Home > Melbourne > Puffing Billy Steam Train, Yarra Valley and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Day Tour
USD $128.00
Puffing Billy Steam Train, Yarra Valley and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Day Tour
Melbourne, Australia
Visit the Dandenong Ranges on a day trip from Melbourne that takes you riding through forests of towering mountain ash gum trees and giant tree ferns on the Puffing Billy steam train and meeting Australia's unique wildlife at the Healesville Sanctuary. Discover the beauty of Melbourne's most scenic regions as you feed cockatoos and rosellas in the Dandenong Ranges.
Your tour begins with pickup from your Melbourne hotel. Enjoy a relaxing coach trip through Melbourne's leafy eastern suburbs as you travel from the city to the Dandenong Ranges on the outskirts of the city.
Admire views of towering mountain ash gum trees, the world's tallest flowering plants, as you wind your way up the mountains to Grant's Reserve in the quaint mountain village of Kallista. Handfeed the local crimson rosellas, sulfur-crested cockatoos and pink-and-gray galahs as you drink in the crisp mountain air and enjoy a traditional Australian billy tea with savory Vegemite spread and chocolate-and-coconut lamington cakes.
Leaving Grant's Reserve, your tour takes you to the town of Belgrave in the foothills of Dandenong Ranges to board the famous Puffing Billy steam train. This historic train trip takes you 100 years back in time to the days of steam travel as you ride the train from Belgrave to the Yarra Ranges village of Gembrook. Cross the wooden trestle bridge on this 30-minute ride through the rainforest, and glimpse faraway views of Port Phillip Bay glistening on the horizon.
Relax after your Puffing Billy train ride and enjoy lunch hamper (at own expense) at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary.
After a leisurely lunch, enjoy a tour of Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Australia’s premier wildlife reserves. See all kinds of native animals in a natural bush setting, including wallabies, wombats, kangaroos, owls, emus eagles and, of course, koalas. Don’t miss the popular birds of prey display and see sleepy koalas chewing gum leaves in their eucalypt-tree habitats.
Leaving Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, make your way back to Melbourne, arriving at your city hotel in the late afternoon.
Lovely day,highlight was the Puffing Billy Steam Train ride, fantastic. We enjoyed the Sanctuary,but maps were out dated so got confused a few times,we were told they were getting new enclosures and updated maps down the track, so we missed a few exhibitions as only limited time there and a lot to cover. We would have bought more souvenirs from the shop but there were very few referring to the Wild Life Sanctuary, so disappointing.The only thing apart from stuffed animalsfar too many we could find was a fridge magnet, others were not specific to the Sanctuary.???? But loved the animals,we could tell they were loved.
Review by: Waldemar B, November 2017
Really amazing experience. The train like a journey into the past.
Review by: Gerrit V, October 2017
excelent trip and well organized._br/_ we were surprised how well it was done
Review by: lizziesa19, October 2017
Love it and the tour guide is superb!!! Everything went smoothly and the views are all breathtaking! My son enjoyed all of it!
Review by: Jac, October 2017
A really neat fun varied day. Ran smoothly by a friendly informative driver, the train was fun and the wildlife park was great. I'd do this tour again :)
Review by: MAN YEE L, August 2017
The tour guide is excellent! He is good at making burgers to all of us!
Review by: Samual P, August 2017
Went during winter in early august. The puffing billy was a short 30 minutes ride, sit on the right side for the best view. Most enjoyable was sitting on the window ledge, enjoying the super cold breeze with the other passengers and taking photos with the steam engine at the station._br/_ Sadly, it was raining during the Sanctuary Trip, most of the animals such as kangaroos were under their shelter to hide from the cold winter rain so there wasn't much to see at the outdoor areas. However, there was still the nightlife exhibition which was quite fascinating._br/_ There are animal shows and talks at certain timings which was enjoyable and entertaining. The guides were volunteers but had so much knowledge to share about the animals.
Review by: C D, August 2017
Wildlife sanctuary turned out to be a lot of walking and standing around, which was tiring. Otherwise, great trip.
Review by: dawnscheng, June 2017
The steam train ride was amazing - it is rare these days to see one of these let alone ride on it through the forests. Beautiful views, amazing and friendly volunteers.
Review by: dj538phillips, May 2017
The train ride was good saw a bunch of stuff. The Sanctuary showed many different animals.
