Landmarks

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour with Transfers

Name: From Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour with Transfers
Start: 2026-09-02T09:30:00
End: 2026-09-02T17:30:00
Location: Melbourne

4.3/5(12)

Athena E

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

From the start our guide, Simon, was very charismatic and knowledgeable, really enjoyed our time with him. Puffing Billy was iconic, rainy weather should not put you off at all, there's something about going through gumtree forests in the rain that is just wonderful. Both sides of the carriage get good views but if you can manage it, the right side has a few more valleys under you if you're sitting on the windowsills. Afterwards there's a cafe at the lake with a good selection of hot and cold food. If you're from overseas try a lemon, lime and bitters soda it's an Australian icon! Next up is the animal sanctuary, you'll have time to see everything, but plan your route to end with the bird show, it's fantastic (and slightly different every time, the birds decide if they want to participate or not). The gift shop here has a pretty good selection too, so leave yourself enough time for a look around. Finally, a stop for ice cream and chocolate! The cafe can be quite busy so better to order first if you plan to eat, but it's a better use of your time to get an ice cream or hot chocolate for takeaway then browse the shop and the vineyard outside. In August they do a hot chocolate festival all month and in

Jennifer M

Family

Verified booking

Apr 2026

The day was wonderful - from the welcoming driver: Marty: to all aspects of the tour. Marty shared interesting and informative commentary during the trip. He also provided very clear instructions for access and egress at all destinations. He remained close by at all venues to assist with questions from the group. The small group enabled people to meet with each other extending camaraderie. All personnel within each venue were friendly and helpful. A highly recommended experience.

Journey through the Dandenong Ranges on the historic Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Emerald Lake.

Meet koalas, kangaroos, platypus, and more at Healesville Sanctuary, with live shows and up-close encounters.

Catch live wildlife shows and learn about native species from expert keepers in an immersive bushland setting.

Indulge in complimentary chocolate tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, a sweet finale to your adventure.

Travel comfortably with round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach and an English-speaking guide from central Melbourne.

Pickup and drop-off (from Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne)

One-way Puffing Billy steam train ticket (Belgrave to Emerald Lake)

Entry to Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park

Visit to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie with complimentary tastings

English-speaking professional guide

Air-conditioned coach transport

Lunch (available for purchase)

Additional food and drinks

Souvenirs

Gratuities

MODE OF TRANSFERTrain
Start point
Central Melbourne CBD
1. Stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Free time to explore, Chocolate tasting & Explore place
Enjoy a sweet break with complimentary chocolate tastings, a browse through the shop, and some time to take in scenic vineyard views.
2. Healesville Sanctuary
2 hr
Free time to explore, Wildlife viewing & Bird watching
3. Emerald Lake
1 hr
Free time to explore, Explore place & Refreshment break
Passes By
Puffing Billy Steam Train Ride
End point
Central Melbourne CBD
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

12 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Athena E
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
From the start our guide, Simon, was very charismatic and knowledgeable, really enjoyed our time with him. Puffing Billy was iconic, rainy weather should not put you off at all, there's something about going through gumtree forests in the rain that is just wonderful. Both sides of the carriage get good views but if you can manage it, the right side has a few more valleys under you if you're sitting on the windowsills. Afterwards there's a cafe at the lake with a good selection of hot and cold food. If you're from overseas try a lemon, lime and bitters soda it's an Australian icon! Next up is the animal sanctuary, you'll have time to see everything, but plan your route to end with the bird show, it's fantastic (and slightly different every time, the birds decide if they want to participate or not). The gift shop here has a pretty good selection too, so leave yourself enough time for a look around. Finally, a stop for ice cream and chocolate! The cafe can be quite busy so better to order first if you plan to eat, but it's a better use of your time to get an ice cream or hot chocolate for takeaway then browse the shop and the vineyard outside. In August they do a hot chocolate festival all month and in
Jennifer M
Family
Verified booking
Apr 2026
The day was wonderful - from the welcoming driver: Marty: to all aspects of the tour. Marty shared interesting and informative commentary during the trip. He also provided very clear instructions for access and egress at all destinations. He remained close by at all venues to assist with questions from the group. The small group enabled people to meet with each other extending camaraderie. All personnel within each venue were friendly and helpful. A highly recommended experience.
Nitesh R
Couple
Verified booking
Apr 2026
Everything was so smooth that I would do it all over again
Pascale V
Solo
Verified booking
Mar 2026
The programm was very attractive and it was with a small group
Steven G
Group
Verified booking
Apr 2026

Journey through the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges on a full-day tour featuring the Puffing Billy steam train and Healesville Sanctuary, with convenient round-trip transfers from central Melbourne.

Getting started

Begin your day with pickup from a central Melbourne meeting point. Meet your English-speaking guide and board a comfortable air-conditioned coach for the drive to Belgrave.

What to expect

Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Tour

Heritage rail travel and Australian wildlife encounters come together, offering a curated itinerary through the region’s scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Features

Puffing Billy steam train: Ride the century-old steam train from Belgrave to Emerald Lake, traveling through the lush forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges.

Emerald lake: Enjoy free time to stroll around the lake, relax in the parklands, or purchase lunch.

Healesville Sanctuary: See this renowned wildlife park, home to native species such as koalas, kangaroos, and the elusive platypus. Attend live shows and observe birds of prey in action.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie: Visit this local favorite for complimentary chocolate tastings and a glimpse into the region’s sweet side.

Guided experience: Benefit from insights and commentary provided by your guide throughout the journey, with all transport arranged for a seamless day out.

What to bring

Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (umbrella or jacket recommended), a reusable water bottle, a small daypack.

What’s not allowed

Pets (except for registered service animals), large luggage, suitcases, and oversized bags are not allowed on the tour.

Accessibility

While Healesville Sanctuary offers wheelchair hire and is largely wheelchair accessible, the Puffing Billy Railway has limited accessibility due to the historic nature of the carriages.

Additional information

This experience is not suitable for cruise ship passengers due to timing.

Meeting point and pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before departure.

Lunch is not included but is available for purchase during the tour.

The tour may be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met; you will be notified in advance if this occurs.

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID during the pick-up.

Meeting point

You will be picked up from Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne at 8.15 AM.

Get Directions to the Redemption Point

Getting There

By Bus

The closest bus stop is Exhibition St/Lonsdale St. It is a quick 5-minute walk to the attraction.

Board buses #302, #303 to get you there.

By Tram

The closest tram stop is Bourke St/Spring St. It is a quick 1-minute walk to the attraction.

Board tram 35 to get you there.