Viator Rating : 5 (163 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.2/10 (Verified Excellent)
Melbourne
Puffing Billy Steam Train: Dandenong Ranges Day Trip
360
Overview
The Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience with optional Penguins takes travelers on a memorable ride through the Dandenong Ranges. The journey starts with a relaxing drive from Melbourne to Belgrave, where the Puffing Billy, known as Australia's best-kept heritage steam train, awaits.
Passengers can enjoy the scenic route as the train chugs through the lush Dandenong Ranges, passing over the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. A special feature is dangling your legs from the open-sided carriages while soaking in the sights and smells of fern gullies and mountain ash forests. The tour stops at Lakeside, which offers a chance to explore Emerald Lake Park. Visitors can take peaceful walks, admire the lake, or relax at the café. The Lakeside Visitor Centre shares the history of Puffing Billy through interactive exhibits.
This experience includes hotel pickup, onboard Wi-Fi, a ride on Puffing Billy, and an English-speaking guide. For those choosing the combination tour, the Puffing Billy experience is paired with a Penguin tour, creating a full day of adventure. What's not included is food, drinks and gratuities. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Highlights
Ride Australia's Iconic Steam Train: Experience a journey on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-preserved heritage steam train.
Dandenong Ranges Scenery: Travel through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges, enjoying lush forests and fern gullies.
Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge: Cross the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge for unforgettable views.
Emerald Lake Park Exploration: Explore Emerald Lake Park with its walking trails and scenic lake views.
Convenient Hotel Pickup: Enjoy hassle-free pickup from selected hotels in Melbourne.
Penguin Parade Option: Combine your steam train adventure with a visit to see the Penguin Parade.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the scenic views from the train.
-
The open carriages were a unique and fun experience.
-
Many enjoyed the historical aspect of the Puffing Billy.
-
Visitors appreciated the friendly and informative guides.
Some felt the time at Emerald Lake Park was too short.
-
A few wished for more detailed information about the train's history.
The Journey
Belgrave Station (Puffing Billy)
Step back in time at Belgrave Station, the gateway to the Puffing Billy Railway. This iconic steam train, dating back to the early 1900s, offers an unforgettable experience through the Dandenong Ranges. Climb aboard the open-sided carriages and feel the rush of fresh air as you embark on a journey through living history. Belgrave is more than just a station; it's the beginning of a cherished memory.
Dandenong Ranges (Puffing Billy Route)
Journey through the enchanting Dandenong Ranges aboard Puffing Billy and immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery. Marvel at the lush forests, towering mountain ash trees, and vibrant fern gullies that line the tracks. The highlight is crossing the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, where panoramic vistas of the serene landscape unfold before your eyes. This scenic route is a feast for the senses, a reminder of nature's beauty and the romance of rail travel.
Emerald Station & Puffing Billy Visitors Centre
Disembark at Emerald Station to delve into the fascinating heritage of Puffing Billy and its surrounding region. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Visitors Centre to uncover the stories behind this beloved railway. Enjoy a relaxing break at the cafe, or venture to the nearby Emerald Lake Park. Emerald Station offers a perfect blend of history, leisure, and natural beauty, making it an essential stop on your Puffing Billy adventure.
Emerald Lake Park
Escape into the tranquility of Emerald Lake Park, a picturesque haven offering scenic walking trails with breathtaking views of the serene lake and lush greenery. Capture iconic photos around the Visitors Centre, or simply unwind by the water's edge. Emerald Lake Park is the perfect place to connect with nature, offering a peaceful retreat and stunning vistas. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this park promises an unforgettable experience.
Know Before You Go
This half-day adventure includes convenient pickup from selected hotels and a ride on Puffing Billy. There is also free WiFi onboard. A professional, friendly and informative English-speaking guide will join travelers and this experience has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It excludes any meals, beverages, or gratuities. For travelers who select the combo tour, the Puffing Billy experience is paired with a Penguin tour.
Hot Tip
Many travelers recommend sitting on the open side of the carriages for the best views and photo opportunities. Also, wear comfortable shoes for exploring Emerald Lake Park after the train ride.
Review Summary
People usually say the Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience is a unique and highly enjoyable half-day trip with memorable scenery, friendly and informative guides, and comfortable transportation from Melbourne, while frequently praising the open-sided carriages and the chance to explore Emerald Lake Park at Lakeside.[3][1] Positive points most often mentioned include excellent guides, picturesque views through the Dandenong Ranges, and well-organized pickup instructions.[3][4] Common negatives noted across reviews are that the tour feels short for the price for some guests, occasional issues with bus comfort or service reported by a few reviewers, and limited time at Lakeside for eating or exploring when the schedule is tight.[2][3][4]
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Melbourne
$245
Melbourne Adventure: Puffing Billy & Penguin Parade Extravaganza!
