Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour From Melbourne
4.5

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour From Melbourne

By AAT Kings
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Australia’s Dandenong Ranges offer stunning landscapes and ample wildlife-watching opportunities right in Melbourne’s backyard. This tour combines two of the region’s most popular attractions—a scenic ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train and a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary to see kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and other native wildlife.

Ages 0-99, max of 50 per group
Duration: 9h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Ride Australia’s oldest preserved steam train, the Puffing Billy
  • Guided tour: visit the best Dandenong viewpoints with a local guide
  • See koalas, kangaroos, and other native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary
  • Hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transportation by bus

  • Experienced local driver/guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Super comfortable luxury coach including: free wifi, in-seat USB, air conditioning
  • Pickup and dropoff for select Melbourne hotels. These appear in a dropdown box when booking
  • Ticket for the Puffing Billy Steam Train ride (from Belgrave to Menzies Creek)
  • Enjoy a traditional Devonshire Tea of scones, served warm with jam, cream, and tea or coffee
  • Entry to Healesville Wildlife Park
  • Get up close and personal with some of Australia's most well known animals
  • Entry/Admission - Grants on Sherbrooke
  • Entry/Admission - Belgrave
  • Entry/Admission - Healesville
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks

Your tour begins with an early-morning pickup from your central Melbourne hotel. Traveling aboard an air-conditioned bus, set out on the journey into the Dandenong Ranges and soak up the scenery as you climb through lovely mountain valleys. Along the way, make a stop at the Grants Reserve Café, where you are served morning tea (own expense). Before hopping back on the bus, take a moment to admire the views, and to look for cockatoos and rosellas in the surrounding forest. Continue to Belgrave, the starting point for the Puffing Billy—Australia’s oldest steam train and one of the world’s finest preserved steam railways. Once onboard, set out on a thrilling train ride, following the historic railway route through the heart of the Sherbrooke Forest and enjoying spectacular views across the lush mountain valleys. After your memorable train ride, head to the Healesville Sanctuary, where you can purchase lunch (not included) before exploring the nature reserve. During your visit, see kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies, and spot some of Australia’s more elusive creatures, such as echidnas, platypuses, and Tasmanian devils. Finally, set out on the return journey to Melbourne, where your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.

Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • Hotel pick-ups commence prior to the tour start time. Please refer to your voucher for your hotel pick-up time or call the operator. You will be collected from the hotel you have selected in the drop down list. If you wish to change your pick-up location, you must call the operator at least 24 hrs prior to travel. If your hotel does not appear on the dropdown list, the operator does not pick-up from your hotel. Please phone the operator to arrange an alternate pick-up time and location.
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Wheelchair accessible
        • Pushchair accessible
        • Service animals allowed
        • Near public transportation
        • Infants must sit on laps
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2230M15

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Children must be accompanied by an adult
        • Most travellers can participate
        • Please call prior to booking regarding wheelchair accessibility
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2230M15

