Puffing Billy Rainforest Tour

Trade the city streets for towering mountain ash, cool rainforest air, and a splash of old-school charm on this Puffing Billy and Dandenong Ranges escape from Melbourne. Your day begins in the peaceful surrounds of Grants Picnic Ground, where you can stretch your legs beneath towering eucalyptus and listen out for cockatoos and rosellas moving through the trees.

From there, it’s on to Belgrave Station to board the famous Puffing Billy Railway. Settle into the open carriages, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy the classic thrill of dangling your legs over the side as the steam train winds through fern gullies, across timber bridges, and past some of Victoria’s prettiest mountain scenery. When you arrive at Lakeside, you’ll have time to explore the Visitor Centre and enjoy lunch at your own pace beside the water. It’s a relaxed, scenic day with a touch of nostalgia — the kind of outing that stays with you long after you’re back in Melbourne.

Know before you go: - Please allow extra time for check-in and departure details provided by your tour operator. - Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be strolling through rainforest paths and station areas. - Bring a jacket or layer, as the mountain weather can be cooler than Melbourne. - The Puffing Billy train may sometimes operate in reverse, depending on service conditions. - Lunch is at your own expense, so you may want to bring cash or a card for café purchases. - Keep your camera handy — birdlife, rainforest views, and the steam train itself are all photo-worthy.