Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Healesville & Winery Tour

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Healesville & Winery Tour — An honest look at this popular day trip

If you’re dreaming of a day that combines scenic train rides, encounters with iconic Australian wildlife, and a taste of fine Yarra Valley wines, this tour might just be your perfect match. While we haven’t personally hopped aboard, many travelers praise its blend of sights and experiences, and we’re here to share what makes it stand out—and what to consider before booking.

What draws us most are the stunning scenery along the Dandenongs, the chance to see koalas and kangaroos at Healesville Sanctuary, and the nostalgic ride on Australia’s oldest narrow-gauge steam train. Plus, the convenience of city pick-up makes this a hassle-free way to explore without the fuss of planning transport. One thing to keep in mind is the full-day length—11 hours means you’ll want to be ready for a fair amount of sitting and traveling. This tour fits best for those eager to see a little of everything, especially wildlife lovers, train enthusiasts, and wine aficionados.

Good To Know

• Diverse experiences: Combines wildlife, scenic railway, and wine tasting in one day.
• Comfortable transport: Includes pick-up from central Melbourne and air-conditioned coach travel.
• Expert guides: Bilingual guides enrich the tour with insights and local tips.
• Authentic train ride: Travel on Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest narrow-gauge steam train, through lush landscapes.
• Wildlife encounters: Up-close viewings of koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses at Healesville Sanctuary.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A detailed look at the tour itinerary and experience

Starting from Melbourne CBD

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from three central Melbourne locations—42 Russell Street, 601 Lonsdale Street, or 52 Spencer Street. Pick-up times typically range from around 7:30 AM to midday, depending on the schedule, so you’ll want to check your specific time. From there, it’s about a 40-minute coach ride to Brighton Beach, where you’ll enjoy your first stop.

Brighton Beach’s iconic bathing boxes

Brighton Beach is famous for its vividly colored bathing boxes, which line the shore and create one of Melbourne’s most Instagram-worthy scenes. Expect around 40 minutes here to take photos and soak up the seaside atmosphere. Many reviews mention how this provides a perfect photo backdrop before the day ramps up. It’s a quick but memorable start that sets a relaxed, scenic tone for the day.

Healesville Sanctuary — wildlife in focus

Next, you’re off to Healesville Sanctuary, roughly two hours away. Here, you’ll spend around 2.5 hours exploring Australia’s incredible wildlife. This sanctuary is known for its approachable and engaging environment where you can see koalas, kangaroos, and even the elusive platypus in a dedicated tank. Reviewers often highlight the knowledge of guides and the well-maintained enclosures, making the animal encounters both fun and educational. One reviewer noted how they loved the opportunity to see kangaroos up close and spot koalas in tree canopies, while others appreciated the sanctuary’s commitment to conservation.

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Yarra Valley wine tasting

After wildlife, the tour heads to Rochford Winery in the Yarra Valley. Although wine tastings are at your own expense, many find this stop to be well worth it for the chance to sample award-winning wines in a beautiful setting. The 40-minute stop allows you to relax, enjoy some tastings, and appreciate the vineyard views. We noted a reviewer mentioning that the wine experience adds a sophisticated touch to the day, especially if you’re keen to discover local wines without the hassle of organizing your own visit.

Scenic ride on Puffing Billy

Perhaps the highlight for many is the historic Puffing Billy steam train ride through the Dandenong Ranges. The train, dating back over a century, offers a nostalgic journey through lush forests and rolling hills, with dangles your feet from the open carriage, creating a sense of adventure. The train stop lasts about an hour, giving you time for photos and soaking in the scenery. Multiple reviews praise the experience as “most worth it,” noting the beautiful views and the charm of riding on such an old locomotive.

Final stretch and return

After the train journey, you’ll head back to Melbourne, with a final 1.5-hour coach ride. The tour ends with drop-offs at the same central locations, usually between 4:30 and 6:00 PM. Many reviewers mention how smoothly the day runs and the value of a well-organized itinerary that packs so many diverse experiences into one day.

What it’s like to travel with this tour

The coach transportation is generally comfortable, with air conditioning and enough space to relax during the longer drives. Guides are bilingual, speaking both English and Chinese, which makes it accessible for a diverse range of travelers. Many reviews praise their knowledgeability and friendly manner, especially noting how guides like Devin handled some initial hiccups professionally—despite a review mentioning a pickup issue, the guide’s sincerity in addressing concerns was appreciated.

Timing is coordinated to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed, though some travelers may find the long day a bit tiring, especially if they prefer more leisure time at each stop. The full-day schedule means you’ll need to be prepared for a fair amount of sitting, but the variety of experiences helps keep things engaging.

Pricing and value

While not explicitly stated, the tour’s price includes transport, guides, and the convenience of a carefully curated itinerary. The fact that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund adds flexibility, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who will love this tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want an all-in-one day trip that covers wildlife, scenic train rides, and wine tasting. It’s particularly great if you’re short on time but eager to see a broad slice of Victoria’s highlights. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a relaxing yet diverse outing will find it appealing.

Final thoughts: Is this the right tour for you?

If you love the idea of combining Australia’s iconic wildlife with scenic train rides and a touch of wine tasting, this tour offers a balanced, well-organized day. The expert guides and comfortable transport help make the experience seamless, with some reviews highlighting the guides’ local knowledge and friendly attitudes.

The main selling point is the variety—from Brighton’s colorful beaches to the historic Puffing Billy, each stop offers something different and memorable. The tour’s moderate price, combined with the convenience and quality of the experiences, makes it a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive day out without the stress of planning every detail.

However, be prepared for a long day, and consider whether you’re comfortable with full schedules and some bus travel. If you’re seeking a relaxed, unhurried experience, you might prefer breaking these sights into separate visits.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes. The tour provides comfortable, air-conditioned coach transport from and back to central Melbourne locations.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and any personal items you need for the full day. A hat and sunscreen are recommended for outdoor stops.

Can I visit the wineries without paying?
You can taste wines at Rochford Winery at your own expense. The tour only includes the stop; tastings are optional.

How long is each stop?
Brighton Beach is about 40 minutes, Healesville Sanctuary allows 2.5 hours, the Yarra Valley stop is around 40 minutes, and the Puffing Billy ride takes about an hour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most ages, keep in mind the full-day schedule and walking involved. It’s best for children who can handle long hours and enjoy wildlife and scenic train rides.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Chinese and English, making the tour accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded day exploring some of Victoria’s top sights—wildlife, scenic railway adventures, and wine. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of organizing multiple activities, especially if you value expert guidance and comfortable transport. While it’s a full schedule, many find the experience both enriching and fun, making it a good choice for those eager to pack their day with authentic Aussie highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby