steam train tours melbourne

Puffing Billy Railway is committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People and providing positive experiences for all. Find Out More

• Buy Puffing Billy Tickets
• Gift Vouchers
• Annual Pass
• Daily Excursion Trains
• The Puffing Billy Dog Express
• Menzies Creek Museum

Education Programs

• Train of Lights – tickets on sale soon!
• Paint and Sip at Puffing Billy Railway
• Murder on the Puffing Billy Express
• Puffing Billy Running Festival
• Day Out With Thomas TM

Plan Your Visit

• Ticket Prices & Timetables
• Getting Here & Parking
• Dining options
• Accessibility
• Explore The Region
• About the Lakeside Visitor Centre
• Visitor Centre Dining
• Art Exhibition
• Visitor Centre Activities
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Corporate Volunteers
• About Puffing Billy
• Keeping Children and Young People Safe
• Community Committees
• Tourism Marketing Package
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Join our e-News
• Filming & Media
• Visitor Feedback

MAKE MEMORIES THAT LAST.

Reconnect with family and friends whilst breathing in the fresh air of the Dandenong Ranges. Relive your own childhood memories whilst introducing the next generation to this unforgettable part of Victorian history.

A TIMELESS EXPERIENCE.

Almost every Melburnian has a special memory on board Puffing Billy, chugging through the forest, rolling hills and open farmland with legs hanging over the side. After a short temporary suspension of this much-loved activity, Puffing Billy Railway is thrilled to bring back the time-honoured tradition of passengers sitting on the carriage sills!

Over, Under, Uncover, Discover.

The Lakeside Visitor Centre combines its natural surroundings with the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Puffing Billy Railway to offer guests a cultural hub with world-class facilities.

PRE-BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

Belgrave to Lakeside journeys are available every day and additional journeys like Belgrave to Menzies Creek, Belgrave to Gembrook, and Lakeside to Gembrook are available Friday - Sunday. Tickets are selling fast, so we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

All visitors are required to book your tickets online.

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Train journeys.

Journey onboard our open-sided carriages through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, with lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead. 

Functions & Events

For a truly unique event destination where old-world charm meets modern world-class facilities all in one location, look no further than Australia’s premier preserved steam railway, Puffing Billy Railway.

Grazing boxes

Pre-purchase a delicious grazing box to enjoy as you ride over the hills, down the valley and into the lush forest on the original mountain track, or hold onto your afternoon snacks and set lunch up by Emerald Lake Park.

Classic Scones & Tea

Pre-purchase Classic Scones and Tea with your Belgrave - Lakeside train journey! Sit down at the Lakeside Visitor Centre's Railway Cafe and enjoy freshly baked scones, velvety cream, sweet jam and a hot beverage of your choice.

Our Education Programs range from Early Years, Foundation to Year 11 VCE and incorporate multiple learning activities with a focus on exploration of history through the lens of STEM, sustainability, cultural connection, tourism, design and technology. BOOKINGS ARE OPEN FOR TERM 2, 3 and 4, 2024!

Lakeside Visitor Centre

Dine-in at the modern café, collect a grazing box and explore the walking trails, go swimming (during summer!) or jump on a paddleboat in the cool waters of Lake Treganowan, discover steam artifacts in the Lakeside Hall before jumping on board your steam train, or host an event in a private function room.

Our Education Programs range from Early Years, Foundation to Year 11 VCE and incorporate multiple learning activities with a focus on exploration of history through the lens of STEM, sustainability, cultural connection, tourism, design and technology. BOOKINGS ARE OPEN FOR TERM 2, 3 AND 4, 2024!

Annual Pass update

Puffing Billy Railway is currently transitioning from the Locals Pass to an all-new Annual Pass, which will be available soon. Stay tuned for further updates on this page regarding the availability of the Annual Pass, or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to learn more about it once it officially arrives. 

Paint & Sip

DATE | SELECTED SUNDAYS IN 2024

Get ready for the ultimate artistic adventure that combines boundless creativity with breathtaking views of the Dandenong Ranges in Puffing Billy Railway’s new Paint & Sip experience.

Art Exhibition at Visitor Centre

In partnership with award-winning photographic artist and Guys Hill local, Karen Alsop, Puffing Billy Railway is pleased to introduce  Animal Tales  to the Lakeside Visitor Centre; a three-part animal-focused photographic series that juxtaposes human characteristics, behaviours, or situations with the faces of real-life native animals. 

