Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne

About this tour

This six-hour outing whisks you from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges, combining two distinct experiences: rainforest walking at Grants Picnic Ground and a heritage steam railway ride on the Puffing Billy. After exploring native birdlife and woodland trails, you'll board an open-sided carriage at Belgrave Station for a one-hour journey through towering forest. The route ends at Lakeside Station, where a visitor centre documents the railway's history and lakeside grounds offer space to rest and eat (café on-site, own cost). Suited to curious explorers of any age or fitness level.

Highlights

• Walk through Dandenong rainforest spotting native birds
• Ride vintage open carriages with feet dangling overside
• One-hour steam train journey through old-growth forest
• Browse Lakeside Visitor Centre railway heritage exhibits
• Return transport from central Melbourne included
• Picnic grounds and café at journey terminus

What to expect

You'll start among tall trees and moss-covered logs at Grants Picnic Ground, following marked trails where kookaburras and lyrebirds often call. After this gentle warm-up, you're driven to Belgrave Station where Puffing Billy awaits—a narrow-gauge heritage railway that's been operating since 1900. Climb into an open carriage; the train climbs slowly through fern gullies and dense canopy. Your legs swing free as it chugs along, and the pace lets you absorb the forest rather than rush through it. At Lakeside Station, there's time to stretch, look around the visitor centre's railway collection, and grab food or drink before heading back to Melbourne.

Good to know

Wear layers—the forest stays cool and damp. Bring water and snacks if you prefer not to buy at the café. The train sometimes runs in reverse, so ask your guide which direction today. Service animals are welcome. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, as the ride jolts gently. The whole journey suits all fitness levels.