.
When: 17-19 October, and 24- 26 October 2025
Catch the most iconic photo as the steam train curves across this historic timber bridge.
The classic Puffing Billy train journey from Belgrave to Lakeside takes around 1 hour each way, making it a delightful 2-hour return ride through the lush Dandenong Ranges. If you’re opting for the full Belgrave to Gembrook route, set aside up to 4.5 hours, including stops.
A Puffing Billy half-day tour usually covers the stretch from Belgrave to Lakeside, ideal if you’re short on time but still want a taste of that nostalgic steam engine magic. Full-day tours often include combo adventures with wildlife parks or Yarra Valley wineries, making it a full-blown escape into nature.
Yes! You can buy Puffing Billy tickets bundled with experiences like the Healesville Sanctuary, the Penguin Parade, or even wine tasting. These combo day trips are perfect if you want to explore beyond the railway and get the best value out of your day.
This includes a ride on the historic train, entry to Healesville Sanctuary, and often hotel transfers from Melbourne. You'll travel from forests to fauna, meeting koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses all in one go.
This tour combines a morning ride on the Puffing Billy train with an afternoon exploring Phillip Island, wrapping up with the magical Penguin Parade at sunset. It’s an unforgettable day filled with natural beauty, steam train nostalgia, and adorable wildlife.
If you’re booking standard Puffing Billy Railway tickets, transfers aren’t included. However, many guided packages and combo tours, available through platforms like Headout, offer round-trip transfers from the Melbourne CBD—simply look for “transport included” during your Puffing Billy booking.
Yes, it’s smart to buy tickets ahead of time—especially on weekends or during school holidays when the Puffing Billy train is in high demand. Online booking also lets you choose your departure time and seating in advance.
The Puffing Billy + Healesville Sanctuary tour is a local favorite. It balances train nostalgia with encounters with Australian wildlife. Want something truly magical? Go for the Penguin Parade combo—a longer day, but packed with once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Most carriages on the train are open-sided, giving you panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges. And yes—you can still sit on the carriage ledge and dangle your legs. It’s an experience that kids and adults will never forget!
Absolutely. From the open-air carriages to the chance to ride with their feet dangling out (under supervision), children love it. Add in stops with playgrounds and picnic spots, and this becomes a family day out to remember.
Yes! You’re welcome to bring along snacks or a picnic. Stations like Lakeside and Emerald Lake Park have great picnic areas, making it easy to turn your Puffing Billy ride into a laid-back outdoor lunch.
Yes, Puffing Billy Railway offers wheelchair-friendly carriages, and the main stations have accessible restrooms and ramps. Just inform the staff so they can prepare ahead of time.
Puffing Billy departs from Belgrave Station, about 1 hour by car or 1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s a scenic trip (transfer is included in tickets) that’s part of the adventure!
Ride the century-old Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges and enjoy a stop at Emerald Lake—all in a half-day tour.
Everything you get: Hotel pickup from select Melbourne CBD locations and a smooth transfer to Belgrave. Enjoy a one-way journey on the Puffing Billy to Lakeside, followed by free time at Emerald Lake Park and the Lakeside Visitor Centre. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, premium coach seating with Wi-Fi, and a multilingual audio guide in 16 languages (via app).
Why choose this: A hassle-free way to experience Puffing Billy, ideal for first-timers or short-on-time travellers. With hotel pickup, a scenic train ride, and easy return to central Melbourne, it’s the simplest way to tick off this Victorian classic.
Inclusions
Hotel pickup from select Melbourne CBD locations
One-way Puffing Billy steam train ticket
Free time at Emerald Lake Park & Lakeside Visitor Centre
Air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi and upgraded seating
Central Melbourne drop-off (Immigration Museum)
English-speaking professional guide
Multilingual audio guide (16 languages via app, bring headphones)
Exclusions
Ride the Puffing Billy and see the Penguin Parade—all in one seamless day with coastal views and wildlife encounters.
Everything you get: Get scenic transfers from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges and ride the Puffing Billy steam train through forested landscapes. Enjoy free time at Emerald Lake Park, visit the Nobbies boardwalk, and watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach and an English-speaking guide.
Why choose this: See two top Victoria sights in one day—steam train ride & penguin parade—with expert guide and easy Melbourne transfers.
Inclusions
Puffing Billy steam train ticket (Belgrave to Emerald)
Entry to Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Return transfers from Melbourne CBD
Hotel pick-up and drop-off from meeting point
English-speaking professional guide
Air-conditioned coach transport
Exclusions
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Ride a steam train, meet Aussie wildlife, and enjoy Yarra Valley chocolate—all in one day with easy Melbourne transfers.
Everything you get: Board the historic Puffing Billy steam train for a scenic journey through the Dandenong Ranges. Visit Healesville Sanctuary to see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and more. Enjoy complimentary tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach from central Melbourne and an English-speaking guide.
Why choose this: Cover three must-do experiences in one easy day. With guided stops and round-trip Melbourne transfers, it’s the perfect nature-focused outing for families and first-timers alike.
Inclusions
Pickup and drop-off from a central Melbourne meeting point
One-way Puffing Billy steam train ticket (Belgrave to Emerald Lake)
Entry to Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park
Visit to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie with complimentary tastings
English-speaking professional guide
Air-conditioned coach transport
Exclusions
Additional food and drinks
Souvenirs
Gratuities
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.