Rail · STEAM TRAINS IN AUSTRALIA
Good steam trains in Australia fill up weeks ahead and the famous ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, enjoy the famous leg-dangling tradition where permitted, and allow 2 to 4 hours for the train ride and time at Emerald Lake Park.
“I loved the views and the whole trip! I really recommend this journey, I'd do that again”
Leave Melbourne by comfortable coach for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the famous leg-dangling tradition. Then explore Healesville Sanctuary for koalas, kangaroos, and bird shows. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Gina add local stories and practical help throughout the day.
“We enjoyed the whole day. It was truly very enjoyable.”
This 12-hour tour pairs Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges with The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. English-speaking guides such as Gina, Alan, Jose, and Stuart lead the day, sharing wildlife tips and keeping the long transfers on track. General viewing is included, while Penguin Plus offers a closer view for an extra fee.
“Absolutely fantastic experience. Stuart was our guide, he’s knowledgeable and entertaining, he was very attentive to everyone’s needs and made sure we all had a good time.”
Travel from central Melbourne to Belgrave by air-conditioned coach, then ride Puffing Billy through fern-filled forest to Lakeside. You will cross Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, explore Emerald Lake Park, and return around 1:15 PM. Guides such as Robbo, Lisa, Jono, and Jools are known for lively local stories and helpful photos.
“We had a great experience with Go West guide Angel Sophie. Puffing Billy Railway experience was a must do one. You get to sit on the window rails whilst the steam train passes through narrow rail lines laid through beautiful scenic forests. The bus ride was good but it did not had a charging port which could be considered in future.”
Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam railway for an hour through rainforest and wooded hills, with open carriages and dangling-leg seats. Your English-speaking guide, such as Gina, Mark, or Michael, handles the day from Melbourne pickup to Lakeside Station. Add a short bushwalk, native birds, café time, and railway exhibits for a simple escape from the city.
“Amazing tour guide. Gina is incredible, informative and very friendly. We love our experience here. I traveled with my 80 year old mother and she had such an amazing time. Highly recommended!”
Travel from central Melbourne to Sherbrooke Forest, ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train with legs dangling from the carriage, then visit Healesville Sanctuary. Guides such as Gerry, Andy, Margaret, and Mark have added local stories, wildlife facts, and practical help. The day lasts about 8.5 hours and includes transport and admission.
“Matt was an excellent l guide and it was a fantastic trip. Beautiful views and a taste of the wonderful countryside surrounding Melbourne.”
Spend about 12 hours linking Puffing Billy, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade by air-conditioned coach. You’ll ride the steam train, explore coastal boardwalks, and watch little penguins come ashore after sunset. Guides such as Daniel and William are praised for clear timing and useful viewing tips. Maru Koala and Animal Park may be offered for an extra AUD $33.
“The day was packed but very well organised. Our guide was very knowledgeable and knew when to point to see things and he also gave us a great tip on where to sit to see the Penguin Parade best and he was so right.”
Join Go West Tours for a six-hour Melbourne outing with hotel pickup, a guided ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train, and time at Lakeside Visitor Centre and Emerald Lake Park. Sit in the open-sided carriages with your legs over the edge, watch for forest views and steam ash, and look for guides such as Robbo, Bluey, Mel, or Simon on selected departures.
“Fun ride on a historic train through the countryside. Not too far from Melbourne and our tour guide was knowledgeable and humorous.”
Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned coach to ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit Maru Koala and Animal Park, see the Nobbies, and watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Guides speak English and Chinese. Tickets cover the train and standard penguin viewing, but Maru costs extra.
“Our tour guide, Evan Wu, was responsible and had a great sense of humor. The whole trip was well-organized and very enjoyable. We watched the amazing penguin parade and rode the exciting and scenic Puffing Billy Railway.”
Spend about 12 hours with an English and Chinese-speaking guide, riding Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges and watching little penguins cross the beach after dark. The route may include Brighton’s rainbow huts and an optional Maru Koala and Animal Park visit. Dinner and the animal park cost extra, and the full day can feel rushed.
“The animal Park visit could have been a lot shorter or ommitted. More time could have been spent at the penguin area for a better experience. rushing dinner was stressful.”
Travel from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges and Phillip Island on a 12-hour guided tour. Ride Puffing Billy for one hour, visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre and The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. Guides such as Darren, Gina, Stewart, Cat, and Leelee lead groups of up to 27 people.
“Our guide Darren was incredibly attentive and thoughtful throughout the trip. He gave us enough time at each stop — even though the schedule was quite packed — and shared valuable knowledge, especially about wildlife. You can truly feRead more”
Leave Melbourne by air-conditioned coach for Brighton Beach, the Dandenong Ranges, and a Puffing Billy steam-train ride. Continue to Phillip Island for The Nobbies and the sunset Penguin Parade. An English and Chinese-speaking driver-guide leads the day. Maru Koala and Animal Park may replace Brighton Beach or appear as an optional stop, depending on timing.
“Our depart time was early, making the whole day a bit long as the penguin parade started late in the evening. But still a enjoyable day as the pace was relaxing, we got to see many forest and coastal views. For me the highlight of experience was definitely the train ride, it is a must-see experience if you come to Melbourne.”
Spend 12 hours traveling from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English and Chinese-speaking guide. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train, stop at Brighton Beach and The Nobbies, optionally visit Maru Koala and Animal Park, and watch little penguins return from the sea. Guides such as Ken and David Chen are noted for clear, helpful trip management.
“Manjša skupina, prijazen in ustrežljiv vodič. V enen dnevu smo obiskali in videli veliko stvari.”
This 10 to 12-hour Melbourne day tour combines a one-way Puffing Billy steam train ride, Maru Animal Park, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Your guide handles transport and included tickets, while Maru admission is extra. Guides such as Ricky Lee and Evan are praised for clear explanations and humor, though some tours operate mainly in Mandarin.
“The Puffing Billy ride through the forest for an hour was great. Even the weather was very cold and raining but we all enjoyed on board.”
Travel from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, Healesville Sanctuary, Rochford Winery, and the Dandenong Ranges with an English or Chinese-speaking guide. You’ll see koalas, kangaroos, and a platypus tank, then ride historic Puffing Billy. Guide Ken has earned special praise for his kindness, while winery tastings are paid separately.
By the kind of train, or by the country the track runs through.
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train - Riding Puffing Billy through the ranges](https://9.therailtourguide.com/wp-content/uploads/private-tour-healesville-sanctuary-wildlife-puffing-billy-steam-train.jpg)
