Australia · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Heritage Train Trips in Australia

26 tours  ·  from $29 a head

Puffing Billy through the Dandenongs, the Kuranda line out of Cairns and a rack railway down a gorge. The 15 below compare one-way against return, what the combined gondola and rail tickets save and how long each leg takes.

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway uphill
Guided, Kuranda & Skyrail Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, Train Experiences

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

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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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Emerald Lake Is the Day’s Breathing Space
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences, Wildlife Parks in Melbourne, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

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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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - Choosing between Belgrave and Lakeside
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

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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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

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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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns - Riding above the canopy on Skyrail
1-Day Tours, Kuranda & Skyrail Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, Train Experiences

Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

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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Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers - Morning pickup and the run to Skyrail
Kuranda & Skyrail Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns, Train Experiences

Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers

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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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - The morning ride from Melbourne to Belgrave
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences, Wildlife

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

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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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Meeting the guide in central Melbourne
Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences, Wildlife

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

8.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

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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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway - Blue butterflies and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Kuranda & Skyrail Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, Train Experiences

Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

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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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Kuranda markets and the village itself
Kuranda & Skyrail Trips, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, Train Experiences

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

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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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Healesville Sanctuary is the other major stop
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences, Wildlife Parks in Melbourne, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

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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From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train - The Captain Cook Highway sets the scene
Kuranda & Skyrail Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Port Douglas, Train Experiences

From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

12.Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 365 reviews · 8 hours · from $148

Travel from Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches by air-conditioned bus, ride Skyrail with two rainforest stops, explore Kuranda markets, then descend by the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Guides including Chris, Brett, Andrea, and Glen keep the day moving with local stories, clear directions, and plenty of good humour. A Palm Cove stop rounds out the eight-hour outing.

“Made it so easy to go to and from everything :) didn’t have to worry about any of it.”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - Starting in Melbourne and reaching Belgrave
Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences

Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

13.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 6 hours - 1 day · from $126

Ride the historic Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, forest views, and the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. Your English-speaking Go West guide, such as Robbo, Lisa, Jools, or Jono, handles the timing and adds local stories. The tour includes Emerald Lake Park, hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, and audio commentary in 16 languages.

“Bree was so kind and made our Puffing Billy tour incredibly fun! I really enjoyed the whole experience. I joined the afternoon Penguin Parade tour by myself, but Ben was so friendly and attentive that I had a great time. I’m really glad I got to be guided by both Bree and Ben – they made the experience so much fun and gave me some lovely memories.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour - Grants Picnic Ground and the first taste of the ranges
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

14.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 6 hours · from $107

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam railway for one hour through the Dandenong Ranges, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and dangling legs. Your English-speaking guide handles the transport and train arrangements, while stops at Grants Picnic Ground and Lakeside add birdlife, short walks, cafés, and railway displays.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the day trip. Gina was a brilliant tour guide, very friendly and accommodating. An efficient half day tour, you're back in the CBD by 1pm-2pm to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Our only, slight, comment would be that there is in inequality of views depending which side of the carriage you sit on. Whilst both have nice views, one is significantly better. This is no fault of Gina's, of course, however perhaps she could suggest to all of those in the carriage that it would be polite to switch sides half way around so everyone can enjoy the view over the valleys.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour - Riding Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

15.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 195 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Spend about 12 hours with an English-speaking driver-guide, combining Puffing Billy’s steam train, optional Maru wildlife park, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s sunset penguin parade. Guides such as Daniel, William, and Jeremy help with timing and viewing spots. Expect long coach rides, cold coastal weather, and a packed but memorable day.

“The tour was called for 10am, but my immediate notification from the tour operator Vast told me, due to the time of year (and the penguins) pick up would be at noon. Fabulous communication right off the bat! Daniel, our guide, showed up promptly and gave us a run down of the schedule of the day. He also gave us some interesting history. We arrived at the Puffing Billy train in plenty of time to absorb the ambiance. So much fun on the train. The scenery was amazing, and dangling your legs out of the train made me feel like a kid! Daniel awaited us at the end of the…”

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