Puffing Billy Private Tours
Victoria, Australia
Step away from the city and surrender to the nostalgic charm of the Dandenong Ranges aboard Australia's most beloved steam train, Puffing Billy. For the high-end traveler, this is not just a train ride—it’s a curated step back in time, elevated by luxury and bespoke service. Elevate the classic experience by securing an exclusive private carriage or the First Class Dining Train, complete with plush seating, elegant drapery, and a dedicated attendant. You'll embark on the century-old narrow-gauge railway, passing towering Mountain Ash trees and picturesque trestle bridges, with the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the journey's sights, sounds, and scents. Embrace the romance of steam-era travel in unparalleled comfort. Your classic Victorian First-Class Heritage Experience with Melbourne Touring Company awaits.
6+ Hour Puffing Billy Private Tours
Puffing Billy Day Tour
6 hours
1 to 11+ people
Step back in time with Melbourne Touring Company’s unforgettable Puffing Billy Private Tour!
Ride through the stunning Dandenong Ranges aboard Australia’s most iconic steam train, with open-air carriages that let you soak up the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest. Visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre and relive the joy of sitting on the carriage sill as you wind through towering trees and fern-filled gullies. With history, scenery, and a touch of nostalgia, this Private Tour is the perfect day out for all ages
6 hours
1 to 11+ people
From A$899
Puffing Billy to Phillip Island Private Day Tour
9 hours (approx)
1 to 24+ people
All aboard for a day of wonder and wildlife! Begin your journey on the iconic Puffing Billy steam train, chugging through lush fern-filled forests in open-air carriages. Then it’s off to stunning Phillip Island, where you’ll stroll along scenic coastlines, and end the day with the magic of the world-famous Penguin Parade. It’s a truly unforgettable Australian experience from start to finish!
9 hours (approx)
1 to 24+ people
From A$1499
Where is Puffing Billy?
Puffing Billy, Australia's most beloved and best-preserved steam railway, is located in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, in Victoria, Australia. The picturesque Dandenong Ranges, part of the wider Yarra Valley region.
This iconic, narrow-gauge heritage line is found just one hour east of the Melbourne CBD, making it an easy and delightful day trip. The main station and official headquarters is at Belgrave, which is conveniently accessible via the Metro train Belgrave line from Melbourne's Flinders Street Station.
The railway runs on its original mountain track for 24 kilometres, winding through temperate rainforest, lush fern gullies, and towering Mountain Ash trees, eventually connecting the towns of Belgrave, Menzies Creek, Lakeside, and Gembrook.
The journey begins at Belgrave Station, where you board the open-sided carriages—perfect for the famous tradition of dangling your legs over the side as the historic steam engine chugs through the forest!
Need an expert guide?
Check out private Puffing Billy tours by Melbourne Touring Company
Who operates Puffing Billy?
Puffing Billy is proudly operated under the sole authority of the Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB), a statutory authority established by the Victorian Government. However, the heart and soul of this historic railway operation lies with its dedicated community of Puffing Billy Preservation Society volunteers who bring Puffing Billy to life every day by their hard work and passion. This dedicated force of volunteers is deeply involved in all aspects of the railway, from staffing stations and checking tickets to maintaining the historic trains and track.
The railway operates on a not-for-profit basis, meaning all revenue generated from your ticket sales goes directly back into preserving the magnificent locomotives, carriages, and infrastructure for future generations to enjoy.
In short, you are supporting a unique, volunteer-backed effort to keep a vital piece of Australian heritage steaming through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges!
Need an expert guide?
Check out private Puffing Billy tours by Melbourne Touring Company
How old is Puffing Billy?
Puffing Billy is not just an old train; it is a meticulously preserved piece of living history, making it over 125 years old since its inception and officially 124 years old since it first carried passengers! The railway line that Puffing Billy runs on—the narrow-gauge line between Upper Ferntree Gully and Gembrook—was officially opened for traffic on December 18, 1900. It was built to serve the remote communities and industries of the Dandenong Ranges.
After operations ceased in the 1950s due to a landslide, a dedicated community of volunteers—the Puffing Billy Preservation Society—worked tirelessly to restore the line. The first section reopened from Belgrave to Menzies Creek in 1962, relaunching it as the incredible tourist attraction we know today.
When you ride Puffing Billy, you are not just on a train; you are experiencing a century-old tradition, riding on the original track with steam engines that date back to the very start of the 1900s!
Need an expert guide?
Check out private Puffing Billy tours by Melbourne Touring Company
