Top 15 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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9.Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 40 reviews · 14 hours · from $113

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 Phillip Island’s little penguins come ashore. Guides including Evan Wu and Lei lead the 14-hour outing in Chinese and English.

“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.”

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10.Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 34 reviews · 12 hours · from $133

Spend about 12 hours moving from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, the Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade. You’ll ride Puffing Billy, stop at the Nobbies and may visit Maru Koala and Animal Park for an added fee. English and Chinese guides are available, including guides such as John and Tony.

“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.”

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11.Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $164

Join a licensed guide such as Darren, Gina, Stewart, Cat, or Leelee for a 12-hour Melbourne day trip. Ride Puffing Billy, visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre and The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. The small-group tour holds a maximum of 27 people.

“The day was well paced and included all promised activities. The train was fun, the conservancy had lots of wallabies, and the penguins didn't disappoint. Cat, our guide handled the day well in spite of the fact that the microphone didn't work. Would recommend!”

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12.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Parade Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 18 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $130

Spend 8 to 12 hours outside Melbourne with a bilingual English and Chinese guide. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, see Brighton’s beach huts, visit The Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. Maru Koala Park is optional.

“The train ride was fun and relaxing through the forest, and our driver was really nice, he helped us take photos and made sure everyone was comfortable. The penguins were super cute at the end. A long day but didn’t feel boring.”

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13.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Island Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · 12 hours · from $130

Spend about 12 hours travelling from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English and Chinese-speaking guide. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train, consider a koala park visit, see the Nobbies, enjoy time in Cowes, and watch little penguins come ashore.

“Our driver + tour guide - David Chen is super great and professional! He brought us with a wonderful trip. David has arranged everything in detail and well guided all the information about Austria and our tour. Really thanks for David's great works!”

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14.Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · from $105

Ride Puffing Billy in vintage carriages, visit Maru Koala and Animal Park, see the Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s little penguins return at dusk. Air-conditioned transport, a guide, train fare, and standard penguin viewing are included. Expect a long day, with some Mandarin-led departures.

“Not an 8-10 hour trip at all & does not start at 8:30. Text the day before to advise pick up time 9:40. On the bus we are told we will get back to our drop off location at midnight. A lot of time spent on the bus. The tour guide was nice enoughRead more”

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15.Puffing Billy Train & Healesville & Winery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 7 reviews

Join a Chinese or English-speaking guide for an 11-hour Melbourne day trip covering Brighton Beach, Healesville Sanctuary, Rochford Winery, and Puffing Billy. You can dangle your feet from the historic steam train, see koalas and kangaroos, and buy wine at your own expense. Guide Ken has earned special praise for his kind, helpful service.

“I highly recommend to double check the pick up location if joining this tour to prevent unnecessary conflict with tour guide: We were noticed to change the pick up point a day upon our tour from a walking distance to ~15min vehicle travel. Yet, another parties were picked up in our original spot. We enquired our tour guide, Devin about the new arrangement and he repeatedly insisted that was the instruction he received in a considerably unprofessional manner. We understand mistake could occur but an inappropriate response wouldn’t solve any problem but deliver negative impressions. In the end of the tour, Devin finally apologised a bit more sincerely, he suggested…”

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