By rail · WILDLIFE
Good wildlife trips sell the seats before the fares, and the best ones go first. Below: the 3 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
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”
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.”
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