The 8 Best Steam Train Rides in Australia

1.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

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

Ride Puffing Billy through Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, with steam, forest views, Lakeside Park, and practical tips for a smooth 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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2.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Review of Melbourne’s Puffing Billy and Healesville tour, with train tips, wildlife highlights, timing, transport, price, and practical advice.

“Mark our guide was superb, punctual and very friendly. Gave very clear information and told us about the local areas we were going through on the way. The Sanctuary Park was fantastic and then the ultimate experience at the end was the Puffing Billy Steam Train. Would highly recommend this for anyone travelling to Melbourne.”

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3.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

Ride Puffing Billy, tour The Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s little penguins return at sunset on this full-day trip from Melbourne.

“We had a great day. Our guide Alan looked after us well and made the whole day run smoothly. We really enjoyed the whole experience.”

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4.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

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

Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, cross a trestle bridge, and relax at Emerald Lake on a well-run Melbourne half-day tour.

“Fabulous experience on the Puffing Billy train! Our guide Jools (and her koala Gumnut) were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and her communications were brilliant. She even went out of her way to find kangaroos on the way home!! If you do one trip, make it this one 😍”

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5.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

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

Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, spot native birds, explore Grants Picnic Ground, and enjoy a scenic half-day escape from Melbourne.

“Amazing tour guide. Gina is incredible, informative and very friendly. We love our experience here. I traveled with my 80 year old mother and she had such an amazing time. Highly recommended!”

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6.1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · from $157

Ride Puffing Billy, explore the Dandenong Ranges, and meet Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary on a full-day trip from Melbourne.

“It was a very enjoyable tour. We first spent our time in Healesville Santuary. What I liked about the place is that animals are living in enclosures which are similar to their natural habitat. The Puffing Billy is one for the books!”

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7.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

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

Ride Puffing Billy, visit The Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s little penguins return ashore on a full-day trip from Melbourne.

“The day was packed but very well organised. Our guide was very knowledgeable and knew when to point to see things and he also gave us a great tip on where to sit to see the Penguin Parade best and he was so right.”

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8.Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

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

Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, enjoy Emerald Lake Park, and return to Melbourne with hotel pickup on this half-day tour.

“Fun day enjoying a panoramic drive thru Melbourne country side to visit the historic Puffin Billy train. The approximately 1 hour ride in the restored authentic train cars was exciting and joyful for kids and children alike. Yes, as shown in the promRead more”

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