Highlights:

  • A chance to spot the famous Lyrebird
  • Puffing Billy steam train

Tour Description:
This morning we leave the city for the lush rain forest of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, where we enjoy a short stroll through the rain forest. With luck you might spot and likely hear the famous Lyrebird. Lyrebirds have unique plumes of neutral-coloured tail feathers and are among Australia’s best-known native birds. In recent years this unique bird was made famous by a Sir David Attenborough documentary for its ability to imitate the sounds it hears.

It’s then time to take a trip on the Puffing Billy steam train, Australia’s most notable narrow-gauge railway, through the forest from Belgrave to Lakeside which is the most scenic section of the original steam locomotive’s journey. During our 1-hour scenic journey we pass through the southern reaches of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, noted for its native ‘Mountain Ash’ trees, and travel over Puffing Billy’s iconic Trestle Bridge – make sure you have your camera ready!

Following our wonderful scenic journey, we enjoy a pitstop at Lakeside where you can purchase a refreshment or snack before we head off to the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, an intimate and quiet sanctuary with much of Australia’s unique wildlife at home here – including the infamous Tasmanian Devil!

What’s Inluded:

  • Puffing Billy steam train

Please note:

  • This tour requires a minimum of 8 people to operate
  • All Freedom Day descriptions represent a typical itinerary and may not operate exactly as described. Local operators may vary from time to time.

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne is featured in the following itineraries:
The Very Best of Australia
Treasures of Australia
Wonders of Australia
Essential Australia
Christmas & New Year in Australia
Australia & New Zealand Combinations Tour