Puffing Billy, Sanctuary & Yarra Valley Day Trip
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Overview
Puffing Billy Train, Healesville Sanctuary, and Yarra Valley Wine Tour offers a memorable day trip from Melbourne, combining wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and wine tasting. This bus tour is perfect for families, animal lovers, and those seeking a relaxing escape into nature and Victoria's wine country.
The day begins with a photo opportunity at Brighton Beach’s colorful Bathing Boxes, a Melbourne icon. Next, the tour visits Healesville Sanctuary, home to native Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses. Here, guests can learn about Australia's unique wildlife and conservation efforts. The journey continues to the Yarra Valley, where adults can savor fine wines at Rochford Winery (wine tasting not included). The highlight of the day is a ride on the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train through the Dandenong Ranges, offering stunning views of the lush forests.
This full-day tour includes a friendly and informative guide, admission to Healesville Sanctuary, and a one-way ticket on the Puffing Billy Steam Train. The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort. Please note that meals, beverages, wine tasting at Rochford Winery, personal expenses, insurance, and driver gratuities ($5 per person, payable in cash) are not included.



Highlights
Iconic Brighton Beach Boxes: Capture memorable photos at Melbourne's colorful Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes.
Australian Wildlife Encounters: Get up close with koalas, kangaroos, and more at Healesville Sanctuary.
Historic Puffing Billy Train Ride: Experience a nostalgic steam train journey through the Dandenong Ranges.
Yarra Valley Wine Region: Enjoy scenic views and wine tasting opportunities at Rochford Winery.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour, especially the animal encounters and train ride, but some felt that the winery visit was rushed and that extra costs could be a concern.

Customers enjoyed seeing Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos at Healesville Sanctuary.
Many liked the Puffing Billy train ride through the Dandenong Ranges.
The tour guide was often described as friendly and helpful.
Visitors appreciated the convenience of having transportation and activities arranged.
Some felt that the Yarra Valley winery visit was too short.
A few mentioned that extra costs like wine tasting and lunch added up.
The Journey
Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
Capture the essence of Melbourne's beach culture at Brighton Beach, home to 82 iconic bathing boxes. These colorful, weatherboard structures date back to the 19th century and are one of Australia's most recognizable landmarks. Stroll along the sandy shores, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and strike a pose against this whimsical backdrop – an Instagrammer's paradise and a quintessential Melbourne experience.
Healesville Sanctuary
Immerse yourself in the heart of Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary! Encounter kangaroos, koalas, and the elusive platypus in natural bushland settings. Marvel at the Birds of Prey show, showcasing the majestic eagles in flight. This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of native animals and offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Australia's unique fauna.
Yarra Valley Wineries (Rochford Winery)
Indulge your senses in the Yarra Valley, Victoria's oldest wine region, and savor award-winning wines at Rochford Winery (at own expense). Explore rolling vineyards, sample exquisite wines, and soak in the picturesque landscapes of this cool-climate wine region, renowned for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A haven for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape.
Puffing Billy Railway
Step back in time aboard Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest narrow-gauge steam train, and traverse the lush Dandenong Ranges. Experience the thrill of dangling your feet as the train chugs through towering forests and over historic wooden trestle bridges. The vintage charm, the roaring engine, and the breathtaking rainforest vistas create an unforgettable journey through this scenic mountain range – a photographer's dream and a nostalgic adventure.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a friendly and informative driver/guide, admission to Healesville Sanctuary, and a one-way ticket on the Puffing Billy Steam Train, all in an air-conditioned vehicle. It excludes meals and beverages, personal expenses, insurance, wine tasting at Yarra Valley Rochford Winery, and driver gratuities of $5 per person (payable in cash on the tour). Please confirm pickup location and time after booking.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest bringing extra money for lunch, wine tasting and souvenirs. Some also recommend sitting on the right side of the Puffing Billy train for the best views.