Scenic Yarra Valley Tour: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Healesville Sanctuary Visit

Experience the beauty of the Yarra Valley on a scenic tour that includes a ride on the iconic Puffing Billy train and a visit to Healesville Sanctuary. Indulge in Yarra Valley chocolate and enjoy a relaxing day of exploration.

Duration: 8 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Emerald Lake - Enjoy a leisurely stroll around beautiful Emerald Lake.
  • Puffing Billy Playground - Hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train for a scenic ride from Belgrave to Emerald Lake.
  • Healesville Sanctuary - Explore the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander at your leisure. You can also purchase your lunch here….
What's Included
  • Entry to Healesville Sanctuary
  • Entry to ride Puffing Billy (Belgrave to Emerald Lake)
  • Entry to Emerald Lake
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Entry to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
What's Not Included
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Take a trip to the prime attractions of Yarra Valley, starting from the scenic Dandenong Ranges, extending up to the globally acclaimed Healesville Sanctuary. Enjoy a ride on the legendary Puffing Billy and taste some of the most exquisite Yarra Valley chocolates. This delightful day-long tour offers thrilling experiences while maintaining a leisurely…

Location
The Hotel Windsor
Spring Street
Please meet Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street Melbourne. PICK UP TIME 8.30am Please note, this tour is NOT suitable for cruise passengers due to tour timings.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(459 Ratings)
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Christine_b
Mar 4, 2026
Very entertaining with... - Very entertaining with knowledgeable guide through interesting countryside making it a fabulous day out.
Review provided by Viator
Klara_v
Feb 5, 2026
It's a must! - The tour was definitively worth it! Marty the Guide was awesome, so friendly and helpful! I spent a beautiful day in the countryside, there is so much to see.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_s
Jan 23, 2026
Train/Sanctuary - Well worth it!!! Our trip was well paced and interesting throughout. Puffing Billy was a fun & unique experience. We had plenty of time to eat & explore before heading to the Healesville Sanctuary. The drive there covered some beautiful countryside. The Sanctuary itself was great. We were able to see most of it in the time allotted. I thought the ice cream/chocolate stop was unusual; but when we actually got there, it was awesome. We loaded up on chocolate to take home. Our guide, Peter was fabulous! Courteous, professional, funny, helpful & very clear about timelines. My only negative is that the coach has very tight seating if you’re tall. Other than that, a great day.
Review provided by Viator
Ellen_c
Jan 13, 2026
Do this!! - This was the best excursion we have done in Melbourne. The train, sanctuary, and chocolate experience was top drawer. Don’t miss the bird show at the sanctuary. Our driver/guide Emily brought so much positive energy that up lifted the day and made it fun.
Review provided by Viator
Windsortenor
Jan 12, 2026
A perfect day and tour! - From pick up to drop off a perfect tour. Our driver (horrible with names but I think Ellie) was amazing. All kind of information and so much energy! Of course both Puffing Billy and the Sanctuary lived up to their reputation. Well done!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zeashanh2025
Jan 6, 2026
Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - We had a fantastic Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary tour and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience as a family. Our driver and guide, Peter, was excellent — friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. He kept the day well organised and made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. The itinerary was well planned, the locations were beautiful, and it was a memorable day for both adults and kids. We truly appreciated Peter’s effort in keeping things running smoothly and ensuring everyone had a great time. The only downside was that a few passengers did not return to the bus on time at some stops, which caused unnecessary delays and wasn’t fair on the rest of the group who were punctual. This, however, was no fault of the driver or the tour itself. Overall, a wonderful experience and highly recommended. Thank you to Peter for a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_w
Jan 11, 2026
Day Out from Melbourne - A well organised day to visit the wonderful Puffin Billy Railway . About an hour from Melbourne we had time for a comfort stop before departing . A trip of 1 hour was plenty to take us to Lakeside Station . There was a good cafe,shop & lakeside walk before we departed Our next stop was Healesville Sanctuary about 50 minutes away The sanctuary was set in a forest location and showcased a large number of Australia's indigenous creatures. Really would have appreciated more time there to get the full experience ! Michael our driver and guide was very good and kept us informed throughout the day on local sights & history Would thoroughly recommend this trip
Review provided by Viator
Bretta167
Feb 11, 2026
Worst customer service ever - We booked this tour through chase travel and received a confirmation. Our confirmation said we would be picked up at the Hotel Windsor but no more pickup details were given. I emailed the operator (Wine Hop) several days in advance for more specific pickup information but I got no response. I then called the operator’ phone number but just got a brusque recording to the effect that “if you’re waiting for a bus, just wait some more; if there’s a problem we will call you. And if you anything else, email us.” Then the call disconnected without an option to speak to a person or leave a message. On the morning of the tour we drove 1,5 hours to Melbourne and arrived early at the Hotel Windsor but that hotel has no association with the operator and couldn’t do anything except help me find a parking garage. Then we waited in front of the hotel. After 15 minutes past the pickup time I tried to call again but just got the same brusque recording. I emailed again. At 40 minutes past the pickup time I called chase and a very nice lady called the operator and somehow discovered that we had been bumped from the tour due to overbooking. The chase lady finally found an email sent to chase 2 hours before the pickup time advising Chase (but not me) of the cancellation. Chase refunded my purchase price and helped me find an afternoon tour with another operator. I still have had no communication from the operator. Avoid this operator at all costs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_o
Jan 15, 2026
Terrible service Unbelievable terrible annoying and would not recommend to anyone And the minimum 100 characters is a wa - It was canceled with minimal notice and ZERO explanation very very very bad what more do You need to know
Review provided by Viator
Lesley_b
Jan 14, 2026
Tour cancelled - The tour was cancelled with one days notice no explanation so I can’t comment on how good or bad it was
Review provided by Viator
From $158
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).