5.0
(22 reviews)
The Puffing Billy & Penguin Parade tour combines scenic train rides and wildlife encounters. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, and witness the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Enjoy guided tours, comfortable transport, and unforgettable views of nature and wildlife. Perfect for small groups seeking adventure.
Melbourne
$130
Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Gin, Cider & Fun!
5.0
(4507 reviews)
Duration: 510
minutes
The Laid-back, Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour offers a fun and social day exploring the Yarra Valley Wine Region. This tour is perfect for people who want to taste great wines, gin, and cider while having a good laugh. Instead of sticking to a rigid plan, this tour lets the group decide what they want to do!
Each tour is unique. The group chats in the morning to decide which places to visit. There are many choices, including wineries with panoramic views and boutique family vineyards, distilleries like Four Pillars (or Payton and Jones), and even the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. The tour guide will give options, or visitors can simply trust the guide to pick 4 or 5 unique spots. Commonly, the tour includes visits to 2 wineries, a nice restaurant like St Huberts Estate - Quarters Restaurant, a gin distillery, and either a chocolate shop or a place that sells champagne.
The tour includes tastings at 4 venues, snacks, and drinks on the air-conditioned bus. Lunch is not included, but the tour stops at a restaurant where everyone can order and pay for their own meal. The tour uses a 24-seater bus but only fills 10-18 seats, so there's plenty of room. This small group tour is an excellent quality curated experience and has earned Viator Experience Awards in 2024 and 2025!
Melbourne
$130
Yarra Valley Wine, Gin & Chocolate Tour from Melbourne
5.0
(3608 reviews)
Duration: 480
minutes
The Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour invites everyone to explore the Yarra Valley's delights! Instead of just sticking to one thing, this tour lets people discover what they like best. The tour visits places like the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Soumah of Yarra Valley, and St Huberts Cellar Door.
Participants can expect a full day of fun, tasting great wines, gin, whisky, and chocolates. The tour starts at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Meeting Point, and then enjoys a relaxing drive through the Yarra Valley. Along the way, the group might stop at places like Chandon Yarra Valley, Quarters Restaurant @ Hubert Estate, or Balgownie Estate.
This tour includes a driver, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, and air-conditioned transportation. People will also get to try chocolates and wines. What’s not included is lunch and hotel pick-up and drop-off. With thousands of five-star reviews, people can trust that this tour will be a fun, flexible, and memorable experience in the Yarra Valley.
Melbourne
$310
Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Tastings & Lunch from Melbourne
5.0
(635 reviews)
Duration: 600
minutes
Yarra Valley Wine Day Tour: Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is famous for its yummy chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wines. This small group tour takes a pretty route from Melbourne through the bush, vineyards, and farms.
Expect to visit De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate, Yarra Valley Historic Cellar Door Restaurant, Boutique Yarra Valley Winery (Wine Making Team Tasting), Yarra Valley Vineyard with Valley Views, and Yarra Valley Boutique Winery (Evening Tasting). These places show off the best of what the Yarra Valley has to offer! This tour includes bottled water, tasty wine tastings, a friendly driver/guide, a delicious lunch, and a comfy air-conditioned vehicle. Plus, it picks up and drops off at select hotels.
This is a full-day experience where guests can enjoy a mix of small, medium, and large wine producers, this tour provides a great overview of what the Valley does best. Please note that alcoholic drinks besides the wine tastings and gratuities are not included. With a low supplier cancellation rate and a Viator Experience Award in 2023, this curated, top-rated, small-group tour promises excellent quality and unforgettable wine tastings.
Melbourne
$129
Melbourne's Culture Unveiled: An Immersive Walking Tour Experience
4.9
(1435 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
The Complete Melbourne Walking Tour dives into Australia’s cultural heart. Explore Melbourne with a local guide, uncovering the city's history and hidden gems. Enjoy a coffee break and conclude near the Old Melbourne Gaol, learning about infamous bushranger. Cap off the tour at an Aussie pub for traditional food.
Melbourne
$149
Great Ocean Road Eco Tour: Small Group, Big Views!
4.9
(6583 reviews)
Duration: 840
minutes
Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne offers a personal and informative journey. Expert guides lead small groups of up to 24 people, with a multilingual audio guide app available in 16 languages like German, Italian, French, Russian, and Spanish.