COGS Australia Bike Hire

Discovering the Dandenong Ranges just got more fun on two wheels! In partnership with  local family-owned and operated bike company, COG BIKES Australia , you can now hire a bike from Puffing Billy Railway's Lakeside Station bike hub!

Explore puffing billy

Explore puffing billy, accessibility.

Puffing Billy Railway is committed to offering an enjoyable experience for everyone and has a range of accessible facilities available for our passengers.

Puffing Billy continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40 kilometres east of Melbourne.

Volunteer with us

WELCOME TO PUFFING BILLY RAILWAY, BE PART OF OUR STORY!

If you’re ready to build lifelong friendships, contribute to the community and be part of living history, we would love to hear from you!

Safeguarding Children and Young People Statement of Commitment

Puffing Billy Railway’s staff and volunteers are committed to providing positive experiences for children in an environment that’s caring, nurturing and safe. All those team members who help keep the Railway running, are subject to a current Working with Children Check and a National Criminal History Check prior to their engagement. Our Children, Our Focus, Our Future, Speak Up!

Slow Rail Journeys Book online or call us on 1800 707 677

Experience Victoria by Private Train

Experience the romance of rail travel reliving the elegance of a bygone era. relax in restored sleeping and lounge carriages as we travel from melbourne to some of victoria’s most spectacular destinations..

"Best trip  I've  been on in years.  My expectations were exceeded the second I was greeted on the platform at the Seven-0-Seven check-in"

Upcoming Itineraries

24-26 May: The Grainlander Steam to Sea Lake and the Spectacular Mallee Silo Art Trail

1-2 June: The Murraylander touring the spectacular Northeast Silo Art Trail returning passenger trains to Yarrawonga and Oaklands

6-11 June: The Vinelander returns to Mildura on an epic Slow Rail Journey exploring Outback Victoria

19-21 July: The Riverlander to Deniliquin and the Moama Winter Lights Festival

26-28 July: The Riverlander to Deniliquin and the Moama Winter Lights Festival

15-20 August: Take the path less travelled on the Sunraysia, exploring Mildura, Murrayville, the Murray-Sunset and spectacular Outback Victoria

6-8 September: The Grainlander Steam to Sea Lake and the Spectacular Mallee Silo Art Trail

11-13 October: The Grainlander to Manangatang exploring either the northern Mallee Silo Art Trail or attending the 2024 Manangatang Cup

6-8 December: The Winelander exploring the best food, wine and railways of Victoria's Goldfields

"What an amazingly organised trip to an often unvisited but exciting part of Victoria. I loved the opportunity to see the Silo Art trail without the five-hour drive, multiple pack-ups, and other travel pain"

The Grainlander

Tour the Mallee Silo Art Trail in Style. See awe-inspiring silo art,  the  natural wonders of this spectacular region, attend its best events  and  more.

The Vinelander

Explore the best of Mildura Outback Victoria and the Sunraysia onboard the Vinelaner.

The Riverlander

Experience the best of the Murray and Goldfields from viewing spectacular silo art to touring the farm gates of Victoria's food bowl and more.

The Winelander

Enjoy a weekend of food, wine and railways visiting the best wineries, acclaimed restaurants. some of Victoria's 

Single Day Slow Rail Journeys

Short on time but still want to enjoy the best of Regional Victoria and the trademark Slow Rail Journeys service - a single day Slow Rail Journey could be a perfect choice!

Slow Rail Journeys - Supporting Regional Victoria

Slow Rail Journeys has a deliberate policy of supporting and giving back to regional communities, wherever it goes, which is why you will be dining at great local pubs on this journey, not eating pre-packaged meals carried from Melbourne, and why you will be attending local community-run events such as movie nights, agricultural shows and food and wine festivals, using local coach company's to tour and much more. On a Slow Rail Journey you will experience Regional Victoria at its best. 

"A trip to remember. Fully organised, reasonably priced and friendly. Food and company was amazing - a great weekend"

Onboard our Sleeper Train

Sleeping Cabins

Relax in your private onboard oasis aboard a restored Southern Aurora or Overland sleeping carriage as we tour to the most interesting destinations in Victoria.

