Steam trains, native wildlife and mountain air

Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary tour

Private Tour

A fun, flexible day out in the Dandenong Ranges

Australian wildlife, mountain forests and a steam train you'll never forget

This private day tour blends two of Victoria’s most loved experiences – a heritage steam train ride through the forest, and an up-close visit with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Puffing Billy is a scenic, slow-moving train that winds its way through tall mountain ash trees and fern gullies in the Dandenong Ranges.

At Healesville Sanctuary, you’ll get the chance to meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and more – all in a bushland setting that feels worlds away from the city. It’s relaxed, family-friendly, and full of local character.

At a Glance

Price: This is a private tour. Enquire for price (varies based on group size)
Duration: ~ 9 hours
Pick up: Anywhere in Melbourne CBD – hotel, apartment, or accommodation
Drop off: Back at your location around 6pm
Included: Private guide, luxury vehicle, Puffing Billy train ticket, Healesville Sanctuary entry, bottled water
Vehicle: Comfortable 12-seater minibus with reclining seats and USB chargers

Feel the breeze as you ride Puffing Billy with your legs hanging over the side (just like the old days)

Spot koalas, platypus and kangaroos up close at Healesville Sanctuary

Hear local stories from your guide as you wind through the forested hills

Enjoy lunch at a country café with views over the valley (own expense)

Walk through cool-climate rainforest in the Dandenong Ranges

Take a quiet moment in the bush – no city noise, just birdsong and mountain air

Reverse Itinerary:
You'll arrive at the 12 Apostles before the large tour buses. This means you get to enjoy the view and take photos without hundreds of people in the background.
Spacious Minibus:
Our tours have a maximum of 11 passengers, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and relax. This creates a more intimate and personal atmosphere where you can chat with your guide and fellow travelers.
Audio Guide in 14 Languages:
Listen to a professional audio commentary that automatically triggers at key stops. This gives you stories, facts, and insights in your own language as you travel.

A classic Melbourne day trip, done right

Why travelles choose this Melbourne escape

Award-Winning Service

A favourite for families and first-timers. Rated 5 stars by travellers wanting a local, relaxed and well-organised day out.

Unforgettable Wildlife

Wander through bushland and spot koalas, kangaroos and platypus in open spaces — not behind glass or fences.

Relaxed, No-Rush Schedule

We don’t cram the day. There’s time to enjoy each stop, grab a coffee, ask questions, and take in the mountain air.

Perfect for Tight Schedules

We sort the train tickets, wildlife entry and timing. No planning, no queues — just turn up and enjoy the day.

Comfortable Private Vehicle

Forget big buses. You’ll travel in a comfy Mercedes van with your own guide and no strangers — just your people, your way.

Expert Local Guides

Our guides are friendly, flexible and love what they do. They’ll share local stories, wildlife tips and give you space when you want it.

See Our 5-Star Reviews

See why guests rate their day with Hit The Road Tours five stars

Andrew Nuelan

"If you're planning a trip along the GOR, do yourself a favor and choose Marty... He took us beyond the usual stops, revealing hidden gems and breathtaking spots that felt like secrets only he knew..."

Posted on Google

Gina (Canada) & Jennifer (USA)

"We were really happy we did the reversed tour as we were leaving the Apostle’s just as all the tour buses were coming in. Our guide was exceptional and took us to select spots where.."

Posted on GetYourGuide

June W.

"We were 6 ladies from Hong Kong and it was our first time to the Twelve Apostles. We only had limited time so we selected this slightly shorter tour... Neil was super knowledgeable... He even.."

Posted on TripAdvisor

Bandit13

"The four of us took a private tour with Pats... Pats worked around our schedule and redesigned the tour to our wishes... she gave us a wonderful drive by tour of Melbourne and a walking.."

Posted on TripAdvisor

Culture07420955190

"Jimmy was very energetic and kept the vibes nice during the tour. He was very accommodating and knowledgeable on random facts of Australia and of course the tour itself. It was a pleasure to tour.."

Posted on TripAdvisor

Cinthia de Paula

"We did a couple of simply amazing private tours: the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley. I couldn’t recommend Orlando and the team highly enough. The service was impeccable, and Orlando is incredibly kind and.."

Posted on Google

Details

Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuar Private Tour

This tour is great for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting to escape the city for a day and breathe in some fresh mountain air. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s oldest and most charming steam trains, and Healesville Sanctuary is the best place near Melbourne to see native animals in a natural setting.