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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • AAT Kings
          606
          Australia
          Joined in December 2010
        • nipunv2016
          0 contributions
          1.0 of 5 bubbles
          Never Trust AAT
          They never showed up We paid and waited at our pickup point for 2 hours. They don't pickup calls We flew in to Melbourne for this and was just ghosted.
          Written 23 December 2023
        • 981JayB
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Tour of New Zealand
          I took this tour of New Zealand as it covered both islands. It went from Christchurch to Auckland and I spent a few days in Christchurch before the tour. The tour guide and driver were excellent. They ere were efficient at their jobs. We stopped thru a lot of small towns; the amount of time spent there was good. I wish there were more time in the big cities, like Wellington. There was a lot of on and off the bus, normal for a bus tour. Got a lot of pictures in. It was a long flight there - 13 hours. Highly recommended.
          Written 9 December 2023
        • J4113LJmichellew
          0 contributions
          1.0 of 5 bubbles
          AAT Kings canceled my tour ~1 hour before departure
          I booked my ticket to Phillip Island via Viator >24 hours in advance and received confirmation and my credit card was charged. I got a call ~1 hour before I was supposed to meet at the tour location that they had overbooked my tour and canceled my reservation and just offered a refund or to rebook my party 4 days later, even though I'm leaving Melbourne before then and this was the only date I could do the tour. They ruined my vacation and all they could do was say sorry. Don't trust them or Viator unless you want to be severely disappointed.
          Written 26 December 2022
        • Jill C
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing Scenery on the Great Ocean Road Tour
          This Tour was exactly as descibed by AAT Kings. Pick up was on time, and the coach was clean and comfortable. WOW! The Great Ocean Road scenery is amazing! Our driver Liam and his talk was fun and informative. One of the best coach trips we have ever done, and we have loads of photos to remind us of a great day! We Highly Recommend this tour with AAT KINGS.
          Written 7 April 2020
        • Jill C
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          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          AAT KINGS - Maru Animal Park and Penguin Parade
          Tour was exactly as described by AAT Kings: First stop was at the Maru Park where we were able to get up close to a koala ($30 extra), feed the kangaroos and wallabies ($3), see tasmanian devils, dingos etc - a small park, but lovely to wander round. We then headed to Phillip Island for a walk around the headland, viewing the spectacular coastline, and even caught sight of a few of the penguins which were completing their annual moult. We were driven back to Cowes to get our evening meal(at our own choice and cost), and then back to Phillip Island to see the penguin parade - scheduled to begin at 8:25pm, and sure enough the penguins started to appear dead on time! We sat in the tiered seating, and although the view on to the beach was not brilliant (it was going dark after all!), it was magical to see the little fellas pop out of the ocean and begin their noisy waddle home. We got a much closer look at them as we headed back along the board-walk into the centre. We were dropped off outside our hotel after 11pm - a long but very enjoyable day! We Highly Recommend this tour with AAT KINGS.
          Written 7 April 2020
        • Brian M
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Comprehensive tour City Tour.
          As ATTKings did not pick up from our hotel, we headed for the alternative start at Federation Square. The coach pickup point is by the back entrance/exit of the National Gallery of Australia. The City Tour is comprehensive as we saw most of Melbourne, including St Hilda, the Houses of Parliament, the Rod Lever tennis stadium. A cruise down the Yarra River was included that gave a good impression of the buildings by the waterside and the harbour.By sharing your experiences, you're helping travellers make better choices and plan their dream trips. Thank you!
          Written 2 April 2020
        • Silebytravelers
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          ATT KINGS
          Fantastic day out, large tour bus with a small group. Its a long day but we'll worth it. Our driver come tour guide was brilliant, stopping many times to show us local fauna and flora, I think he was an amateur botanist at heart. Phillip Island, although a damp night was great but don't be disappointed in the fact that you can't take any pictures after dusk of the little blue penguins, due to them being nocturnal and bright light damaging their eyes.
          Written 1 April 2020
        • carriewdavispt
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          The Miracle of Kangaroos and Penguins
          We loved the time spent with the kangaroos and penguins. We had plenty of time to pet and feed the kangaroos with no interruption. The Penguin Parade is one of natures miracles that is a chance in a lifetime to experience. The only reason I gave this tour a 4/5 stars is that the tour guide was a little over-zealous with his enthusiasm. We appreciated his commentary but it was a very, very long day and he stopped the bus many times to pick up the odd flower, tree branches, etc to pass around the bus. I don’t think any of us knew the significance. Luckily he was quiet on the long ride home. However, he was a very, very nice guy!
          Written 23 March 2020
        • Meknicholson
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Do both the Maru Animal Park and Penguin Parade
          We had the kindest driver, Keith who was so informative! We stopped at the Maru Park and got a close up experience touching a koala and feeding kangaroos. We loved our quick beach stops with fabulous views. The Penguin Parade was so precious- spend the money to upgrade to the platform so you are up close to the penguins. LOVED ALL OF IT!
          Written 18 March 2020
        • janddboots
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Must see tour
          Must see tour if it's your first time in Melbourne or Australia. It's compact tour you can experience wild life and see the outside of Melbourne city. Highly recommended
          Written 12 March 2020
        • Sightseer595106
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A "must see" tour.
          This was a great tour to really experience Australia. Our guide, Mark, was very knowledgeable and entertaining with his wit and humor. Mark brought a lot of laughter to our trip to pass the time as we traveled. We upgraded from the general viewing, which gave us an excellent view of the penguins as they come very close. Thank you for being a part of an experience I will never forget.
          Written 10 March 2020
        • FrequentFlier770799
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Mark
          This is a must do activity in Australia and Mark was an awesome driver/guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area, very funny, and great driver. Would highly recommend.
          Written 10 March 2020
        • Jilllian
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Wxcellent
          We booked onto the Philip Island and wildlife tour as it contained everything we wanted to see. Met our driver; Richard who was a really nice and informative fella. Pick up was on time. Coach comfortable and clean. First stop was koala bears, kangaroos, dingos and other animals - excellent. Then off round to Philip Island with a dinner stop at Cowes before heading off to see the penguins at 8.45 - which was amazing. All in all we were out from 12noon - 12 midnight making the tour excellent value. Really glad we did it.
          Written 23 February 2020
        • 9travelbug1947
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Highlight of our trip to Melbourne
          On February 2, 2020, we had the pleasure of taking this tour with our guide, Stephen. Not only is this an amazing tour, but Stephen was a delight. He is so knowledgeable and his insights and commentary made the whole day a very enjoyable experience. One of the best things about Australia is its people and Stephen is certainly a great example!
          Written 21 February 2020
        • Hitomi J
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          lovely day trip of the train ride and wine tasting
          It was an early start of 8am trip so the Devonshire morning tea was a good stop in a lovely countryside not very far from the city.  The driver/guide Paul's talk was very informative about the places he drove though, wine, vineyard, the life in Melbourne also which I am interested in.  The train ride was quite pleasant, enjoyed the view of the mountains.  I had a lovely fish, raspberry sorbet dessert + a glass of wine for lunch at the first large winery, the restaurant has a lovely setting and very good gift store with variety of chocolates in particular, the tasting was done in a small room we sat down and listened about their wine.  The next winery was smaller and more casual, some different taste of wine I tried. The last was a small family business winery and I enjoyed the Australian rustic atmosphere.  I was a solo traveler but the tour was in a small group of people who were from different countries and very friendly.  I think the tour was well organized, thoroughly enjoyable experience!
          Written 20 February 2020
        See all 606 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


