[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train

About this tour

Spend a full day exploring two of Victoria's wildlife and heritage highlights. Begin at Healesville Sanctuary, a sprawling native reserve nestled at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, where you'll encounter koalas, kangaroos, platypuses and lesser-known species roaming through authentic bushland. After lunch, venture into the Dandenong Mountains for a ride aboard Puffing Billy, a lovingly restored steam train that chugs through mountain ranges, temperate rainforest and fern gullies whilst costumed staff recreate early 1900s rail travel. Your private driver navigates the day at your pace.

Highlights

• Platypus and koalas in native bushland setting
• Great Dividing Range location with native flora
• Heritage steam train through rainforest and fern gullies
• Early 1900s-costumed staff and restored carriages
• Private vehicle and flexible itinerary throughout
• Suitable for all fitness levels, pram-friendly

What to expect

Your driver collects you and heads east into the Dandenong region. At Healesville Sanctuary, you'll walk at your own pace through open grounds where Australian fauna live in naturalistic enclosures. Allow a few hours to spot platypuses (best in quiet moments), watch koala feeding times, and observe kangaroos grazing. The sanctuary doubles as a botany experience—native trees and shrubs are labelled and woven throughout. After a lunch break (not provided), you'll drive 45 minutes into the Dandenong Mountains to board Puffing Billy. The 1-hour journey aboard a working steam locomotive winds slowly through misty mountains and dense fern gullies. Costumed attendants add theatre to the experience. Return by late afternoon.

Good to know

Bring comfortable walking shoes and sun protection for the sanctuary. The steam train can be chilly in the mountains—layer up. Prams and specialised infant seats are available at both venues. Meals aren't included, so plan lunch between stops. Roads are winding; let your driver know if you're prone to motion sickness.