Lounge and Club Cars

The social heart of the train is the perfect place to enjoy a drink from the bar, socialise with your fellow travellers or simply relax with a book and watch the scenery go by.

Dining aboard a train in a comfortable dining car is one of the great travel experiences. Enjoy locally  sourced  meals in the dining car as Victoria passes by the windows.

"Excellent trip - well organised and provided all that was promised. The food onboard the train was great and the hospitality from Quambatook was fantastic. The evening meal was excellent and efficiently served to quite a large group. Historic trains are popular and it was great to…"

Off-Train Experiences

Gastronomic Experiences

All Slow Rail Journeys feature a bespoke series of gastronomic experiences that highlight the best food in the regions we visit.

Off-Train Touring Experiences

All Slow Rail Journeys feature a number of fully hosted bespoke off-train experiences designed to ensure you fully experience our destination.

"Fantastic trip as all ways with the Seven-o-Seven Operations volunteers. We were well looked after, nothing was too much trouble for the team"

About Seven-O-Seven Operations, Inc

Seven-0-Seven Operations is an independent, volunteer-staffed, not-for-profit heritage rail operator based at Melbourne's historic Newport Rail Yards. The flagship asset of Seven-0-Seven Operations is the steam locomotive R707, "the City of Melbourne", which has been in its custodianship since 1980.   Today, 707 Operations offers Day Tours and multi-day Slow Rail Journeys (featuring sleeping carriages and other facilities) to destinations across Regional Victoria. All trains utilise Seven-0-Seven Operations' volunteer restored and maintained fleet of heritage locomotives and carriages. 

"For a volunteer organisation, this was a very professionally run tour. Everything worked like clockwork"

Puffing Billy Steam Train+phillip island 1-Day Tour

After being picked up from a convenient central pick up point  in air-conditioned comfort on this full-day tour, your first stop will be in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges to ride the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Next stop is Maru Koala Park where you will see koalas and you can hand feed kangaroos followed by Nobbies Lookout then watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way home into their burrows.

Puffing Billy and Morning Tea Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy morning tea at the picturesque Emerald Lake.

Maru Koala Park This amazing wildlife park will give you the opportunity to get up close with many animals including Koalas, hand feed kangaroos and see many other animals . Feel free to purchase your own lunch or snacks at this venue.

Nobbies Tourist Information Centre. Here you will be able to find out all you need to know about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct.

Nobbies Lookout And Boardwalk. Take on the glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this iconic lookout. Then walk the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies blowhole and Seal Rock and just enjoy the spectacular surrounds.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade And Dinner. After purchasing your dinner at the venue you will be ready to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows.

What to bring? -Water -Hat -Sunscreen -Camera -Warm clothing -An umbrella if rain is forecast

Discover the Wonders of Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island 1-Day Tour

All aboard the puffing billy steam train, explore the natural wonders of phillip island, indulge in local delights, plan your puffing billy steam train+phillip island 1-day tour, 1 - puffing billy and morning tea, 2 - maru koala park, 3 - nobbies lookout and boardwalk, 4 - phillip island penguin parade and dinner, what to bring.

• Warm clothing
• An umbrella if rain is forecast

Book Tour Now​

'A good old girl': Restored steam locomotive chugging its way across North America

Thousands gather to see train at its stop in moose jaw, sask..

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A restored steam locomotive, nearly a century old, is on a North American tour to celebrate the completion of a continental rail connection from Canada to the United States and Mexico.

The Canadian Pacific train — also known as The Empress — was built in 1930 by Montreal Locomotive Works. CPKC Rail said they drove the ceremonial final spike in the project last year, and this tour is celebrating that, with nine public stops. 

On Sunday, Moose Jaw, Sask., was the latest city The Empress graced with its presence. Thousands of people gathered in the rail yards to admire the relic.

"Just to get picked to be on this … I mean it's the highlight of my career. So it's an amazing trip that we're doing, just record-breaking, history-making, so many things," said Ben Cummings, part of the crew on The Empress. 

The process for operating a steam locomotive can be slow and a little bit tedious.

Cummings said you have to have a certain amount of pressure in the boiler for the train to even think about starting up. An atomizer injects air or superheated steam into the diesel — then comes the fire, then the precise control of the flame to slowly bring it up to temperature. 

