1 Day Puffing Billy Steam Train And Wildlife Tour From Melbourne

The Healesville Sanctuary was an enjoyable "Australian" experience. Going to the zoo early allowed interactions with staff caring for the animals. The Spirits of the Sky demonstration was wonderful. Top that off with a one hour Puffy Billy train ride and it made for an excellent day.

This was an excellent fun filled day. Our guide Stuart was excellent. We started out with a short walk-through the den Dandenong Forest, then took a hour long ride-on the puffin Billy steam train. It was a throwback in time to coal-powered steam engine travel in open air cars, We then we ended the day at a wildlife rescue and sanctuary that was staffed and equipped with 3 modern day operating rooms and technical equipment to help injured and abandoned animals and to preserve endangered species like the Tasmanian devil and the platypus.

Well done combo of the animal sanctuary and the Putfing Billy train ride. Seeing the animals is a little hit and miss -many are night creatures - but the big draws, kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils were all out and about. The sanctuary is wonderfully laid out, great for kids and provides a great walk for a few hours. The train ride was fun. Definitely a one of a kind adventure. Lot of chances to take pics, meet the conductor and other staff.

Our tour guide Margaret was knowledgeable and super fun; we had a wonderful time! Puffing Billy didn’t disappoint

I made arrangements for a group of 11 (Boss's kids) for a Puffing Billy ride both ways and John was not just patient and professional, he was also very warm and thorough. I caused him a lot of grief with changes and additions, but he was so very accommodating. Thanks John, you are a star! I also want to thank the driver who was ever so patient with my little group of Monsters :) Job very very well done guys!

Little information, high price, and no accompanying guide……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Mathew was a great guide. Super friendly and informative. Steaming Billy was fun as was the Nature Reserve.

Our guide is very pleasant and helpful. He took very good care of everyone. He made sure we enjoyed. We had a great time.

A wonderful day trip from Melbourne! This trip was a fun and memorable experience, and the wildlife stops were a great addition. Everything was well organised, and the guide was friendly and helpful. Highly recommended for families and anyone who loves nature and scenic views!

It was a great experience for us (travelling with a 2.5 year old)! We got to see all the amazing animals (including the bird show) at the sanctuary, and our driver was really helpful and kind and made sure we all got on the Puffing Billy in great spirits :) the train ride itself was great too and we really enjoyed the views before boarding the bus again and going back to Melbourne.

It's a must do once your in Melbourne. Grate experience... definitely will recommend this tour, the tour guide the best 👌.

Anthony was a superb guide. The pick up points were easy to locate and everything was clearly explained. The day ran smoothly and was hugely enjoyable. The music playlist was top notch.

Outstanding day trip from Melbourne. The zoo was great, with plenty of native wildlife on show, and to be up close watching a lyre bird in full display was truly memorable. The bird show was also exceptional, and a platypus swimming about just topped things off. Puffing Bllly was well organised and beautifully scenic, as well as authentic and nostalgic in equal measure. Our guide Anthony was a delight from start to finish and gave clear explanations throughout as well as driving with care and ensuring everyone had the best experience - thank you!

We had an excellent day even with mixed weather. Anthony was a superb guide - informative, friendly and professional. The wildlife tour was really special and we saw an incredible bird show. Puffing Billy train ride combined a step back to another century with superb views of the forests and local area.

Great Melbourne Tour..Mr Anthony is kind..friendly..loves to joke wth us.

Guide matt was very friendly. Really helpful enjoyable and great guide .

Great experience and fantastic tour guide from Matt and he was such a lunatic (funny and knowledge)

A great experience. We really enjoyed ourselves. Our bus driver was very knowledgeable and really looked after us.

Had a wonderful experience on the Puffing Billy Steam Train today! The scenery was beautiful, and the whole trip was well organised. A special thanks to our guide, who was friendly, helpful, and excellent throughout the tour.

