Go West Tours Puffing Billy Half Day Tour

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A morning on Puffing Billy without having to drive: you are picked up in Melbourne, ride the steam train from Belgrave through the Dandenong Ranges forest and over the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, and are back in the city by about 1:15pm.

Days

6 hours

Age

All ages; infant and booster seats for 0 to 5 on request

Group size

Small group, max 24

Start / finish

Melbourne / Belgrave / Lakeside / Melbourne
Immigration Museum, Melbourne, about 1:15pm

Return

Immigration Museum, Melbourne, about 1:15pm

Transport

Coach to Belgrave, Puffing Billy to Lakeside, coach back

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Go West Tours Puffing Billy Half Day Tour

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Included experiences

Belgrave Station — the heritage station and the steam engine
Puffing Billy — open-sided carriages through mountain ash forest
Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge — cross nearly 20 metres above the gully
Emerald Lake Park — free time by the lake and in the visitor centre

Go West Tours Puffing Billy Half Day Tour

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Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: MELBOURNE TO BELGRAVE

Pick-ups from city hotels run between about 7 and 8am, and your driver-guide heads out through the eastern suburbs to Belgrave, at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. These hills were Melbourne's weekend escape by the 1900s, and the forest still runs right down to the railway. At the heritage-listed Belgrave Station there's time to wander the platforms, watch the crew get the engine ready and take photos with the conductors before you climb into an open-sided carriage.

ON BOARD PUFFING BILLY

Puffing Billy opened in 1900, one of four narrow-gauge lines built to carry farm produce out of the hills. It closed after a landslide in 1953, and volunteers rebuilt it and have run it ever since. The train winds through tall mountain ash, among the tallest flowering plants on earth, and gullies thick with tree ferns. The moment everyone waits for is the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, a curved timber bridge nearly 20 metres above the gully, when you sit on the window ledge with your legs dangling outside. Listen for the whip-crack call of eastern whipbirds in the ferns.

LAKESIDE AND BACK TO THE CITY

The ride ends at Lakeside, in Emerald Lake Park. You have free time to walk the bush paths, wander round the lake, look at the exhibits in the visitor centre or buy something to eat at the café. Keep an eye out for crimson rosellas and king parrots, which are common in the park. Your guide then meets you at Lakeside and drives you back to Melbourne, with drop-off at the Immigration Museum on Flinders Street at about 1:15pm, leaving the whole afternoon free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Melbourne city hotels. Your actual pick-up point may differ from the one you choose and will be shown on your ticket.
Departure time: Pick-ups between about 7am and 8am; your exact time comes with your booking.
Finishes: Immigration Museum, Flinders Street, at about 1:15pm. There is no hotel drop-off.
Minimum age: All ages. Children 15 and under pay the child fare. Infant and booster seats for ages 0 to 5 are limited each day, so ask for one when you book.
Fitness: Easy. Walking at the stations and around Lakeside is on gentle paths. Wheelchairs cannot be carried on the coach.
Please note: There is no room for prams, strollers or luggage; bring a small day pack only. Seats are first come, first served. The tour is in English and runs rain or shine.

What to bring

Layers — the hills are often cooler than the city and Melbourne weather changes quickly
Comfortable walking shoes
Refillable water bottle
Snacks if you like
Power bank — there is no charging on the bus
Headphones for the audio guide app
Card or cash for the café

What is included

Pick-up from selected Melbourne city hotels
One-way Puffing Billy ticket, Belgrave to Lakeside
Road transfer Melbourne to Belgrave, and Lakeside back to Melbourne
English-speaking driver-guide
Audio guide in 16 languages through the free Go West Tours app
Air-conditioned coach with upgraded seating and onboard wi-fi
Drop-off at the Immigration Museum

Not included

Food and drinks — the Lakeside café sells lunch, or bring your own
Hotel drop-off (the tour ends at the Immigration Museum)
Return train ride from Lakeside (you come back by road)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.