By rail · STEAM TRAIN RIDES
Preserved branches, viaducts built for freight and carriages with windows that still drop. The 15 below cover the Highland lines, the Australian heritage runs and the rest, priced by length with a note on which run only on set days.
Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, meet the volunteer crew, enjoy Emerald Lake Park, and sit on the carriage sill between Belgrave and Lakeside when permitted.
“I loved the views and the whole trip! I really recommend this journey, I'd do that again”
Spend 12.5 hours exploring Loch Ness and the Highlands by coach, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train one way from Fort William to Mallaig. Guides such as Iain, Karen, Craig, Sonia, and Harrison are known for Scottish history, humor, music, and practical help along the route.
“I think we missed quarmquart castle??? In what town was that - or did I not find it today”
Travel from Edinburgh into the Highlands, passing Harry Potter filming sites, Loch Shiel, Glencoe, and Rannoch Moor. The optional Jacobite steam train runs between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. Guides such as Ian, Brendan, Brian, and Willie add Scottish history, local stories, and plenty of humor.
“Absolutely amazing! It was the best part of my trip. We enjoyed every stop and fully saw all of the sights. The highlands are stunning! Our driver, Brenden, was outstanding and made this trip so much better. We learned so much about Scottish geography, history and culture. I would highly recommend this tour!”
Spend eight hours beyond Melbourne on a guided trip to Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary. Ride the steam train from Belgrave to Lakeside, walk through rainforest, and see koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Jerry are known for keeping the day friendly and well organized.
“I absolutely love it. It’s something you need to do while you’re here.”
Combine two of Victoria’s best-known outings in one 12-hour trip. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside, visit The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. English-speaking guides such as Alan, Gina, Jose, and Stuart are praised for useful wildlife tips and smooth timing.
“Excellent experience and thx for our tour guides … LeLe and Gina both of them very professional and fun”
Board the Ceres Rail Company train at Cape Town’s Foreshore for a roughly 10-hour return trip to Elgin Railway Market. You’ll pass Table Mountain, False Bay, Strand, and Sir Lowry’s Pass, then spend about two hours browsing food, drinks, and crafts. Bring patience, as delays and seating mix-ups can happen.
“It was a nice experience to travel a bit back in time. I luckily read reviews about possible delays and was expecting it. We were at the station at 7:30am and only arrived back in town around 6pm. Which is a very long day and brace yourself for Read more”
Travel from York in a comfortable 16-seat minicoach with a local driver-guide such as Mark or Chris. Visit Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby, Goathland and the North York Moors, with an optional steam train ride to the Harry Potter film station.
“This is a great way to see parts of Yorkshire you would not find for yourself. Our tour guide Mark has some much knowledge and was very personable with all of us, his passion for travelling and history shone through and he shared his wealth of knowledge of the area and the national Park to enrich our day. We truly would not have managed this ourselves if we had tried to replicate. Mark was kind, caring and funny and put all the guests from age 10 -80 at ease. We would always recommend using a local firm to travel with.”
Travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, and the Trossachs with a Scottish guide-driver. Your package includes four nights, breakfasts, the Jacobite Steam Train, ferry, Loch Ness cruise, whisky tasting, and a small-group coach journey.
“Our host Caroline was amazing! Totally exceeded my expectations! Definitely worth every penny! You will not regret such a wonderful experience!”
Travel from York in a climate-controlled minibus with a local guide, stopping in Helmsley, Hutton-le-Hole, the North York Moors, Whitby, and Goathland. You’ll hear local tales, visit the Harry Potter filming station, and ride the heritage steam train to Pickering.
“Friendly, knowledgeable guide good at looking after different types of audience. Choice of sights were really nice, and made the experience special”
Leave York in a small air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Mark or Chris. Visit Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby, Goathland, and North York Moors viewpoints, with time for fish and chips, Dracula lore, Harry Potter sites, and an optional steam train ride.
“Plenty of stops, very informed guide who made the whole day a pleasure.”
Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside through fern-filled forests, cross the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, and relax at Emerald Lake Park. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with audio commentary in 16 languages and central Melbourne pickup.
“Magical fun experience. Nothing like ridding a steam train while your legs dangle off the side. The lush views are amazing.”
Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train for one hour through the Dandenong Ranges, with open carriages, rainforest views, and dangling-leg fun. Your English-speaking guide, such as Gina, Mark, or Michael, handles the day from Melbourne pickup to Lakeside. Bring warm clothes, walking shoes, and a snack.
“Amazing tour guide. Gina is incredible, informative and very friendly. We love our experience here. I traveled with my 80 year old mother and she had such an amazing time. Highly recommended!”
Ride a narrated steam train through St. Nicholas Abbey’s fields and mahogany woods to Cherry Tree Hill, then tour the Great House, museum and distillery. You’ll have time for Atlantic views, local stalls and a rum tasting. Guides such as Virginia, Michelle and Simon have earned special praise.
“What a lovely adventure to do when on holiday to Barbados and you get to see some beautiful things and you also get to taste some rum at the end”
Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train with your legs hanging from the carriage, pause in Sherbrooke Forest, then visit Healesville Sanctuary. Your guide handles the long drives from Melbourne, with names such as Gerry, Andy, Stewart, and Margaret praised for friendly commentary. Lunch is extra.
“Andy was excellent. This was a relaxing and interesting trip. We have been go go going for 1.5 weeks and needed something a bit more relaxed. The sanctuary was really great. Very interesting talks every 15 minutes and don't miss the flight show. Very interesting.”
Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned coach to ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit The Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. Guides such as Daniel and William are praised for clear timing and useful tips. Maru Koala and Animal Park is optional and costs AUD $33 extra.
“Clear instructions and gave us useful suggestions, especially the penguin activity, let us know where was the best location to see it”
Pick a gauge, a class or a country.
