Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary Day Tour Melbourne
Overview
This Melbourne day tour combines three of the best days out east of the city: a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train, a visit to Healesville Sanctuary to meet native Australian animals and a stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Pickup and drop-off are included from a central Melbourne location, along with the train ticket from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park and entry to both the sanctuary and the chocolaterie. It is a shared tour for families, couples and first-time visitors who want history, wildlife and countryside without driving.
Highlights
- Ride the Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park
- Walk around Emerald Lake Park in the Dandenong Ranges
- Meet koalas, kangaroos, platypus and other animals at Healesville Sanctuary
- Entrance to Healesville Sanctuary and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie included
- Pickup and drop-off from a central Melbourne location
- Relaxed shared tour of around eight hours
Full Description
Puffing Billy steam train
Puffing Billy is Victoria's best-loved heritage railway, a narrow-gauge steam line that has carried passengers through the Dandenong Ranges since 1900. Its open-sided carriages let you sit with your legs dangling over the edge while the little steam locomotive puffs through fern gullies and tall forest.
The Puffing Billy tour from Melbourne rides from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park, crossing timber trestle bridges on the way. The train ride is the most photographed part of the day, so bring a camera and keep your hands inside the carriage when the crew ask you to.
Emerald Lake Park
Emerald Lake Park is a peaceful landscaped park in the Dandenong Ranges, built around a lake with paths, lawns and picnic spots. It is the end point of the train ride on this tour and a lovely place for a stroll after the steam journey.
There is time to walk round the lake, take photographs of the old station and reflect on how this railway was once used to carry timber and farm produce to Melbourne. The cool mountain air and greenery make it a refreshing break from city streets, especially on warm days, and the paths are gentle enough for all ages.
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is a wildlife park in the Yarra Valley, about an hour from Melbourne, set among bushland where animals live in natural-style enclosures. You can meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils, and see the platypus, one of Australia's most unusual animals.
Keepers run talks and birds of prey shows during the day, and paths are easy to walk, which makes it a good stop for children and older visitors. If you are searching for the best Healesville Sanctuary day trip from Melbourne, this tour includes your entrance and the time needed to see the highlights.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
The last stop is the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, a popular visitor attraction where you can see handmade chocolates and sweets on display and sample the range. Entrance is included, and you can buy chocolates and gifts to take back with you.
It is a relaxed final stop after a day of trains and wildlife, and it fits well with the Yarra Valley's reputation for local produce and family-friendly attractions. Lunch is not included, so plan to buy something at Emerald Lake Park, Healesville or the chocolaterie, and keep a little room for dessert.
Itinerary
- Pickup in central MelbourneBe collected from a central Melbourne location, with the exact time shown in your voucher.
- Drive to BelgraveTravel east to the Dandenong Ranges by coach.
- Puffing Billy steam trainRide from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park through forest and over trestle bridges.
- Emerald Lake ParkEnjoy free time to stroll around the lake and take photographs.
- Healesville SanctuaryVisit the wildlife park, meet native animals and watch keeper talks.
- Yarra Valley ChocolaterieExplore the chocolaterie before the coach heads back.
- Return to MelbourneBe dropped back in the city, after about eight hours.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off from a central Melbourne location
- Puffing Billy train ticket, Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park
- Entrance to Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park
- Entrance to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Not included
- Lunch (available for purchase)
- Additional food and drinks
- Souvenirs
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users may find the train and park paths difficult
- Guests who cannot walk short distances on uneven ground
- Guests who are unable to spend most of the day seated on a coach and train
Meeting point
Pickup and drop-off are included from a central Melbourne location, with the exact pickup point and time shown in your booking voucher. Be ready a few minutes before the pickup time, because the coach cannot wait long.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes
- Bring a jacket or umbrella because the Dandenongs can be cool and wet
- Bring a camera, sunscreen and a bottle of water
- Lunch and other food and drinks are not included and can be bought at the stops
- Take some cash or a card for souvenirs and chocolates
- Tell us about any mobility needs before booking
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary tour cost?
The price depends on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are included from a central Melbourne location, confirmed in your voucher.
What is included in the tour?
The Puffing Billy train ticket from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park, entrance to Healesville Sanctuary and entrance to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, plus pickup and drop-off.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but can be bought during the day at the stops.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about eight hours, starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children usually love the steam train and the animals at Healesville Sanctuary. Child prices are shown in the booking panel.
Will I see a platypus at Healesville Sanctuary?
The sanctuary has platypus, though sightings depend on the animals' activity. The keepers can tell you where to look.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and layers, and bring a jacket, because the Dandenongs can be cool and rainy.
Is the Puffing Billy train worth it?
Yes, it is one of Victoria's most popular heritage experiences, with forest scenery, open carriages and historic trestle bridges.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the next available dates.
