Tour ID: 10052651

Enjoy a relaxing morning in the Dandenong ranges and journey through the Sherbrooke Forest on the centrury-old Puffing Billy Steam Tran. Then spend your afternoon at the acclaimed Healesville Sanctuary, getting to know Australian wildlife including Kangaroos and Koalas.

  • Take a trip on the Puffing Billy steam train
  • Beautiful mountain and forest scenery
  • Spot the native birdlife
  • See Australian animals including wallabies and koalas

This relaxing day trip certainly packs in plenty of sights as it takes in some of the best of Australia in a single trip. Our tour takes you from Melbourne to a through the low mountain range 35 kms away called the Dandenong Ranges. Although you're only a few kilometres outside Melbourne, you'll travel through lush temperate rainforest and see some of the tallest flowering plants in the world - the Mountain Ash. Look out for little waterfalls in among the trees and tree ferns.

Our first stop for the day is at Grant's Reserve in the Sherbrooke Forest. Have a yummy Devonshire Tea at the Grant's On Sherbrooke cafe, and then it's time for a little fun. Grants Reserve is home to many different types of native birds. Keep listening for the unique songs of the more reclusive birds such as the lyrebird and the kookaburra. Keep your camera handy!

Next, we will all make our way to Belgrave, where we join the century-old Puffing Billy Steam Train for the 30-minute ride to Menzies Creek. Well known to rail enthusiasts on every continent, and a fond memory for most school children in Melbourne, Puffing Billy, will take you through the mountain scenery of the Dandenongs, across an old trestle bridge, and through rainforest and even provides views over Port Phillip Bay.

After our train journey, we head to Healesville Sanctuary. Arriving around lunchtime, you can feel free to purchase a bite to eat once you arrive. Healesville Sanctuary is Australia's premier native wildlife sanctuary and a wonderful place to view many species that are difficult to spot in the wild. The unique bushland setting brings together over 200 species of Australia's bird, Mammals, and reptiles in one location. Iconic wildlife sch as the koala and the kangaroo, are here, along with others such as the platypus, emu, Tasmanian devil, wombat, wedge-tailed eagle, frogs, snakes, and many more.

Remember to bring your camera! You'll see some of Australia's best scenery and most charismatic flora and fauna in a single day, so you won't want to miss anything. We also recommend you bring a water bottle, a sun hat, sun-cream, a light jacket in the cooler months, and comfortable walking shoes so that you can enjoy the day. This trip is suitable for most levels of fitness but you need to be able to walk short distances. We'll take you to the heart of the rainforest, visit notable wildlife, and bring you back to Melbourne at the end of the day.

More Info

Tour Details

  • Included in price:

    Puffing Billy Steam Train,
    Entry to Healesville Sanctuary,
    Devonshire Tea.

  • Available for purchase/hire:

    Souvenirs

  • Duration:

    Approximately 9hrs 20mins.

  • Departure:

    8:10 AM Daily

  • Return:

    5.30pm

  • Departure points:

    Melbourne

  • Pickup/departure instructions:

    7.45am check-in for an 8.10am departure from Federation Square, Corner Flinders & Russell Streets or earlier pick up from selected CBD hotels.
    Please include hotel information in booking form and we will advise the nearest pick up location.

    Please visit this link for tentative pick up information.

    Please note that reconfirmation is still required prior to departure as per your travel documentation. The coach will not attend a location unless a pick-up is prearranged.

    The times listed are approximate and ALL bookings MUST be reconfirmed with operator the day before departure.

  • What to bring:

    Comfortable walking shoes
    Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
    Water bottle
    Camera
    Jacket in the cooler months

  • Fitness level required:

    Low

  • Child policies:

    Children between the ages of 2-15 years will be applicable for child rates. Children under 2 years are considered infants and travel free of charge when seated on a parent or guardians lap.
    Child seats are unable to be used.

  • Additional Information:

    Pensioner Fares apply to Australian and New Zealand Pension Card holders, Australian Senior Card holders and full time Australian Students.

  • Destinations:

    Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and Healesville

Booking dates