Included in your private tour

Private tour for your group (up to 11 people)
Return transport in a comfortable Mercedes van
Friendly local guide with loads of local knowledge
Puffing Billy Railway ticket
Entry to Healesville Sanctuary
Bottled water and flexible pickup times

What to expect

You’ll be picked up in the morning and head east into the hills. First stop: Puffing Billy, where you’ll hop aboard for a relaxed ride through the forest. It’s all open-air carriages, classic charm and great views. You can even dangle your legs over the side if you feel like it.

After the train, it’s off to Healesville Sanctuary – a wildlife park set in the bush, where you’ll see animals like kangaroos, dingoes, emus, platypus, and wombats up close. It’s a great chance to get photos, learn a bit about conservation, and maybe even spot a few joeys.

There’ll be time to stop for lunch at a local café (own expense), take some quiet walks, and enjoy the peaceful pace of the Dandenongs.

Meeting and pickup

We offer door-to-door pickup from anywhere in Melbourne – your hotel, apartment or even the airport. Standard pickup time is 9am, and we aim to have you back around 6pm. If you have a specific schedule in mind, just let us know – we’re happy to adjust.

Optional add-ons

Upgrade your day with optional extras like:

Visit a Yarra Valley winery on the way home
Stop at a chocolate or ice cream shop for a treat
Extend your time at Healesville for animal encounters

Just let us know what interests you most and we’ll tailor the route.

Scenic, peaceful and plenty to see

Here’s how your private adventure might unfold

This isn’t a rushed group tour or a full-day hike. It’s a relaxed, private day trip that’s perfect for anyone wanting to ride a historic steam train, meet native animals, and enjoy the Dandenong Ranges without trying to cram too much in.

Stop 1
Puffing Billy Railway
This 100+ year-old steam train is all charm and nostalgia. You’ll ride through fern gullies and forest, waving at walkers and soaking up the mountain air.
What you'll do
Ride the iconic Puffing Billy Railway through the forest
Sit in open-sided carriages and feel the wind in your hair
Learn the story behind one of Australia’s most-loved railways
Stop 2
Lunch Break (Own Expense)
We’ll stop at a local café or bakery – relaxed, simple, tasty – with views of the valley or bush.
What you'll do
Grab a fresh, local lunch
Enjoy time to sit, chat and take in the surroundings
Ask your guide anything – they're full of tips and stories
Stop 3
Healesville Sanctuary
See Australia’s wildlife up close in a peaceful bushland setting. No fences in your photos, just a calm, authentic experience.
What you'll do
See kangaroos, wombats, koalas, emus, dingoes and more
Catch the “Spirits of the Sky” bird show if timing allows
Learn about animal rescue and conservation in Australia
End
Return
Back in the van for an easy return to Melbourne by around 6pm. Time for a nap, photo sort or start planning your next trip.

Travellers loved this tour

What our private tour guests say

Hear from guests who joined our Puffing Billy & Healesville day out.

Phil Warin

"I want to call out that James was probably the best tour guide I've experienced, after many tours around the world. He knows what he's talking about, connects with his audience and makes it fun..."

Posted on Google

Cinthia de Paula

"We did a couple of simply amazing private tours: the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley. I couldn’t recommend Orlando and the team highly enough. The service was impeccable, and Orlando is incredibly kind and.."

Posted on Google

shamith K.

"My wife and I had a fantastic time at Mount Buller, and a big part of that experience was thanks to Kylie, our guide for the day. She was friendly, helpful, and made sure everyone.."

Posted on TripAdvisor

Ramya M.

"Had the most amazing Mt Buller trip with James! The weather was just great and so was our guide. This tour is fun mix of everything - short hikes/walks, tobogganing, sightseeing with the chairlift and.."

Posted on TripAdvisor

Cheung Ho Hoi

"Enjoyed the Great Ocean Road road trip, well-planned thus we managed to avoid all the crowd! Jimmy shared with us many interesting facts and is very detailed in terms of his explanation... Definitely recommend you.."

Posted on Google

Su Li Zhang

"The driver drove safely and smoothly, going to every attraction... Some attractions are also purposely accompanied for interpretation. Amazing tour..."

Posted on TripAdvisor

Easy, stress-free planning

How To plan Your private Tour

From first enquiry to final drop-off, we keep it simple. Whether it’s a coastal drive, wine region, or wildlife day trip, booking your private tour is quick, personal, and completely hassle-free.