Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Tour

9

Steam Train & Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

10
Mt Dandenong
English
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Overview

The Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Tour is a full-day journey through the scenic Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Start your morning with a ride on the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train, traversing lush fern forests and picturesque countryside. Savor a delicious lunch at a renowned Yarra Valley winery, with optional wine tasting at Domaine Chandon or Oakridge.

Indulge your sweet tooth at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, featuring free tastings of handmade chocolates and gelato. Finally, visit Healesville Sanctuary to meet native Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, and emus. Children can experience the life of a veterinarian at the sanctuary’s wildlife hospital.

Optional experiences include additional vineyards, berry farms, or gardens in Mount Dandenong. This tour combines heritage, nature, gastronomy, and wildlife for an unforgettable day near Melbourne.

Schedule Details

Mt Dandenong & Yarra Valley Zonzo Estate – Scenic Start

Mount Dandenong - Scenic Mountain Lookout

Mt Dandenong | Nature & Scenic Views
Begin your day with a hotel pickup and travel easterly from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy the lush rainforest scenery, fern forests, and the serene natural landscapes en route to Yarra Valley. This region is famous for its greenery, orchards, and family-friendly activities.

Puffing Billy Steam Train – Historical Adventure

Puffing Billy Steam Train - Yarra Valley TourPuffing Billy Historic Steam Train - Tourist Attraction

Puffing Billy Steam Train | Steam Train Ride & Rainforest
Ride the historic Puffing Billy Steam Railway through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges National Park. Experience the fragrance of local flora and towering ferns while passing five heritage stations: Belgrave, Menzies Creek, Emerald, Lakeside, and Gembrook. Steam engines date back to 1912, preserving the authentic vintage train experience.

Tickets:1-hour ride Belgrave to Lakeside – Adult AUD $50 / Child (4-15) AUD $27

Yarra Valley Wineries – Wine Tasting & Scenic Views

Yarra Valley Wineries - Wine Tasting RegionYarra Valley Wineries - Wine Tasting Region

Yarra Valley Wineries | Wine & Food Tasting
Explore the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries, producing sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Recommended stops include:

  • Domaine Chandon – Famous for sparkling wines and picturesque vineyards. Tasting fee AUD $25.

  • Oakridge – Enjoy panoramic vineyard views and premium wine tastings.

Relax and admire the natural beauty while savoring wines crafted in the valley’s cool climate.

Yarra Valley Lunch – Gourmet Dining

Lunch in Yarra Valley - Gourmet DiningLunch in Yarra Valley - Gourmet Dining

Yarra Valley Lunch | Wine & Food Tasting
Indulge in modern Australian and Italian cuisine at winery restaurants or local eateries. Recommended dining options:

  • Meletos – Wood-fired pizzas with fresh local ingredients.

  • Soumah of Yarra Valley – Northern Italian-inspired dishes.

  • St Hubert’s – Modern Australian cuisine paired with estate wines.

Additional local restaurants in Healesville and Emerald are available based on your guide’s recommendations.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery – Sweet Indulgence

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie - Dessert Venue  Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie | Chocolate & Gelato
Treat yourself to handmade chocolates, gigantic chocolate bars, and premium cocoa creations. Enjoy gelato, free tastings, and observe the chocolate crafting process. The outdoor lawns are ideal for family fun and relaxation amidst rolling green pastures.

Healesville Sanctuary – Wildlife Encounter

Healesville Sanctuary - Australian AnimalsHealesville Sanctuary - Wildlife Park

Healesville Sanctuary | Koalas, Kangaroos & Nature Walks
Get up close to Australia’s native and endangered animals, including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, emus, and platypus. Footpaths are shaded by dense gum trees, offering a relaxing and educational experience for all ages.

Admission:Adult AUD $53 / Child (4-15) AUD $27
Free entry for children on weekends & public holidays

Arthurs Seat – Panoramic Views & Adventure

Arthurs Seat - Coastal Overlook

Arthurs Seat | Scenic Lookouts & Cable Car
Arthurs Seat is the highest point on Mornington Peninsula, offering stunning views from Dromana to Red Hill vineyards. Enjoy the Arthurs Seat Eagle cable car or drive up the winding mountain road to Murray’s Lookout. A popular spot for sunset views and panoramic photography.

F.A.Q

What is the start and finish time of the tour?

The tour starts at 9:00 AM and finishes around 7:00 PM. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or any Melbourne CBD location is included.

What are the optional activities?
  • Moonlit Sanctuary: Enjoy close wildlife encounters with native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and more.

  • Peninsula Hot Springs: Relax in natural thermal mineral pools surrounded by scenic landscapes, perfect for unwinding.

Can we customize the itinerary?

Yes! The Mornington Peninsula Tour is flexible. Optional experiences like Moonlit Sanctuary, Peninsula Hot Springs, and additional winery visits can be added to suit your preferences.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Absolutely! The tour is family-friendly, with activities for all ages such as beaches, wildlife encounters, wineries, and scenic lookouts.

What should we bring?
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats

  • Flip-flops, shorts, and comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear and towels for beach or hot springs activities

  • Beach blanket or picnic mat if planning a seaside picnic

  • Water bottle (bottled water provided)

Are meals included?

Lunch is not included in the standard tour. You can enjoy meals at selected cafés, wineries, or restaurants along the tour, such as The Rocks Mornington or winery restaurants like Ten Minutes by Tractor and Paringa Estate.

Can we include beach or adventure activities?

Yes! You can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, surfing, golf, or adventure parks as part of your private tour.

Are there any seasonal activities?

Yes! Fruit picking and some beach or water activities are seasonal. Wineries may also have seasonal events, such as strawberry festivals or wine celebrations.

Get Enquiry

What's Included
  • Bottled Water
  • Child Safety Chair
  • Guide
  • Heaps of Fun
  • Hotel Transfer
  • National Park Entry Fee
  • Toll Fee
  • Transport
What's Excluded
  • Car Park
  • Lunch
Activities
  • Koalas
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Rainforest
  • Scenic Views
  • Steam Train Ride
  • Wildlife
  • Wine & Food Tasting
Got a Question?
  • Have questions or ready to book? Contact Merlux Chauffeur today for seamless luxury tours, airport transfers, and private chauffeur services in Melbourne.
  • +61 426 444 449
  • info@merlux.com.au