Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

If you’re looking for a way to escape the hustle of Melbourne and soak up some of Victoria’s beautiful natural scenery, this Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour might be just what you need. It’s a popular choice for visitors who want a mix of history, nature, and a touch of nostalgia — all wrapped into a manageable half-day adventure.

What really stands out are the stunning forest views from the historic steam train and the chance to see native birds in their natural habitat during the rainforest walk. Plus, the open-sided carriages let you feel the breeze and get closer to the scenery than most modern trains would allow.

However, a point to consider is that the tour is quite structured and short. If you’re looking for a full-day deep dive into Victorian rainforests or extensive wildlife encounters, this might feel a bit rushed. But if you want a smooth, scenic, and well-organized experience that covers the highlights, it’s definitely worth considering.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy historic trains, nature photography, or a relaxed day out. Whether you’re traveling solo, a couple, or with friends, it offers a balanced taste of Melbourne’s outdoors with a touch of vintage charm.

Key Points

• Scenic train ride: The highlight is a one-hour ride on Puffing Billy, with open carriages for great views and photo opportunities.
• Nature & wildlife: Stops at Grants Picnic Ground provide an opportunity to see native birds and enjoy a short bushwalk.
• History and education: The Lakeside Visitor Centre offers insights into the railway’s past, plus steam artefacts and interactive displays.
• Relaxed pace: The tour lasts about 6 hours, with plenty of time for sightseeing, eating, and soaking in the scenery.
• Suitable for most travelers: It’s accessible for those able to handle some walking but not ideal for wheelchairs or large luggage.
• Highly rated: With a 4.7/5 across 219 reviews, most travelers find it well-organized, enjoyable, and value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

When we think about a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne, the combination of historic steam train rides and lush rainforest scenery really captures the charm of this part of Victoria. The tour kicks off early, meeting at the Mail Exchange Hotel in the city — a convenient central spot for most. From there, it’s about an hour on a coach, which gives you time to relax and get into a bit of anticipation.

The Morning Stop at Grants Picnic Ground

Once you arrive, the first highlight is Grants Picnic Ground. This is a peaceful spot, perfect for stretching your legs after the bus ride. The short walking trails here aren’t demanding but enough to get your heart rate up and enjoy the vibrant birdlife. Expect to see cockatoos and rosellas fluttering around — a real treat for bird lovers or anyone wanting a scenic photo backdrop.

Reviewers consistently mention how much they enjoyed this part, with one noting, “the stop at the picnic grounds with the short bushwalk was a good extra,” and another appreciating the “native birdlife in their natural habitat.” It’s a quiet moment before the more lively train ride, so don’t skip it.

Scenic Drive Through the Rainforest

Next, the coach takes you through more Dandenong Ranges scenery — expect those classic rolling hills, tall trees, and a general sense of tranquility. This part of the journey is brief but sets the mood, highlighting why this region is such a beloved spot for Melburnians and visitors alike.

Puffing Billy Railway Experience

The central piece of the tour is the one-hour ride on Puffing Billy. This is what most people come for. You’ll board at Belgrave Station, climbing aboard the vintage steam engine pulling open-sided carriages. The thrill for many is dangling their legs over the side, feeling the wind and hearing the chuffing of the engine as it makes its way through the rainforest. This trip offers spectacular views of towering trees and charming wooden bridges, which make for excellent photos and memorable moments.

A lot of reviews comment on how well-organized the train ride is, with guides providing interesting commentary. One guest shared, “the scenery while aboard the puffing billy experience was great,” and another noted it’s “very enjoyable and relaxing.” The open carriages make it more immersive than a typical train — you’re almost part of the scenery.

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Lakeside Station & Cultural Insights

Arriving at Lakeside Station, you’re in a tranquil setting that invites exploration. The Lakeside Visitor Centre is free to visit, packed with vintage steam artefacts and interactive displays that tell the story of the railway’s history. It’s a good spot to learn more and appreciate the engineering marvels of the past.

Here, you have about an hour to wander, have a bite at the café (at your own expense), or just sit by the lake and soak in the peaceful surroundings. This free time is appreciated by many — it’s enough to relax without feeling rushed, and the reviews highlight the “fantastic” history displays and “friendly, informative guides.”

