Full Day Tour
Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wine Country in Style
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Yarra Valley
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Dandenong Ranges
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Puffing Billy Steam Train
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Puffing Billy Steam Train
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Grants on Sherbrooke
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Crimson Rosella
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Yarra Valley Vineyard
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Walking through the vinyards - Dominique Portet
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Dominique Portet - Yarra Valley
Prices From
$145
adult ?$75
child ?$145
concession ? Prices above are for departures between 1 April 2018 - 31 March 2019Itinerary
En Route
This morning you are going to enjoy some good old fashioned fun and the most beautiful rainforest in Victoria. You’ll then be spoiled with some great Aussie food and glass of wine for lunch (K35L) and go on to taste wines from some of Victoria’s leading wineries. We’ll get your day started with a journey through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and views of the Dandenong Ranges in the distance.
The Dandenongs
The Dandenong Ranges, also known as the Dandenongs, are beautiful mountain ranges just 35kms east of Melbourne. At their peak, they rise to more than 630 metres and are wrapped 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 numerous arts & craft stores and cafés.
Grants on Sherbrooke & Devonshire Tea
Right in the heart of the Dandenongs is Grants on Sherbrooke – a gorgeous spot to take a break. You’ll be greeted 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 – just a treat!
Included Meals: Devonshire Tea
Handfeeding the Bird Life
The Dandenongs is a haven for bird life and while at Grants on Sherbrooke you can handfeed some of the most striking Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Pink-chested Galah. You’ll also be entertained by the wonderful bird song that fills the valley.
Puffing Billy Steam Train
Next you head to Belgrave, home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train, where you are in for some fun! 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 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.
Yarra Valley Wineries
The scenery en route to the Yarra Valley is just spectacular with the Great Dividing Range as the backdrop. When you arrive in Victoria’s premium wine growing region, you’ll visit Rochford Winery and another two leading wineries for wine tasting, appreciation and education. Of the many wineries in the area, you may visit estates such as Dominique Portet, who offer cellar-door tastings of their award-winning selections of Australian wine.
Full Day Tour
Approximately 9 hours
Departs
Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun (Apr-Sep)
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sun(Oct-Mar)
8.10am from Federation Square, Corner Flinders & Russell Streets or earlier from selected city hotels
Returns
5.30pm approximately
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
Language Devices
Non-English commentary language devices can be requested at no additional cost however may be subject to availability. Please enquire after your booking is confirmed.
Inclusions
- Puffing Billy Steam Train ride (from Belgrave to Menzies Creek)
- Devonshire Tea
- Tastings at Rochford Wines & 2 other boutique wineries
- Experienced Driver Guide
- Comprehensive commentary
- Travel in an air-conditioned coach
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in the cooler months
Fitness requirement
Low level of fitness required.
Schedule
| 8.20am | Depart Melbourne |
| 9.20am | Grants on Sherbrooke |
| 10.15am | Puffing Billy train ride |
| 12.00pm | Rochford Wines (optional lunch) |
| 1.45pm | 2 other boutique wineries |
| 5.30pm | Melbourne |
Prices
Tour (K35)
Optional Add-Ons
Rochford Wines Lunch (+L)
With breathtaking views of the Great Dividing Range, Rochford Winery in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley is more than just a winery – it is a total experience! Unwind in the Café overlooking the vines from the alfresco courtyard. Enjoy a delicious two course lunch and sip on a glass of one of their top blends. You might also like to visit the cellar door for further tastings (own expense).
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 2018 – 31st March 2019. If travelling outside these dates, please enquire at time of booking for hotel pick-up details.
Please note due to roadworks there will be no pick up from Holiday Inn on Flinders until October 2018. Please see below for alternative.
Find your hotel pick up time
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Interesting Fact
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The Puffing Billy locomotive weighs 33.8 tonnes!
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Vineyards were first established in the Yarra Valley in 1837.
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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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Many vineyards in the Yarra Valley are small and family-operated. The largest & best known are owned & operated by national and international companies, including Möet & Chandon.
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The Puffing Billy Railway is 24 kilometres in length.