Review by: Mrs_twitter, May 2017
We went to several animal preserves while on our trip to Australia and Healesville Sanctuary was the best! We were provided with a group guide but were free to go off on your own if you preferred. By far the best place to get photos up close to koalas. Lots of psoralen encounter options too. There is indeed a lot of walking but you are given plenty of time to see everything even if you are a slow person like me. Puffing Billy was a fun short ride. I recommend sitting on the right side for the best views. The snack stop was yummy and the birds were beautiful. Be very aware though that they will dig their claws right into your arms and hands should you choose to feed them and they are very heavy. Several bandages were required. A very nice day overall!
Review by: Eva L, April 2017
The tour guide was amazing, he did a great job with the live commentary, and he really connected with everyone on board.
Review by: Roger, March 2017
Short Train Ride up winding countryside. Visit to Healesville Sanctuary Very-- Good Excellent Guide hit all the highlights including Raptor Show.
Review by: Marie M, February 2017
Plenty of time to enjoy the wildlife.
Review by: Becky W, February 2017
The description of this tour is a little confusing because you don't really go to the Yarra Valley, only drive through it. That being said, we booked this tour specifically to go to the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary so we were not disappointed. We had plenty of time to see everything we wanted at the sanctuary.
Review by: Joel R, February 2017
THIS was awesome! I would encourage the good people at the Healsville Wildlife Sanctuary to give their comrades at the Enchanted Adventure Garden Canopy Tour a lesson on what other divine vegetaria options there are to eat in the world, apart from chips and a sandwich made of two slices of wheat bread with pieces of a mixed greens salad between them.
Review by: sooyee, February 2017
The driver was very knowledgeable about the areas along the way and the destination. He was very clear about the expectation and logistic. The train ride was pleasant and fun. The weather that day was just too hot for the animals to be a little bit more active.
Review by: karilyn k, January 2017
A fun day! Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing place. Add optional encounters - check which animals are available the day you are there-lots of fun being with animals up close! Workers and volunteers have the best attitude - they love what they do!! AAT Kings tour gives you ample time yo see it all.
Review by: Lennard P, January 2017
Great experience feeding the wild cuckatoos but make sure to wear long sleeves or be prepared to get your arms clawed! Kids had a lot of fun on Puffing Billy. Guide Paul was very knowledgeable about the area and entertained us during the bus ride. Enjoyed seeing all the animals from Oz at Healesville. Plenty of time to walk around and lots of food choices. Highly recommend!
Review by: Andrew S, November 2016
Very dissapointed that we only did 1 section of Puffing Billy. As this is the headline of the booking we presumed, incorrectly, that it would be the most featured. The coach then followed along the train tracks for some distance so cant see why you only do a short section. The coach driver Peter was excellant and gave a great commentary all day. Great guided tour of Healsville.
Review by: Deepthi, November 2016
Let and #39;s face it, with AAT kings, it and #39;s a big bus full of people. Yet, I enjoyed this tour. Very comfortable seats. Edward was quirky, very informative and gave individual attention. Puffing billy is a right of passage, cockatoo feeding is an added perk. Loved our zoo volunteer, Margot, at the sanctuary.
Review by: Claudio P, November 2016
This was a very enjoyable trip and we saw a lot of beautiful countryside and villages. The steam train was a fun experience and the Sanctuary was a good way to see the fascinating animals of Australia. It did involve a lot of walking, and since my husband has limited mobility, they provided a golf cart for us to see everything we wanted to see. The naturalists and volunteers were just great. Also our bus driver/guide on the main day tour was very helpful and we enjoyed his narrative on the bus. All in all, it was a trip we are very glad we booked!
Review by: evilenecarvalho, October 2016
Amazing day out at this tour , the train is fantastic and the sanctuary park natives animals so beautiful._br/_ The bus driver has a lot of knowledge and a great sense of humor ...
Review by: SIN BOON T, October 2016
This package is misleading as it stated 3 attractions in the title - Puffing Billy Steam Train, Yarra Valley and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary._br/_ 1 I like the Puffing Billing Steam Train as it is a great experience in the train ride. The guide was good and bring us to good spot for photo shooting._br/_ 2 This trip package do not cover tour trip in Yarra Valley. It is a pass-by itinerary. It is quite misleading as we are expected some introduction of wine making etc._br/_ 3 The itinerary was average, nothing much to comment.
Review by: Kejia Q, September 2016
Healesville Wildlife sanctuary is the by far the best zoo i have been in Australia.
