![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0a/d2/c5/01.jpg)
[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is [Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train worth booking?
[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train is a 8-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $450 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $450 per person
Covering two of Victoria's grand regions. The Healesville Sanctuary is by far the most sustainable and well kept native park in the whole of Australia. You will be able to see all of our main fauna, such as koalas and ka
What you get
About this experience
Covering two of Victoria's grand regions. The Healesville Sanctuary is by far the most sustainable and well kept native park in the whole of Australia. You will be able to see all of our main fauna, such as koalas and kangaroos, and some very unique species such as platypus. The sanctuary is located at the base of the Great dividing range mountains and surrounded by native vegetation. This creates a true native environment for the animals and allows you to learn about the flora. The Puffing Billy historic stream train ride is situated in the Dandenong Mountains, about a 45 minute drive from the sanctuary. Here, you will start a steam train adventure that winds through pristine mountain ranges, temperate rainforest and fern gullies. Restored to its former glory, your ride will be accompanied by staff that are dressed to match that of the early 1900s.
What's included
Included
- Puffing Billy & Healesville sanctuary tickets
- Pick up from hotel or port and drop off
- Flexible itinerary within the region
- Private tour in a luxury private vehicle
- Private Driver/Guide
- Bottled water
Not included
- Meals and beverages other than complimentary water
What you'll see and do
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is a native Australian animal zoo and also a breeding place for native animals and endangered species.The sanctuary is set in native bushland habitat for the wildlife of some 200 species, where you can have close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingos, native birds and platypus among others.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Have fun taking a ride on Puffing Billy, a beautifully preserved heritage steam train that winds it way through pristine forest, fern gullies and through the mountain ranges whilst marvelling at some spectacular scenery and sounds of the old train whistle blowing.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Australian Private Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne, photo 2](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/09/eb/bf/c9.jpg)
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne, photo 3](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0a/d2/c5/02.jpg)
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne, photo 4](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0a/d2/c5/03.jpg)
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne, photo 5](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0a/d2/c5/04.jpg)
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne, photo 6](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0a/d2/c5/06.jpg)
![[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne, photo 7](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0a/d2/c5/1a.jpg)
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for [Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience.The...
Amazing experience.The places are scenic. Thanks Russel for explaining everything with humor which makes our day even funnier
via Viator
Great guide, wonderful experience!
Our guide was great. He even stopped to pick up ponchos for everyone because it was raining before he picked us up. He provided snacks and water as well. He went through the sanctuary with us, providing us with so much information about the animals. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this trip.
via Viator
Great day!!
Our tour guide/driver Francois was amazing. He made our day very entertaining. We had a great day! I would recommend Francois on any tour you do.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $450 to $1400
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
[Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does [Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train cost?
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Prices start at $450 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 Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train?
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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 Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book [Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train?
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Around 1 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?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does [Private Tour] Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife & Puffing Billy Steam Train 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?
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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?
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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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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