Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy

Outty Ranking 41 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $366

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$366
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Outty Ranking

41/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy worth booking?

Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy is a 5-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $366 per person. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
41 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
5 hours
From
$366 per person

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne is the verdant landscape of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, part of the Great Dividing mountain range which runs the entire length of the east coast of Australia. The Dandenongs are

What you get

    About this experience

    Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne is the verdant landscape of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, part of the Great Dividing mountain range which runs the entire length of the east coast of Australia. The Dandenongs are home to ‘Puffing Billy’. Operating since 1900, this fully restored steam engine is Australia’s oldest surviving and most famous steam train. With lush fern gullies brushing past, and Mountain Ash towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest. Re-live the romance and charm of the bygone days of steam as you travel back in time on this historic, narrow-gauge railway on its original mountain track.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Private tour
    • Professional guide
    • Bottled water
    • Puffing Billy steam train

    Not included

    • Food and drinks, unless specified
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Puffing Billy Playground

      The journey aboard Puffing Billy takes you through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, located only one hour east of Melbourne. With lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest. This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    2. SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

      Situated less than an hour from the Melbourne CBD, on the uppermost reach of the Dandenong Ranges, amid cool ferny glades and lush towering native forests, SkyHigh is one of Victoria’s premier tourist attractions with majestic views to be experienced day or night over the Melbourne skyline.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    de, vi, cmn, yue, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Melbourne Private Tours

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

    Photos

    Puffing Billy steam train driverMountain village of SassafrasLush rainforest gardens at William Ricketts Sanctuary

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Melinda_H · August 2023

    Simon is the best so far

    Best tour to date. The thing with private tours is that the guide makes or breaks the experience. Simon made this the best tour like this that we’ve done to date in 3 different countries. He took pictures, gave us ideas on other things to do, and showed us the sights. Engaged with my teenaged sons on their levels and kept them interested. Puffing Billy was fun, but Simon was so much more than transportation to and from the train. Book with these guys and I hope you get Simon! Caramel and Aluminum!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $366 to $1000
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 41

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)9
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)15
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.

    How much does Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy cost?

    +

    Prices start at $366 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy take?

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    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.

    Is Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 41 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy?

    +

    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Dandenong Ranges Tour including Puffing Billy start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Melbourne?

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    On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour, Yarra Valley Wine Tour w Exclusive Gin, Cider & Chocolate Tasting, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Melbourne?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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