Top 8 Scenic Train Trips

1.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29Our pick

Ride Puffing Billy, Australia’s 1900 steam railway, through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave or Lakeside. Choose a journey lasting about 2 to 4 hours, learn from friendly volunteers, and enjoy Emerald Lake Park. Sitting on the carriage sill is allowed only between Belgrave and Lakeside.

“We had a wonderful time riding on Puffing Billy. The scenery in the Dandenong region is stunning. The volunteer staff were very efficient and great fun. I travelled with my adult granddaughters and we all had an amazing time. At the age of 74 it’s the first time I have travelled on a train, sitting with my legs dangling over the side!”

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2.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Ride the historic Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the famous leg-dangling tradition. Then explore Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Gina keep the 8-hour day moving.

“Fabulous day! Worth noting to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty for the steam train as the ash gets all over you. Also definitely bring sunglasses! Great protecting your eyes from the ash. Lily was our guide and she was so so lovely and friendly”

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3.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking Explore Australia guide such as Alan, Gina, José, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit The Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. General Penguin Parade entry is included, with a Penguin Plus upgrade available.

“Cate was very knowledgeable about the animals we saw. She was very helpful and super nice.”

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4.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 6 hours - 1 day · from $126

Travel from central Melbourne to Belgrave in a small group of up to 24, then ride Puffing Billy through fern-filled forests to Lakeside. Your English-speaking guide, such as Robbo, Lisa, or Jools, shares local stories and helps with photos. Finish at Emerald Lake Park and return by about 1:15 PM.

“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.”

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5.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 6 hours · from $107

Ride Puffing Billy’s open carriages for one hour through the Dandenong Ranges, with your legs hanging over the side as rainforest scenery rolls past. You’ll also visit Grants Picnic Ground and Lakeside Visitor Centre with an English-speaking guide such as Gina, Mark, or Michael.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the day trip. Gina was a brilliant tour guide, very friendly and accommodating. An efficient half day tour, you're back in the CBD by 1pm-2pm to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Our only, slight, comment would be that there is in inequality of views depending which side of the carriage you sit on. Whilst both have nice views, one is significantly better. This is no fault of Gina's, of course, however perhaps she could suggest to all of those in the carriage that it would be polite to switch sides half way around so everyone can enjoy the view over the valleys.”

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6.1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · from $157

Leave Melbourne at 9:00 am for Grants Picnic Ground, a one-hour Puffing Billy steam-train ride, Lakeside Visitor Centre, and Healesville Sanctuary. Expect a small-group day advertised for up to 21 people, with guides such as Gerry, Andy, Mark, and Margaret sharing local stories along the way.

“It was a very enjoyable tour. We first spent our time in Healesville Santuary. What I liked about the place is that animals are living in enclosures which are similar to their natural habitat. The Puffing Billy is one for the books!”

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7.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 195 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Travel from Melbourne to Puffing Billy, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Daniel, William, or Jeremy. Ride the steam train, optionally visit Maru Wildlife Park, then watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. Expect a 12-hour day and a cold, windy finish.

“A lot to do in one day but we really enjoyed the experience.”

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8.Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 169 reviews · from $128Top rated

Ride the early-1900s Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave through the Dandenong Ranges, with your legs hanging from open-sided carriages. Go West Tours includes hotel pickup, a guide, Wi-Fi, and time at Lakeside and Emerald Lake Park. Guides such as Robbo, Bluey, Simon, Mel, and Sherif are praised for their humor and care.

“They recently started this tour at this outfit, but they really do a good job. Nothing frills, but gives you a not too long chance to ride on the train. So happy I didn’t do a longer ride, was the perfect amount for me. Only wish there was more time at the end point to see the lake and eat without crazy rushing. Advice at food court, sit down and order via QR code. You will get served faster, even if you want it to go.”

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