Puffing Billy

Step back in time for a ride on Australia’s oldest steam train Puffing Billy. This journey will take you through the breathtaking Sherbrooke Forest & Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by lush rainforest, fern gullies, giant Mountain Ash trees and hidden railway tracks of the hills. Childhood dreams relived, as you dangle your arms and legs out of custom designed open colonial train carriage as we make our way through the mountains. Enjoy a traditional Devonshire tea with homemade scones, served warm with jam and cream whilst you listen to the colourful sounds of lyrebirds, crimson rosellas, cockatoos and kookaburra. Home to much more native Australian wildlife, so be sure to keep your camera ready.

Wine Tour the Yarra Valley

Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the heart of Victoria’s premium boutique wine region, the Yarra Valley. You will have plenty of time to soak up the spectacular views and try some famous cabernet, Chardonnay, Semillon and Pinot. Stopping at the famous Rochford Wines for cellar door tastings and lunch, take advantage and dine in the restaurant selecting from an extensive lunch menu of seasonal produce (lunch not included). Head to another premium winery in the afternoon, before returning to Melbourne.

**This tour is operated in partnership with AAT Kings. Please note this tour price does not include lunch. Wineries may change depending on availability. Not suitable for children under 18 years old.

7:05 Travelodge Docklands 66 AURORA LANE

7:10 Langham Hotel 1 SOUTHGATE AVE

7:10 Vibe Savoy 630 LITTLE COLLINS ST (stand on corner)

7:15 Atlantis Hotel 300 SPENCER ST

7:15 Sofitel On Collins 25 COLLINS ST

7:15 Crown Promenade 8 WHITEMAN ST

7:15 Radisson on Flagstaff 380 WILLIAM ST

7:20 Windsor Hotel 111 SPRING ST

7:30 Ibis on Therry 15 THERRY ST

7:30 Holiday Inn 575 FLINDERS LANE, CNR SPENCER ST

7:30 Marriott Hotel cnr LONSDALE ST & EXHIBITION ST

7:30 Ibis on Therry 15 THERRY STREET

7:35 Mercure Welcome 265 LT. BOURKE STREET

7:40 Mantra on Russell 222 RUSSELL ST

7:45 Federation Square East  CNR RUSSELL COURT & FLINDERS ST

** Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to you nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.

Cancellations within 48 hours or failure to board on the day of tour, will result in 100% full fare forfeiture. Cancellation within 2 to 7 days prior to departure will result in a 50% loss of the ticket price. Date change fees apply outside of 7 days $25 per person. Read Full Terms and Conditions here

Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.

Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/

Traditional Owners

Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.

Wildlife Encounters

The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.

Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.

Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.

Protecting our National Parks

People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.

No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.

Waste Management

All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Puffing Billy Yarra Valley Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.

First Aid

All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.