"It'll hurt it if you take it up too quick. It's old. She's kind of grouchy and has a mind of her own sometimes, but she's a good rig. We won't talk too loudly about it over here.… She's a good old girl," he said.

1930 steam locomotive helping celebrate Canada-to-Mexico railway

Bart Campbell has been following the train since its first stop in Calgary — sometimes racing ahead of it along the highway to watch it go by an underpass. He said he's been interested in trains since he was a little boy. 

"My grandpa used to hop freight trains in the Depression," he said with a smile. "So, he used to tell me all his stories. And as a kid, I used to put the pennies on the track [and] I'd watch the trains go by my house."

Seeing the old steam era alive again was "an unbelievable feeling" for Campbell. 

This particular train ran throughout the Great Depression, the Second World War and beyond, "averaging at times up to 18,000 miles per month. In 30 years, it is estimated the locomotive ran over 3.5 million miles," according to the CPKC website.

After months of building, testing, tweaking and restoring, it's amazing to see the train chugging across three countries, Cummings said.

"Just that 'whap' of the steam it's just, you can't get it out of your head," Cummings said. 

"Once you hear it — I don't know if you're into that, but once you hear it — you're hooked, you're a goner. I know I was."

The train's next stop is in Minot, North Dakota. There's a virtual tour of the locomotive on the Final Spike Steam Tour website, as well as a live map of its tour and stops.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Rae Pasiuk is a reporter for CBC Edmonton who also copy edits and produces television. She has filmed two documentaries. Emily reported in Saskatchewan for three years before moving to Edmonton in 2020. Tips? Ideas? Reach them at [email protected].

With files from Liam O'Connor

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case). 

