Half Day Tour
Puffing Billy Heritage Steam Train Journey
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Puffing Billy Steam Train
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Sassafras
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Grants on Sherbrooke
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Puffing Billy Steam Train
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Sassafras Township
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Crimson Rosella
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Puffing Billy Steam Train
Prices From
$89
adult ?$45
child ?$89
concession ? Prices above are for departures between 1 April 2017 - 31 March 2018
Itinerary
En Route
This morning you are going to enjoy some good old fashioned fun amidst some of the most beautiful rainforest in Victoria. The journey will take you through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs with views of the Dandenongs in the distance.
The Dandenongs
The Dandenong Ranges, known to the locals as the Dandenongs, are beautiful low mountain ranges just 35kms east of Melbourne. At their peak, they rise to more than 630 metres and are cloaked in lush rainforests of Mountain Ash trees (the tallest flowering plant in the world), waterfalls, rolling hills and steep valleys. The region is home to the famous Puffing Billy Railway, numerous art and craft stores and cafés offering delicious homemade produce.
Grants on Sherbrooke & Devonshire Tea
Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Mountains is Grants on Sherbrooke – a haven in the wilderness. On arrival you’ll be charmed by the surrounding mountain hue and crisp clear air. While here you’ll enjoy a traditional Devonshire Tea of homemade scones, served warm with jam and cream, and tea served in china tea cups – just a treat!
Included Meals: Devonshire Tea
Handfeeding the Bird Life
Grants on Sherbrooke is a paradise for bird life and you’ll be serenaded by the wonderful bird song that fills the valley. You can also handfeed some of the most striking Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Pink-chested Galah. It’s a lot of fun and a great opportunity to get a photo.
Puffing Billy Steam Train
Next you head the short distance to Belgrave, home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train, where you are in for a real treat! This century-old steam train is maintained in its original glory and runs to this day on its own mountain track from Belgrave to Menzies Creek. Here you’ll go back in time as you get on board for a 30 minute ride through the heart of the rainforest. You’ll see the locomotive depot that services and maintains the train, head through the gorgeous Sherbrooke Forest and ride over the old Trestle Bridge. Just before Menzies Creek you can see stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. What a great ride!
Sassafras
From Menzies Creek you’ll then be on your way to the lovely little village of Sassafras. You’ll be travelling through thick rainforest that is home to all sorts of wildlife, so keep an eye out for Lyre Birds and Wallabies. Once in Sassafras you can take your time to explore the delightful antique and craft shops dotted throughout the village. You might even find a little something to take home with you.
Half Day Tour
Approximately 5 hours
Departs
Tue, Thu & Sat 8.10am
from Federation Square, Corner Flinders & Russell Streets or earlier from selected city hotels
Returns
1.00pm approximately.
No hotel drop-offs.
Need Accommodation?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts.
Find out more
Inclusions
- Puffing Billy Steam Train ride
(from Belgrave to Menzies Creek) - Devonshire Tea
- Experienced Driver Guide
- Comprehensive commentary
- Travel in an air-conditioned coach
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in the cooler months
Fitness requirement
Low level of fitness required.
Schedule
| 8.10am | Depart Melbourne |
| 9.10am | Grants on Sherbrooke |
| 10.20am | Puffing Billy train ride |
| 11.25am | Sassafras |
| 1.00pm | Melbourne |
Prices
Tour (K5)
Free hotel pick-ups
Hotel pick-ups are available free of charge on selected tours if you do not wish to meet at the main departure point. Hotel pick up times vary so please use the tool below to find your hotel and pick up time. Hotel pick-ups must be requested with your booking.
Pickup times listed below are valid for departures between 1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018. If your travel date is outside this period, please enquire at time of booking for hotel pick-up details.
Find your hotel pick up time
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Interesting Fact
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Puffing Billy was built to serve at the turn of the century and is a genuine relic. The Railway is the major survivor of four experimental lines used to develop rural areas in the early 1900s.
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The Puffing Billy Railway is 24 kilometres in length.
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The Puffing Billy locomotive weighs 33.8 tonnes!
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The name “Dandenong” is generally thought to be derived from the Woiwurrung word "Tanjenong" meaning "lofty mountains".
