The 12 Best Heritage Train Trips in Australia

1.Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,392 reviews · 7 hours · from $127Our pick

Travel from central Cairns to Kuranda by historic scenic train, enjoy free time for markets, cafés, trails, and optional wildlife attractions, then return over the rainforest canopy on the 7.5-kilometre Skyrail. English-speaking drivers such as Victor and Dean provide helpful local guidance. Pickup is included from most central Cairns hotels.

“Victor our driver was nothing short of entertaining and knowledgeable with a touch of funny, the sky rail was certainly worth it not sure if I’d do the train ride again, nothing wrong with it just something that I would only do once”

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2.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Travel from central Melbourne with an English-speaking guide such as Peter, Matty, David, or Emily. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, walk around Emerald Lake, see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and platypus at Healesville Sanctuary, then finish with chocolate and Yarra Valley views. Lunch is extra.

“Our guide was excellent. The train ride was quite fun. Did not expect it to be so enjoyable. The sanctuary was an intimate experience with Australian animals. I appreciate this given how hard it has been to spot the animals in the wild. Our guide was knowledgeable and very attentive.”

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3.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29Best value

Ride the preserved Puffing Billy steam railway from Belgrave or Lakeside through the Dandenong Ranges. You’ll travel in heritage carriages, meet the volunteer team, and may sit with your legs over the carriage sill between Belgrave and Lakeside. Allow 2 to 4 hours, with time for the Lakeside Visitor Centre and café.

“Absolutely fantastic trip. Beautiful scenery, great cafe at Lakeside and plenty of toilets. The staff on the platform were very patient with the tourists who barged under the barriers and got on the carriages first. Their crowd control was exceptional and everyone was kept safe.”

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4.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend 12 hours combining two Victorian favorites: a Puffing Billy steam-train ride through the Dandenong Ranges and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Your English-speaking guide, such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, or Nathan, handles the driving and local commentary. Expect scenic stops, free time for lunch, a coastal walk, and a late return to Melbourne.

“This trip was amazing! Lorraine was very knowledgeable on the history of Melbourne and the penguins on Phillip Island. She made it an excellent tour.”

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5.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,075 reviews · from $150

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway and return above the rainforest on Skyrail, or follow the day’s assigned order. You get free time in Kuranda, a Kuranda Boarding Pass, hotel pickup and drop-off, and optional visits to Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, Koala Gardens, or Rainforestation. This is a self-guided day, not a fully escorted tour.

“A must do! Had a great experience the sky rail was my favorite. Loved walking thru Kuranda and the koala experience to be up close with the kangaroos was amazing”

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6.Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,038 reviews · 510 minutes - 1 day · from $147

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping at rainforest lookouts and Barron Falls, then return by the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail. You get free time for markets, shops, and wildlife attractions, plus hotel transfers and a Kuranda Boarding Pass. Drivers such as Scott, Marshall, and Lindsay provide helpful commentary along the way.

“It was good especially the cable cars and the views. The high light was when the train went past the waterfall and bend. I booked this last min due to my other sea tours getting cancelled due to the cyclone warning.”

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7.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Leave Melbourne by minibus for a 1-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the famous leg-dangling tradition. Then spend about 2 hours at Healesville Sanctuary, where you can see koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, and Jerry are praised for keeping the day friendly and well organized.

“We had an amazing time Stuart as a tour guide was fantastic”

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8.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145Top rated

Spend about 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart, combining Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges with The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Expect a long day, coastal wind, limited food time, and no penguin photography.

“This was a great trip! Absolutely loved it, only thing I would recommend to wear warm clothes on the penguin place as it is so much colder than you’d think.”

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9.Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 598 reviews · from $230

Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway through rainforest, visit Kuranda village and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, then explore Rainforestation by Army Duck. You’ll see native animals, join a Pamagirri Aboriginal experience, eat a barbecue lunch, and return by Skyrail. Drivers and guides such as Steve, Dom, and Nick keep the day moving.

“Great experience with families and kids! Though we visited on a rainy day with the railway closed - Tropical Wings guide was very experienced to take us by bus and ensure the remaining activities continued, and the company provided refund. Steve and Dom are friendly, experienced and humorous - we love that!”

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10.Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 574 reviews · from $199

Travel from Cairns, the Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas to Kuranda by two classic routes. Ride one way on the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class, with padded lounge seats and refreshments, then cross the rainforest by Skyrail, or reverse the order. You get several free hours in Kuranda for markets, cafés, wildlife parks, and Aboriginal cultural experiences.

“Dress for the weather and lots of walking in the village. Sensory overload work so many shipping choices. The Gold pass option is worth the money because the train ride gold is in padded chairs versus wooden bench seats, so more comfortable.”

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11.Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $163

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Emerald Lake, stroll beside the water, explore Healesville Sanctuary, and finish with chocolate and ice-cream tastings. Guides such as Bonnie, Peter, Matt, Emily, and Graham have been praised for friendly, useful commentary. The tour runs about 8 hours and includes transport and entry fees.

“It was a great, informative experience. Loads of fun for all ages! The Healesville Sanctuary was amazing!”

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12.Grand Bus and Train Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 106 reviews · 4 hours · from $77

Spend four hours circling Rottnest Island by air-conditioned bus, then ride the historic train to Oliver Hill for a guided look at its gun fortifications and tunnels. You’ll see quokkas, beaches, salt lakes, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Jeannies Lookout, and Mabel Cove, with a wrap and cookie included. Ferry tickets and the island landing fee are separate.

“For me, the journey inside the tunnel was very long, I would liked to have the opportunity to spend a few minutes in other popular spots to take photos and videos, all my videos are from inside the bus and you can see the reflection of the other people”

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