        4.5
        4.5 of 5 bubbles27 reviews
        Excellent
        19
        Very good
        3
        Average
        3
        Poor
        2
        Terrible
        0

        Wally R
        Portland, OR3 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        From the first stop with tea, the walk in the woods, wild cockatoos, parrots, wallabies, ..... then train, wine and lunch, sanctuary. So many memories. Big shout to James, our entertaining guide
        Written 17 March 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hello 339wallyr, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review of your day trip. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the tour to Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary. We hope to see you again sometime
        Written 17 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Alan K
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2020
        I have just returned from this tour. What can I say?! I am truly speechless at what a fantastic day this was such fabulous value for money. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had. So well organised you always knew the plan and where to be. Coach driver and guide Roger was wonderful, great sense of humour and full of entertaining trivia and anecdotes about local history and nature. Loved meeting the birds and taking a short bush walk after scones and tea. The sanctuary was outstanding. Our volunteer guide Patricia was knowledgeable, entertaining and very friendly. We got the opportunity to get so close to the animals and we even saw a tree kangaroo with baby Joey in pouch an extra special treat! I cannot recommend this tour enough. I am so proud to have visited Melbourne and I am seriously considering moving to Australia to be with you wonderful folk permanently. What a super super day!
        Written 2 February 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hello alankQ2528EY, We loved reading your review and seeing how much fun you experienced. We will be sure to pass on your high regards to both Roger about Healesville volunteer Patricia. This is such a lovely read, we hope other find your review inspiring also. Be sure to hit us up again if you move to Australia :)
        Written 2 February 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Jesica
        Indonesia8 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2020
        Did the one-day tour early this month to Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary. Our experience was smooth and enjoyable. Also, shoutout to Liam, our guide, who made the whole journey felt so pleasant! Highly recommend AAT Kings! Thank you.
        Written 16 March 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi There 587jesip, Thanks for leaving us a review about our Puffing Billy and Healesville Tour We are glad to hear you enjoyed your day, and we will be sure to pass on your Kudos to Liam. Hopefully we will see you again sometime :)
        Written 16 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        72ross
        Cairns, Australia46 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2018
        Puffing Billy is an activity that we have participated in as family for generations. I as really disappointed this trip. Parking was an absolute nightmare- no parks anywhere. The train was over sold for our time slot but instead of waiting for the next time- they put a few of them on which meant overcrowding and on a 39 degree day- was not good. The trip was everything we had remembered and looked forward to and the kids loved it. We arrived at Lakeside thinking we had over an hour to spare- but were told that we should quickly get back on to get a seat back as they have been unable to get everyone back on the same train in previous days. Knowing we had to get back to ensure we didn't get a parking ticket ( three hour return and three hour parks!) we headed back to the train and sat for 40 minutes. Then as we were getting ready to leave, they started cramming people onboard again. Once again they were overloaded. The conductor was in our carriage and was saying that they should stop selling tickets to ensure this doesn't happen. The train was great but trip tarnished by so many people and not being able to relax and enjoy the final destination.
        Written 19 January 2018
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Airuikah
        5 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2019 • Family
        Very comfortable and well organized trip. The coach was very comfortable and the guide fun and informative.

