About this tour
Spend a full day exploring Victoria's Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, combining heritage steam-train travel on Puffing Billy with close-ups of native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. You'll ride the restored narrow-gauge railway from Belgrave to Emerald Lake, browse the chocolate factory, and move between locations in an air-conditioned coach. Perfect for mixing active sightseeing with downtime, this eight-hour itinerary suits all fitness levels and welcomes prams for young children.
Highlights
- Ride Puffing Billy steam train through mountain ash forest
- Walk around Emerald Lake and its surroundings
- Hand-feed kangaroos and koalas at Healesville Sanctuary
- Browse artisan chocolates at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
- Travel in comfortable air-conditioned transport between stops
- No hiking or strenuous physical demands required
What to expect
The day unfolds at a gentle pace. You'll start with a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges, then board the historic steam train for a 40-minute return journey that winds through mountain forest and across trestle bridges—windows open, steam huffing. Next comes Healesville Sanctuary, where you'll move on foot among enclosures of Australian fauna: wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, and big cats. A guided keeper talk often reveals behaviour and conservation work. Finally, you'll visit the chocolate factory to taste and buy, before returning to your starting point. Bring a jumper; the ranges stay cool even in summer.
Good to know
Pack an umbrella for sudden showers. Children aged 15 and under require child-rate tickets. Prams are welcome. The tour doesn't suit cruise passengers due to logistics. Nearby public transport exists if you need alternate routes. All meals are your own cost.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.