Review by: Rachel L, September 2016
It was a good experience and I'll definitely recommend this to parents your kids will love the close encounter with animals!
Review by: SSP, August 2016
Excellent tour guided by Mr. Paul Chilton and excellent trip. Money's worth.
Review by: Dorla H, July 2016
Delightful train ride the best part is you can seat on the railing and happily dangle your feet. Wish I had taken a longer ride , highly recommend it
Review by: SUM LOK L, July 2016
Not worthy of it. The tour under tough weather ( heavy rain with cold temperature ) still went on. We couldn and #39;t enjoy the Penguins watching at all!
Review by: Tami T, June 2016
Tour was amazing! Loved!!! The Puff Billy Steam Train had a great views. The Sancuary was wonderful!!!! _br/_ Coach Driver Steve was awesome.
Review by: Cba.desiree, June 2016
Great experience !
Review by: Siew Khim L, June 2016
Tour guide is friendly and helpful.
Review by: Donna W, June 2016
This was a very fun and scenic tour!
Review by: Hooi Chin L, May 2016
Good experience. Should try!
Review by: L D B, April 2016
Even though it was pouring with rain, it was a great day. Lunch at the Healesville Sanctuary was a bit rushed and crowded but we managed. Just wish the weather had been kinder for the Puffing Billy Journey - the scenery would have been that much more delightful. Next time will steer clear of school holidays as the noise levels were prodigious!!!
Review by: ava_bentley, April 2016
Great tour guide, great sights. Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary are a must. If you get the chance use a guide at HS, it makes a difference!
Review by: James E, March 2016
Great day out, especially the ride on Puffing Billy and Healesville.
Review by: Ritsa K, March 2016
Had an absolutely great experience on this tour. Our guide Mark was fun and enthusiastic, making sure everyone got to enjoy the trip. Morning tea was lovely and riding the steam train was great fun! I thoroughly enjoyed feeding the friendly Cockatoos and Rosellas and our tour guide at Healseville Santuary was knowledgable and friendly. Definitely recommend this tour-thanks again Mark for being such a great tour guide!
Review by: Carole G, March 2016
Fully enjoyed the steam train ride, ride not long enough by far. Enjoyed the guided tour of Healesville wildfile santuary.
Review by: Carol R, March 2016
A very good day!!! _br/_ The sanctuary was the best part. Such a wonderful place for rescue animals. It is not a glorified petting zoo. It is a true to life house for many animals. I was so impressed. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable. _br/_ The Yarra Valley is beautiful!!
Review by: kennyjhall, March 2016
A fantastic day! The ride on the Puffing Billy steam train was a lot of fun and the visit to Healisville Sanctuary. Our bus driver/guide, John, was extremely helpful,funny and shared a wealth of knowledge about the areas we visited.
Review by: paulmui, February 2016
puffing billy steam train is wonderful, but, the gold coast wildlife sanctuary is better an Healesville's.
Review by: JOANNA C, February 2016
Wonderful trip and Cooling weather
Review by: Bianda S, February 2016
The steam train route was a bit short, would have loved it to be a little bit longer._br/_ But other than that, the tour was great. It was a hot day but we really had a great time at the sanctuary, we get to see the animals and watch the Bird Show.
Review by: Victor P, February 2016
The Puffing Billy Steam Train was a new experience to take compared to a typical train ride in the city. It was fun to enjoy nature whilst riding on Puffing Billy. It really invoked the inner child in me. It was also interesting to explore the operations at Healsville.
Review by: Vivek N, January 2016
Puffing Billy Steam Train definitely worth doing. Wildlife Sanctuary was just ok - most of the animals were sleeping. Disappointed with the Kangaroo - seen better elsewhere.
Review by: Shawn A, December 2015
We had a great time on our Puffing Billy Steam Train tour. My son enjoyed riding the train and seeing the Yarra Valley from the train. We both enjoyed the Wildlife Sanctuary and the bird show. The food at the Sanctuary was very good. My son did get bit by a sulfur Crest Cockatoo while feeding them that did draw some blood. However it was not that bad and soon he was ready for the next adventure.
Review by: Ani Martin, December 2015
Made more for families with young children but we enjoyed it
Review by: Richard S, December 2015
A great experience and the tour was everything we expected it to be.
Review by: Chiro, October 2015
The whole day was great, even though it rained early on and during the train ride. The bus driver was fantastic a bag of knowledge during the whole trip, including taking us on an unexpected detour to a local chocolate factory. Highly recommend it.
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