Dandenong Ranges Day Trip From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Rainforest Walks

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Dandenong Ranges sit 35km east of the CBD - close enough that they were an early-1900s daytripper destination by steam train, and that steam train still runs. Puffing Billy is the headline, the rainforest walks are the surprise, and the cool-climate gardens are the slow afternoon. This is the day-trip plan with kids and without.

Getting There: Train, Drive, or Combined

Drive: 75-90 minutes from the CBD via the Burwood Highway and Mountain Highway. Public transport: Belgrave train (Belgrave line, 70 minutes) directly connects to Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station - no transfer required. Combined option: drive to Belgrave, do Puffing Billy, drive between villages afterwards. The Belgrave train is the easiest car-free day trip from Melbourne for a family with young kids.

Puffing Billy on MELBZ

Dandenong Ranges Day Trip From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Rainforest Walks

Getting There: Train, Drive, or Combined