About this tour
A 10–13 hour day trip from Melbourne combining three distinct attractions: Brighton Beach's famous coloured bathing boxes, Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary (koalas, kangaroos, platypus), and a one-way ride on the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train through the Dandenong Ranges. Wine tasting at Rochford Winery in Yarra Valley is available but charged separately. Includes air-conditioned transport and guide throughout; meals not provided.
Highlights
- Photograph Brighton Beach's iconic row of coloured bathing boxes
- Close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and platypus at Healesville
- One-way journey on heritage Puffing Billy Steam Train
- Scenic drive through lush Dandenong Ranges forest
- Optional wine tasting at Rochford Winery (separate cost)
- All transport and entry to Healesville included
- Suitable for all fitness levels; infants travel free on adult's lap
- Air-conditioned coach between locations
What to expect
You'll start with a photo stop at Brighton Beach to capture the distinctive coloured bathing boxes, a short but popular Instagram moment. From there, you'll head to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary for hands-on wildlife viewing—expect to spend a couple of hours walking through naturalistic enclosures to spot native Australian animals. Mid-afternoon, there's an optional break at Rochford Winery in Yarra Valley (wine tasting charged separately, not included). The day finishes with your one-way ticket aboard Puffing Billy, a restored steam train that winds through the Dandenong Ranges; this is the highlight for many and typically runs 1–2 hours. Most of the 10–13 hours accounts for driving between these spread-out sites.
What travellers say
- Hassle-free transport between three major attractions
- Rare chance to see platypus alongside commoner wildlife
- Heritage steam train experience is memorable and scenic
- Bathing boxes photo stop is quick, iconic, and worthwhile
- Flexible—can skip wine tasting and save money
- Long day with substantial drive time between sites
- Wine tasting excluded; adds cost if you want it
- Puffing Billy can be cancelled in hot or fire-risk weather
- All meals and drinks are your own expense
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone wanting a curated Melbourne-area day out without the hassle of driving or coordinating separate bookings. It works well for families, casual wildlife enthusiasts, and train lovers. Note: wine tasting is not included (you'll pay extra at Rochford if you choose it). Meals and drinks are your own cost. Puffing Billy may be cancelled in extreme heat, high fire risk, or severe weather—you'll receive a partial refund ($45 adult, $22.50 child) for that leg only; the rest of the tour proceeds. Infants sit free on a parent's lap. Tip your driver/guide in cash ($5 per person suggested). The tour is accessible for all fitness levels but involves walking around Healesville sanctuary and climbing on/off the train.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.