1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

About this tour

Ride a heritage steam locomotive through the Dandenong Ranges, then spend the afternoon at a wildlife park handling native Australian animals. This eight-and-a-half-hour tour departs Melbourne and combines an hour aboard Puffing Billy—a working engine that's been chugging through mountain ranges since the 1800s—with close encounters at a sanctuary. You'll see koalas, kangaroos and birds of prey up close, making it a full day mixing railway nostalgia with fauna interaction.

Highlights

• One-hour steam train journey through mountain scenery
• Belgrave to Lakeside route via heritage locomotive
• Handle koalas, kangaroos and raptors at wildlife sanctuary
• Dandenong Ranges rainforest views from carriage windows
• Air-conditioned transport between venues included
• Suitable for all fitness levels and ages

What to expect

You'll start with a pickup in Melbourne before heading to Belgrave station. The train ride itself is genuine working heritage—the locomotive and carriages are the real deal, not a theme-park simulation. Expect a leisurely pace through forested hillside with occasional stops. After disembarking, your group moves to the wildlife park where staff guide you through animal encounters; this isn't a passive zoo visit but hands-on interaction with handlers present. Bring a camera and comfortable shoes, as there's walking involved at both venues. The day finishes with your return to Melbourne.

Good to know

Lunch isn't included, but cafes operate near both the train station and wildlife park. Bring cash or card for food and drinks. The train operates rain or shine. Service animals are permitted. Public transport connects to meeting points if you prefer not to be picked up.