What to Expect: This full-day bus tour takes guests along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Travelers will see famous spots like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. They'll also stop at Torquay, the Memorial Arch, and a Koala Colony. The tour also goes through Great Ocean Road towns and the beautiful Otway Ranges Rainforest. This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to see the Great Ocean Road in a comfortable and eco-friendly way.
The tour includes hotel pickup, onboard Wi-Fi, and national park fees. Guests will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly and informative guide. Coffee and tea are provided. It excludes meals and gratuities.
Nearby Events
Marvel Stadium
Apr 18
4:15 PMHawthorn v Port Adelaide AFL Tickets Marvel Stadium
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide - AFL Reserve lights up Marvel Stadium with high-stakes AFL action between two powerhouse clubs. Hawthorn, known for their resilient comebacks and dynamic play, faces Port Adelaide, fresh off epic finals triumphs and boasting stars like Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis who deliver standout performances.
Hawthorn's Hawks bring a fierce competitive edge, often mounting late charges as seen in thrilling past encounters, while Port Adelaide's Power showcases relentless midfield dominance. Marvel Stadium offers a modern, retractable-roof venue perfect for intense matches.
Marvel Stadium
Mar 15
1:10 PMNorth Melbourne v Port Adelaide Tickets at Marvel Stadium
North Melbourne v Port Adelaide ignites Marvel Stadium in a high-stakes AFL Round 1 showdown. The Kangaroos, captained by star forward Nick Larkey, aim to leap from recent struggles with his contested marking prowess and support from Cam Zurhaar and Jack Darling, while Port Adelaide launches their campaign with momentum from recent wins.
Port Adelaide's fixture kicks off strongly here before Showdown clashes, showcasing their depth against North's rebuilding drive. Marvel Stadium delivers cutting-edge facilities and electric atmospheres for AFL fans.
Flemington Racecourse
Mar 07
11:00 AMSuper Saturday - The Byerley at Flemington
Super Saturday - The Byerley, hosted by the Victoria Racing Club, brings pulse-pounding horse racing action to Flemington Racecourse. This premier event in the Autumn Carnival showcases top thoroughbreds battling for glory in high-stakes races, drawing racing enthusiasts to witness speed, strategy, and triumphs on the track.[br]The Victoria Racing Club, stewards of Australia's most prestigious racing since 1840, elevates Super Saturday with a thrilling race program amid the historic grounds of Flemington Racecourse, famed for its Spring Racing Carnival and legendary Melbourne Cup.
Royal Exhibition Building
Feb 23
6:45 PMJoywear Runway: Tickets at Royal Exhibition Building
Joywear Runway is set to electrify the Royal Exhibition Building, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in wearable technology and fashion. This high-profile event promises a spectacle of creativity and design, highlighting the intersection of fashion and technology. Expect innovative designs, interactive displays, and a glimpse into the future of fashion.
The Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stunning Victorian architecture and historical significance. It provides a majestic backdrop, perfect for a premier fashion event like Joywear Runway. The building has hosted many cultural events and exhibitions throughout the years, which makes it an integral part of Melbourne’s rich heritage.
Royal Exhibition Building
Feb 24
8:30 PMNational Graduate Showcase: Tickets & Info
The National Graduate Showcase at the Royal Exhibition Building celebrates the future of Australian fashion. This event highlights emerging designers and their innovative collections, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the fashion industry. Attendees can expect a vibrant display of creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing the culmination of years of study and dedication from the nation's top graduates.
The Royal Exhibition Building provides a grand and historic backdrop for the showcase. Known for its stunning architecture and significant cultural heritage, the venue enhances the prestige of the event, creating an unforgettable experience for both the designers and the audience.
The Timber Yard
Feb 26
6:30 PMJames Hype Live at The Timber Yard Port Melbourne
James Hype brings his electrifying tech-house performance to The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne, delivering an unforgettable night of cutting-edge electronic music. The UK's most prolific DJ and producer—whose bootlegs and remixes have shaped dance floors globally—commands the decks with his signature blend of house, garage, and techno influences, showcasing why he's amassed nearly half a billion cumulative streams worldwide and earned platinum and gold certifications across multiple countries.
James Hype's world-leading live mixing ability and chart-topping productions continue to solidify his status as a trendsetter in 21st-century dance music. His performances are known for pushing technological boundaries and delivering immersive sonic experiences that captivate audiences from Liverpool's legendary clubs to arena shows at venues like The O2 and Wembley. The Timber Yard provides an intimate yet dynamic setting for experiencing James Hype's distinctive artistry and unmatched DJ prowess.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Melbourne
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Melbourne From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Bus Tours & Rock in Melbourne. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Melbourne Activities