        The kids enjoyed the train ride and watching all the animals at the wildlife sanctuary. Unfortunately our volunteer guide was not so interesting so we decided to explore it ourselves.

        All in all a nice day trip with different experiences.
        Written 21 December 2019
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi there Fanhetai, Thank you for leaving us your lovely review about the Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary Tour. We are glad to hear that you and the kids enjoyed both the train ride and the wildlife sanctuary. We are sorry to hear your volunteer guide was not captivating, but like you advised, there is no need to use their guidance if you do not wish to. Thanks again for taking the time to write us a review, we hope you enjoy the remainder of your time in Melbourne
        Written 22 December 2019
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Jeanne
        Paris, France5 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2019
        Well balanced day: stroll in the rainforest followed by coffee and scones, great experience on the old and historic steam train, pleasant discovery of the Australian animals sanctuary
        Very comfortable coach
        Nice driver, Roger
        Thanks a lot
        Written 10 December 2019
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hello JeanneFrance2019, Thanks for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed our Puffing Billy and Healesville tour with Roger, he sure is a top bloke. We hope to see you again soon,
        Written 10 December 2019
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        kiwiawayMelbourne
        Melbourne, Australia315 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great day out with the kids. very relaxing train ride.

        Lakeside was not what we expected. all the attractions were closed, lake was under repair, kids play grounds were limited or being repaired.

        On the return journey we have the Head conductor Ian in carriage with us. He was full of great stories about the train and surrounding areas. he was great with the kids and made the trip.
        Written 24 March 2018
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Henry V
        Sydney, Australia113 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2018 • Couples
        Did the above mentioned tour with AAT Kings. Our Driver Brett was friendly and very helpful. Gave us lots of information along the way and drove very safely. The coaches are very comfortable . I will be doing other AAT Kings tours next time i am in Melbourne.
        Written 31 January 2018
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Rheea B
        Melbourne, Australia9 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2020 • Couples
        Amazing experience!! Kudos to our tour driver, Liem who made the whole journey sooo amazing and fascinating with his abundance knowledge. Would highly recommend for a pleasant trip to enjoy a good time in Melbourne
        Written 9 March 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hello RheeaB, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear you had an enjoyable day to Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary with our guide Liam. We believe we have the best guides in the tourism business, we will be sure to pass on your kind words. Travel safely,
        Written 9 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Matt D
        Te Awamutu, New Zealand1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We joined the puffing billy/winery day tour early March this year. Adrian was our guide. Fantastic commentary of Melbourne and surrounding areas. First class! Thank you!
        Written 9 March 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hello 484MattD, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear you had an enjoyable day to Puffing Billy and Wineries Tour with our guide Adie. We believe we have the best guides in the tourism business, we will be sure to pass on your kind words. Travel safely,
        Written 9 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour From Melbourne provided by AAT Kings

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