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour From Melbourne

• Ride Australia’s oldest preserved steam train, the Puffing Billy
• Guided tour: visit the best Dandenong viewpoints with a local guide
• See koalas, kangaroos, and other native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transportation by bus
• See itinerary
• Experienced local driver/guide
• Live commentary on board
• Super comfortable luxury coach including: free wifi, in-seat USB, air conditioning
• Pickup and dropoff for select Melbourne hotels. These appear in a dropdown box when booking
• Ticket for the Puffing Billy Steam Train ride (from Belgrave to Menzies Creek)
• Enjoy a traditional Devonshire Tea of scones, served warm with jam, cream, and tea or coffee
• Entry to Healesville Wildlife Park
• Get up close and personal with some of Australia's most well known animals
• Entry/Admission - Grants on Sherbrooke
• Entry/Admission - Belgrave
• Entry/Admission - Healesville
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick-ups commence prior to the tour start time. Please refer to your voucher for your hotel pick-up time or call the operator. You will be collected from the hotel you have selected in the drop down list. If you wish to change your pick-up location, you must call the operator at least 24 hrs prior to travel. If your hotel does not appear on the dropdown list, the operator does not pick-up from your hotel. Please phone the operator to arrange an alternate pick-up time and location.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travelers can participate
• Please call prior to booking regarding wheelchair accessibility
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Grants on Sherbrooke Stop: 40 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Puffing Billy Railway Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Healesville Sanctuary Stop: 4 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• nipunv2016 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Never Trust AAT They never showed up We paid and waited at our pickup point for 2 hours. They don't pickup calls We flew in to Melbourne for this and was just ghosted. Read more Written December 23, 2023
• 981JayB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour of New Zealand I took this tour of New Zealand as it covered both islands. It went from Christchurch to Auckland and I spent a few days in Christchurch before the tour. The tour guide and driver were excellent. They ere were efficient at their jobs. We stopped thru a lot of small towns; the amount of time spent there was good. I wish there were more time in the big cities, like Wellington. There was a lot of on and off the bus, normal for a bus tour. Got a lot of pictures in. It was a long flight there - 13 hours. Highly recommended. Read more Written December 9, 2023
• J4113LJmichellew 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles AAT Kings canceled my tour ~1 hour before departure I booked my ticket to Phillip Island via Viator >24 hours in advance and received confirmation and my credit card was charged. I got a call ~1 hour before I was supposed to meet at the tour location that they had overbooked my tour and canceled my reservation and just offered a refund or to rebook my party 4 days later, even though I'm leaving Melbourne before then and this was the only date I could do the tour. They ruined my vacation and all they could do was say sorry. Don't trust them or Viator unless you want to be severely disappointed. Read more Written December 26, 2022
• Jill C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Scenery on the Great Ocean Road Tour This Tour was exactly as descibed by AAT Kings. Pick up was on time, and the coach was clean and comfortable. WOW! The Great Ocean Road scenery is amazing! Our driver Liam and his talk was fun and informative. One of the best coach trips we have ever done, and we have loads of photos to remind us of a great day! We Highly Recommend this tour with AAT KINGS. Read more Written April 7, 2020
• Jill C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles AAT KINGS - Maru Animal Park and Penguin Parade Tour was exactly as described by AAT Kings: First stop was at the Maru Park where we were able to get up close to a koala ($30 extra), feed the kangaroos and wallabies ($3), see tasmanian devils, dingos etc - a small park, but lovely to wander round. We then headed to Phillip Island for a walk around the headland, viewing the spectacular coastline, and even caught sight of a few of the penguins which were completing their annual moult. We were driven back to Cowes to get our evening meal(at our own choice and cost), and then back to Phillip Island to see the penguin parade - scheduled to begin at 8:25pm, and sure enough the penguins started to appear dead on time! We sat in the tiered seating, and although the view on to the beach was not brilliant (it was going dark after all!), it was magical to see the little fellas pop out of the ocean and begin their noisy waddle home. We got a much closer look at them as we headed back along the board-walk into the centre. We were dropped off outside our hotel after 11pm - a long but very enjoyable day! We Highly Recommend this tour with AAT KINGS. Read more Written April 7, 2020
• Brian M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Comprehensive tour City Tour. As ATTKings did not pick up from our hotel, we headed for the alternative start at Federation Square. The coach pickup point is by the back entrance/exit of the National Gallery of Australia. The City Tour is comprehensive as we saw most of Melbourne, including St Hilda, the Houses of Parliament, the Rod Lever tennis stadium. A cruise down the Yarra River was included that gave a good impression of the buildings by the waterside and the harbour.By sharing your experiences, you're helping travellers make better choices and plan their dream trips. Thank you! Read more Written April 2, 2020
• Silebytravelers 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles ATT KINGS Fantastic day out, large tour bus with a small group. Its a long day but we'll worth it. Our driver come tour guide was brilliant, stopping many times to show us local fauna and flora, I think he was an amateur botanist at heart. Phillip Island, although a damp night was great but don't be disappointed in the fact that you can't take any pictures after dusk of the little blue penguins, due to them being nocturnal and bright light damaging their eyes. Read more Written April 1, 2020
• carriewdavispt 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles The Miracle of Kangaroos and Penguins We loved the time spent with the kangaroos and penguins. We had plenty of time to pet and feed the kangaroos with no interruption. The Penguin Parade is one of natures miracles that is a chance in a lifetime to experience. The only reason I gave this tour a 4/5 stars is that the tour guide was a little over-zealous with his enthusiasm. We appreciated his commentary but it was a very, very long day and he stopped the bus many times to pick up the odd flower, tree branches, etc to pass around the bus. I don’t think any of us knew the significance. Luckily he was quiet on the long ride home. However, he was a very, very nice guy! Read more Written March 23, 2020
• Meknicholson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Do both the Maru Animal Park and Penguin Parade We had the kindest driver, Keith who was so informative! We stopped at the Maru Park and got a close up experience touching a koala and feeding kangaroos. We loved our quick beach stops with fabulous views. The Penguin Parade was so precious- spend the money to upgrade to the platform so you are up close to the penguins. LOVED ALL OF IT! Read more Written March 18, 2020
• janddboots 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must see tour Must see tour if it's your first time in Melbourne or Australia. It's compact tour you can experience wild life and see the outside of Melbourne city. Highly recommended Read more Written March 12, 2020
• Sightseer595106 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A "must see" tour. This was a great tour to really experience Australia. Our guide, Mark, was very knowledgeable and entertaining with his wit and humor. Mark brought a lot of laughter to our trip to pass the time as we traveled. We upgraded from the general viewing, which gave us an excellent view of the penguins as they come very close. Thank you for being a part of an experience I will never forget. Read more Written March 10, 2020
• FrequentFlier770799 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mark This is a must do activity in Australia and Mark was an awesome driver/guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area, very funny, and great driver. Would highly recommend. Read more Written March 10, 2020
• Jilllian 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wxcellent We booked onto the Philip Island and wildlife tour as it contained everything we wanted to see. Met our driver; Richard who was a really nice and informative fella. Pick up was on time. Coach comfortable and clean. First stop was koala bears, kangaroos, dingos and other animals - excellent. Then off round to Philip Island with a dinner stop at Cowes before heading off to see the penguins at 8.45 - which was amazing. All in all we were out from 12noon - 12 midnight making the tour excellent value. Really glad we did it. Read more Written February 23, 2020
• 9travelbug1947 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highlight of our trip to Melbourne On February 2, 2020, we had the pleasure of taking this tour with our guide, Stephen. Not only is this an amazing tour, but Stephen was a delight. He is so knowledgeable and his insights and commentary made the whole day a very enjoyable experience. One of the best things about Australia is its people and Stephen is certainly a great example! Read more Written February 21, 2020
• Hitomi J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles lovely day trip of the train ride and wine tasting It was an early start of 8am trip so the Devonshire morning tea was a good stop in a lovely countryside not very far from the city.  The driver/guide Paul's talk was very informative about the places he drove though, wine, vineyard, the life in Melbourne also which I am interested in.  The train ride was quite pleasant, enjoyed the view of the mountains.  I had a lovely fish, raspberry sorbet dessert + a glass of wine for lunch at the first large winery, the restaurant has a lovely setting and very good gift store with variety of chocolates in particular, the tasting was done in a small room we sat down and listened about their wine.  The next winery was smaller and more casual, some different taste of wine I tried. The last was a small family business winery and I enjoyed the Australian rustic atmosphere.  I was a solo traveler but the tour was in a small group of people who were from different countries and very friendly.  I think the tour was well organized, thoroughly enjoyable experience! Read more Written February 20, 2020