Our tour guide Anthony is really funny and amazing! He is very helpful and managed to rent a stroller for us at Healsville, the tour operator didnt allow us to bring it on the vehicle. But the puffing billy ride is so worth it and Healsville is so amazing. Definitely worth it

Great day overall starting with the animal sanctuary and then Puffing Billy. We had ample time at the sites we stopped. Our guide, Nathan, was helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. July is definitely cold, so we dressed warm, but I think I didn't layer effectively. Regardless, a great time and I highly recommend.

We had a fantastic one-day Puffing Billy tour with Viator. The itinerary was well planned, covering Grants Picnic Ground, the amazing Puffing Billy steam train ride, the Lakeside Visitor Centre, the scenic Yarra Valley, and Healesville Sanctuary. Everything was well organized, and we had enough time to enjoy each stop. A special thanks to our tour guide, Alan, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and kept the day running smoothly. His insights and great attitude made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Melbourne!

The train ride experience was worth every penny. Just to sit and enjoy the train ride for a good hour or so is an absolute must on visit. The added sanctuary visit and rainforest walk is a nice touch. The rainforest walk can be a bit difficult with muddy conditions but I highly recommend everything about the tour.

My partner and I had a very good time . The tour guide anthony was great he made the experience very enjoyable and funny . Would highly recommend

Matt our driver cum tour guide made the trip different from just another trip. Always cheerful and telling jokes, our whole day was full of laughter. Well done Matt!

The train was very fun cos can sit on the rail thingy and enjoy the scenery. Matthew, me tour guide was really nice and funny. Wildlife tour was nice cos can see animals like Lyle birds, parrots, kangaroos and koalas

Margaret was a wonderful guide. Couldn’t have asked for a friendlier and more interesting guide. Loved the walk in the woods, animal sanctuary and Puffin Billy train ride

Great day out in a small group. Our driver / guide Gina was really great and helped us take some lovely photos. Your company’s new App is also very useful in allowing us to track our tour and get background info on each destination. Loved the ride in the Puffing Billy, was so much fun

We went to Healeville Sanctuary and were able to see many native Australian animals, including a splendid flying display. The Puffing Billy steam train experience was one not to be missed. The scenery was beautiful and the journey itself was great fun. Overall we have had a great time and Anthony was knowledgeable, friendly and very approachable. He made sure everyone had an excellent experience and was on hand to answer any questions

We had a really enjoyable day! Anthony, our driver was the best. Super friendly and helpful, and shared really interesting stories and photos with us. We loved the Healesville wildlife park and how committed and passionate to conservation they were. The Puffing Billy experience was really fun. The views were amazing too. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone visiting Melbourne.

Our driver and guide, Michael, was Fabulous! He was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Was always ready to take photos and videos. He found a spot to video us on the train as it passed by and shared it with us. The wildlife sanctuary was nice. Michael gave us tips on what to see. His driving is top-notch: he kept us safe and comfortable.

Really enjoyed the day with Nathan our driver and guide, who added the interest, information and details. He saw us on to the train and was waiting for us to disembark. A friendly warm young man who embroidered our experience. Thank you Nathan.

Full day activity with individual activities. Food and drinks available on site. Nice guide

An easy-paced day out with Michael from Explore Australia. The animal sanctuary at Healesville is such a lovely setting in natural bushland and the Spirit of the Sky show featuring Australian bird life was entertaining as well as informative. Topping off the day with the hour-long journey from Belgrave to Lakeside on Puffing Billy was just the best experience.

This was a great day trip from Melbourne! The meeting point was easy and on time. Stuart was great - friendly, funny and knowledgeable. We started at Healesville Sanctuary and saw so many Australian animals - it's a great project helping animals displaced by fire etc. They even have an animal hospital on site where you can watch operations and procedures which was really cool and a great bird show. We bought food from the cafe there to eat (there or on the bus) and next stop was the Puffing Billy steam train which was really unique and fun. We did a quick nature walk before the ride home and Stuart told us lots of information about the area and the trees etc which was really interesting. Overall, this is a great day trip especially if you like animals! Thank you to Stuart for being a great guide! Would highly recommend.

