Join us for a magical day in the Dandenong Ranges and a scenic ride on the Puffing Billy Train and Yarra Valley. Take a trip through the Dandenong Ranges and enjoy the Puffing Billy and Yarra Valley Winery Tour. Wander through the majestic Mountain Ash Trees, have Devonshire Tea and Scones at Grant on Sherbrooke and see the native birds. Then, board the famous Puffing Billy steam train in the heart of the Sherbrooke forest. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as the train chugs along. Finish the day with a visit to the Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery to pick up some goodies before returning to Melbourne.
Highlights
- Ride back in time on the beautifully restored Puffing Billy
- Steam Train and experience one of Australia’s most famous narrow gauge railways.
- Wine tastings and cheese platter at a Yarra Valley winery and learn about cool climate winemaking.
- Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery with over 250 chocolate treats to try.
- Travel through the tall forests of the Dandenong Ranges.
- Emerald Park Lakeside has a new visitor centre inspired by railway heritage.
BLACKOUT DATES
● 25DEC-26DEC, 01JAN25, All Victorian Public Holidays.
Itinerary
Drive for an hour from Melbourne through the Dandenong Ranges, past Mountain Ash and fern trees and take in the spectacular views of Melbourne as you head to Puffing Billy Station. Take a step back in time with a memorable one-hour journey on Australia’s famous narrow gauge railway on the beautifully restored Puffing Billy Steam Train. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you chug along the forest-covered hills in Puffing Billy’s open carriages between Belgrave and Lakeside. In the Sherbrooke Forest, spot kookaburras, cockatoos, lyrebirds and crimson rosellas. Meet one of the dedicated volunteers who help preserve this 121-year-old steam railway.
You can buy morning tea and/or lunch from the railway cafe. The Centre includes a mini-museum and a gift shop.
Back on the bus, we head to the Yarra Valley and Healesville townships. This region has over 80 wineries that produce delicious wines in a cool climate. Guests will visit a winery for wine tastings and cheese platters and take in the beautiful views of the Yarra Valley. Our last stop for the day will be the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, which has over 250 chocolate products, truffle, and ice cream flavours! Guests can watch the chocolatiers at work, browse the chocolate shop and enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee (at their own cost) before we head back to Melbourne. Relax on the way back.
Car Distance: 200 kilometres.
*Tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and winery stops in the event of unforeseen circumstances, including group size variations, special occasions, and closures by third-party providers.
Details
DEPARTS 08:00
RETURNS 17:45
- Identification photo necessary
- 1L reusable water container
- Hat, eyewear & sun lotion
- Clothing suitable for all weather
- Easy-wearing shoes
- Compact day sack 5-7kg
- Funds for refreshments and dining
- Camera to immortalise each moment!
- Identification photo necessary
- 1L reusable water container
- Hat, eyewear & sun lotion
- Clothing suitable for all weather
- Easy-wearing shoes
- Compact day sack 5-7kg
- Funds for refreshments and dining
- Camera to immortalise each moment!
- Guests are responsible for covering the cost of any meals or tastings not included in the itinerary. There are plenty of opportunities for guests to support local businesses by purchasing lunch throughout the tour.
- Hotel transfers to and from a specified pickup location before or after the tour are provided.
- It is recommended that you have personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenses are not included.
- Enjoy a one-hour unforgettable journey on the Puffing Billy train from Belgrave to Lakeside
- Indulge in a top-tier wine-tasting adventure in the Yarra Valley, complete with snacks
- Be led on the tour by a knowledgeable and skilled driver
- Travel in a comfortable coach with air conditioning
- Receive in-depth commentary throughout the local guided excursion
- Select pick-up and drop-off locations available within Melbourne’s inner city