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Puffing Billy Steam Train & Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour From Melbourne provided by AAT Kings

Steam train passes through Wauwatosa

WAUWATOSA, Wis. - History comes rolling through Wisconsin . 

An old steam train is making its way across North America, and enthusiasts got to see it pass by Wauwatosa on Monday, May 6.

To say two-year-old Caden loves trains is an understatement. It's a sight his mother, Ashley Toth, could not let him miss.

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"He's going to be so excited to see it," she said. "I saw something about the train coming, so I searched it down and here we are."

As the 1930 steam train made its way through the area, as part of the CPKC's Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour.

It's a tour enthusiast like Mike Kowall said doesn't always happen.

"I think it's the first time here in 18 years," Kowall said.

The trip started in Calgary, Canada and is making its way to Mexico City.

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According to the website, it's all part of the one-year anniversary of its merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. 

"It's the first road that covers all three countries in North America," Kowall said.

The next stop for the steam engine will be in Franklin Park, Ill.

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News & Reviews News Wire News photos: ‘Empress’ in Illinois

News photos: ‘Empress’ in Illinois

'Last Spike Steam Tour' train arrives at Bensenville Yard; display set for Wednesday in Franklin Park

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BENSENVILLE, Ill. — Canadian Pacific No. 2816 and the ‘Final Spike Steam Tour’ have reached Chicago.

Well, technically, Bensenville, Ill., the home of CPKC’s yard west of the city and adjacent to O’Hare Airport. That’s where the locomotive is laying over after its two-day trip from St. Paul, Minn., prior to Wednesday’s display in Franklin Park, Ill. Metra employee and photographer Mark Llanuza made arrangements to capture these images within Bensenville Yard of the locomotive and the CPKC executive train as it swung off the Union Pacific line used by CPKC as a cutoff from Tower A-20 on Metra’s Milwaukee District-North line to B-17 on the Milwaukee District-West. The still active Tower B-17 building is visible in the background of the photo at top, behind the train’s dome car. The UP line is above the retaining wall in both shots.

The display in Franklin Park will be at the small park at 9748 Franklin Avenue that includes the preserved Tower B-12. Display time is 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Technically speaking, the Techney cutoff’s history is convoluted regarding construction and ownership between the Milw. Rd. and CNW. And who in a million years could have anticipated its importance post CPKC merger?

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