AAT Kings Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife (Full Day)

Tour Details

Operator

AAT Kings

Destinations

Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and Healesville

Departs From

Melbourne

Tour Description

This relaxing day trip certainly packs in plenty of sights as it takes in some of the best of Australia in a single trip. Our tour takes you from Melbourne to a through the low mountain range 35 kms away called the Dandenong Ranges. Although you're only a few kilometres outside Melbourne, you'll travel through lush temperate rainforest and see some of the tallest flowering plants in the world - the Mountain Ash. Look out for little waterfalls in among the trees and tree ferns.

Our first stop for the day is at Grant's Reserve in the Sherbrooke Forest. Have a yummy Devonshire Tea at the Grant's On Sherbrooke cafe, and then it's time for a little fun. Grants Reserve is home to many different types of native birds. Keep listening for the unique songs of the more reclusive birds such as the lyrebird and the kookaburra. Keep your camera handy!

Next, we will all make our way to Belgrave, where we join the century-old Puffing Billy Steam Train for the 30-minute ride to Menzies Creek. Well known to rail enthusiasts on every continent, and a fond memory for most school children in Melbourne, Puffing Billy, will take you through the mountain scenery of the Dandenongs, across an old trestle bridge, and through rainforest and even provides views over Port Phillip Bay.

After our train journey, we head to Healesville Sanctuary. Arriving around lunchtime, you can feel free to purchase a bite to eat once you arrive. Healesville Sanctuary is Australia's premier native wildlife sanctuary and a wonderful place to view many species that are difficult to spot in the wild. The unique bushland setting brings together over 200 species of Australia's bird, Mammals, and reptiles in one location. Iconic wildlife sch as the koala and the kangaroo, are here, along with others such as the platypus, emu, Tasmanian devil, wombat, wedge-tailed eagle, frogs, snakes, and many more.

Remember to bring your camera! You'll see some of Australia's best scenery and most charismatic flora and fauna in a single day, so you won't want to miss anything. We also recommend you bring a water bottle, a sun hat, sun-cream, a light jacket in the cooler months, and comfortable walking shoes so that you can enjoy the day. This trip is suitable for most levels of fitness but you need to be able to walk short distances. We'll take you to the heart of the rainforest, visit notable wildlife, and bring you back to Melbourne at the end of the day.