This was one experience we were looking forward to so much! We booked 6 weeks in advance as they sell out very fast and are so popular. Our tour was with Explore Australia , the morning of our booking , we waited for bus and one it arrived , we found out there was an issue with our booking, we had updated the date recently and Viator had it but it wasn't updated so EA didnt know the change! The tour was full so nothing could be done but to reschedule, which we did from two days later. Suddenly , we got phone call an hour later from the manager of Explore Australia and he felt so bad that error had happened and explained about the error, he asked us where we at and he said he was sending a private uber car to get us and take us the 45 mins t catch the train where the tour bus was heading. I was like shocked and we agreed and soon wee were in uber on way to make the experience after all. We made the train with ample time and got to do the experience after all and didn't have to wait another two days. The manager went above and beyond and to me , this is customer care at its finest and he also messaged and called throughout our journey to train and once we completed it. Things happen but this company and manager with his team work above and beyond so we enjoyed even after booking error. I would highly recommend using Explore Australia, great experience but customer service was a bonus without any doubt!!

Had Matthew as our tour guide and he's really funny! The tour was also relaxing

The bus was not the best. We did not have enough time at Healsville Sanctuary. Puffing Billy was fun. For the money paid we expected more.

We had a lovely time visiting the Healesville Sanctuary, where we were able to see an incredible variety of wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, and the platypus. The day continued with a refreshing stop at Grants for a quick and light hike, which provided a perfect dose of nature before the main event. Riding the Puffing Billy steam train was a truly wonderful experience and a clear highlight of the trip. Our guide, Lucky, was exceptional and went out of his way to ensure we had the best seats on the train for the most scenic views. His hospitality and attention to detail made the entire journey seamless and enjoyable. This activity is highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable day out!

Good and timely managed Very good to travel with infants, the bus was nice and had a car seat for infants/ toddlers

A very nice experience.... our tour guide Jose was very friendly as well.... excellent experience... Must visit!!!!

Great down out. First stop was to Healesville Sanctuary , a dedicated animal attraction for animals from Australia. Plenty of time to walkaround to see all the animals. Then onto Puffing Billy. Puffy Billy was a good trip but its important to understand which side to sit on to get the best experience, this is the platform side and the wooden bridge is just outside the station. This it winds through the local woodlands with view of the valley and small towns. All locals are very happy to wave you pass which was great to see. It is only a one way trip. Seating with you legs out was a great experience but not very confortable, and maybe an issue with people with mobility issues - Larger seats would be ideal, lower bench seating is also there so not a massive issue. Driver and Guide Matt was very knowledgeable about Australia and the trip.

Excellent trip. Matt our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us ample time at each location. Tour was very well organised. We loved all of it a great way to spend a day

Fabulous day! Everything went well (I hope Gina’s finger heals well)! Nathan was nice enough to come and drive us back into Melbourne, but we missed Gina! It didn’t hurt that the weather was fantastic and the animal park was very nice.

Brilliant day out the staff were amazing mainly volunteering, the train experience incredible unlike anything else, extremely good value for money

My friend and I found the staff mathew and Nathan to be very understanding with our special needs to rebook and accessible requirements with the step and separate carriage on the train. Nathan told us information about the area and gave us an extra stop as a secret blessing.

Great tour…the train was fun, but seeing the Penguin is definitely a must see. Additionally, our guide, Gina was wonderful…she was so knowledgeable, and did a great job telling us interesting stories about Australia, the history, and of course the Penguins. I’d highly reythis your.

It was a fun excursion - educational and informative. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw wildlife that we’d never seen before. Good experience

We had an absolutely fantastic experience on our bus tour in Australia, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide, Jose. From the very start, he was warm, welcoming, and incredibly organized, making everyone feel comfortable and excited for the journey ahead.