Category Train Experiences

Melbourne · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

15 Train Experiences in Melbourne That Earn the Day

20 reviewed

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - Belgrave versus Lakeside: choosing your direction (and your viewing perks)

1.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29Our pick

Ride Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Ranges on a 1900-built steam train, with volunteer-led service, scenic stops, and a great Lakeside visit.

“We had a wonderful time riding on Puffing Billy. The scenery in the Dandenong region is stunning. The volunteer staff were very efficient and great fun. I travelled with my adult granddaughters and we all had an amazing time. At the age of 74 it’s the first time I have travelled on a train, sitting with my legs dangling over the side!”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside: what the steam train experience actually feels like

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Pickup points in Melbourne, and why the start time matters

3.From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Melbourne day trip combining Puffing Billy steam train, Dandenong Ranges stops, The Nobbies viewpoints, and Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

“Great excursion! The puffy Billy train is nice, sitting on the windows is funny and part of the excursion to enjoy the view but it’s not comfortable. We went to different beaches and view points in Phillip island. But the highlight was definitely the penguin parade, it was really amazing 🤩. The upgrade to the penguin plus is great, all the penguins will arrive just in front of you, so paying a small extra definitely worth it if you want to really enjoy the experience. The guide was nice and friendly.”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - Entering Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station

4.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 6 hours - 1 day · from $126

Ride the iconic Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, cross Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, then unwind at Emerald Lake Park.

“The Puffing Billy tour was a wonderful way to experience Victoria’s history and natural beauty. The train ride was comfortable, the commentary informative, and the staff very enthusiastic. I especially appreciated how well the experience was organized.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour - Pickup in Melbourne, and why the exact meeting points matter

5.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 6 hours · from $107

Ride Puffing Billy in open carriages, stroll Grants Picnic Ground, and explore Lakeside history on a guided half-day escape from Melbourne.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the day trip. Gina was a brilliant tour guide, very friendly and accommodating. An efficient half day tour, you're back in the CBD by 1pm-2pm to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Our only, slight, comment would be that there is in inequality of views depending which side of the carriage you sit on. Whilst both have nice views, one is significantly better. This is no fault of Gina's, of course, however perhaps she could suggest to all of those in the carriage that it would be polite to switch sides half way around so everyone can enjoy the view over the valleys.”

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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne - Puffing Billy steam train: where to sit for better views

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour - Morning pickups and the coach routine (plan your energy)

7.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 195 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, then watch Little Penguins return at sunset on Phillip Island, with optional koalas.

“We had an amazing experience on our tour, despite some unexpected challenges due to extreme weather that led to part of the tour being canceled. Our guide was incredibly accommodating, quickly arranging a great replacement activity that still made our day memorable. The driver was exceptional—kind, professional, and really went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. He offered us candy on the bus, made sure we had all the tickets we needed, and even gave us some fantastic tips on the best places to eat and catch the best view of the penguin parade. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt well taken care of the entire time. Highly…”

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Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - Boarding Puffing Billy in Belgrave: What the Ride Feels Like

8.Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 169 reviews · from $128Top rated

Ride the heritage Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, then explore Lakeside and Emerald Lake Park with pickup and Wi-Fi.

“Was a great experience, Robbie was great tour guide! So glad to found this website on social media. Don’t hesitate to get it.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day Tour

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day Tour - The Melbourne pick-ups and why they matter

9.Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 40 reviews · 14 hours · from $113

Ride the Puffing Billy steam train, stop at a koala park and the Nobbies, then watch penguins waddle ashore at dusk.

“Our tour guide, Evan Wu, was responsible and had a great sense of humor. The whole trip was well-organized and very enjoyable. We watched the amazing penguin parade and rode the exciting and scenic Puffing Billy Railway.”

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Melbourne: Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train Ride

Melbourne: Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train Ride - Melbourne pickups and the Brighton Beach rainbow huts stop

10.Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 34 reviews · 12 hours · from $133

Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges on Puffing Billy steam train, then to Phillip Island for the Nobbies and the penguin parade at dusk.

“Driver was inconsiderate to my grandfathers mobility issues and parked very far at the penguin parade despite there being open spots closer which upset my grandfather who insisted we go on without him so he didn’t get to properly enjoy the experience or see any penguins.”

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The Q Train – First Class Private Dining For 2

The Q Train - First Class Private Dining For 2 - Getting to Drysdale Station, parking, and how to arrive ready

11.The Q Train – First Class Private Dining For 2

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $142

Private first-class dining on the Q Train near Geelong, with a five-course local menu, wine pairings, and Bellarine Peninsula views for two.

“What an exceptional outing, perfect! Wonderful staff clearly enjoying our experience too, so lovely, kind and caring, ensuring we'd be 100% satisfied with The Q Train adventure. The cuisine is something to die for and the scenery en-routRead more”

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Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour

Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour - Puffing Billy Railway Through the Dandenong Ranges (and Why the Classic Train Moment Is the Point)

The Q Train – Q Class Social Dining

The Q Train - Q Class Social Dining - Where You Start: Drysdale Station (and the Queenscliff option)

13.The Q Train – Q Class Social Dining

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · from $103

Dinner on the historic Q Train near Geelong, five-course local menu, sunset views, and a heritage rail ride between Drysdale and Queenscliff.

“A truly fabulous experience. The staff on this train are just wonderful. They just make this such a special experience. The food was beautiful and the train was awesome. Thoroughly recommend th Q train”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Island Excursion

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Island Excursion - Puffing Billy steam ride in the Dandenong Ranges

Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour

Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour - The coach ride: what timing feels like in real life