The Return Journey

After soaking in the scenery and exploring Lakeside, the bus takes you back into Melbourne. The entire experience runs smoothly, with many reviewers remarking on how professional and well-organized the tour was. The return trip is about an hour, giving you some downtime before ending back at the Mail Exchange Hotel.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

The most praised aspect of this experience is definitely the historic Puffing Billy train ride. The open carriages and lush rainforest views create a sense of stepping back in time, and it’s genuinely fun for all ages. Several reviews mention how “the scenery you pass through is absolutely beautiful,” and that dangling your legs out of the carriage makes the journey extra special.

Another favorite is the birdwatching and nature at Grants Picnic Ground. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot where you can enjoy a short walk and see native wildlife in a natural setting. Many reviewers appreciated the “native birdlife in the wild” and the “short bushwalk,” which adds a bit of adventure to the trip.

The Lakeside Visitor Centre adds an educational touch, with steam artefacts and interactive displays. Visitors tend to find this part surprisingly engaging — a nice balance between outdoor fun and learning about the railway’s past.

Guides & Organization

Based on the reviews, the guides are consistently described as knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic. They add a lot of value by sharing interesting facts and making sure everyone feels comfortable. One reviewer commented, “Nathan was extremely and informative,” and another said, “Gina was such an amazing host.” Such comments highlight that the guides truly enhance the tour experience.

Practicalities & Value

The tour lasts about 6 hours, which is a good length to enjoy the highlights without feeling exhausted or rushed. The cost, which includes transportation, entry fees, and the train ride, is generally considered good value, especially given the high praise from travelers who say it’s “well-organized” and “worth the price.”

However, some mention the limited time at each stop, especially if you want to explore more in the rainforest or Lakeside. The short rainforest walk is enough for a quick nature fix but may leave avid explorers wanting more time.

Considerations & Downsides

While most reviews are glowing, a few travelers mention that the train ride can be a bit rushed, especially if you want to spend more time taking photos or walking in the rainforest. The tour is designed to fit into a half-day, so it’s not for those wanting an all-day adventure.

Also, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage, due to the outdoor nature of the train and walking trails. The bus ride is about an hour each way, so if you’re sensitive to long coach journeys, be prepared.

Some guests also note that the window seats on the train aren’t always ideal for multiple adults sharing, as one reviewer pointed out, “the window seat on the train does not fit 4 adults,” so a little planning on where to sit can help.

Final Thoughts

This Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour offers a convenient, well-organized way to experience some of Victoria’s best scenery and history. It’s a fantastic trip for those who love vintage trains, native wildlife, and lush forests, all wrapped into a comfortable half-day outing. The combination of storytelling guides, scenic views, and a nostalgic steam train makes it a memorable experience for most.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic escape without the hassle of planning multiple activities. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking for a taste of the outdoors, history, and a little adventure.

If you’re after an authentic, family-friendly experience with plenty of photo opportunities and educational moments, this tour ticks those boxes. Just keep in mind the timing and access limitations if mobility or extended exploration is a priority.

All in all, the high ratings and glowing reviews show that most visitors find this tour a worthwhile highlight of their Melbourne trip, blending history, nature, and comfort in a way that feels thoughtfully curated.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for young children?
While it’s not explicitly marketed as a family tour, many reviews mention that the experience is great for all ages. The open carriages and short rainforest walk make it manageable, but very young children should be supervised, and strollers aren’t allowed on the train or in some parts of the rainforest.

How long does the train ride last?
The actual Puffing Billy train ride is about one hour. The entire tour, including stops and travel time, lasts around 6 hours.

Can I visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre independently?
Yes, once you arrive at Lakeside Station, you’re free to explore the Visitor Centre and displays at your leisure during your free time.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Also, bring a water bottle, sun protection, and maybe a camera or smartphone for photos.

Are drinks or food included?
No, food and drinks are not provided — you can buy coffee or snacks at the cafes at your stops, but you’ll need to bring your own if you want a full meal.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, mainly due to the outdoor nature of the train and walking trails.

In essence, this tour is a thoughtfully curated window into Victoria’s natural beauty and railway heritage. It’s a relaxing, scenic jaunt that offers enough to please history buffs, nature lovers, and casual travelers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: