Points of Interest
- Puffing Billy Train
Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Departing from your ship, you'll board a motorcoach for a picturesque ride into the green Dandenong Ranges on your way to the first stop in your adventure. As you leave the city, you'll pass through thriving suburbs and climb steadily into the Ranges renowned for their contrasting scenery of tall mountain forests and spectacular views of the Cardinia Dam.
You'll arrive at Belgrave train station where you'll board one of the most popular steam heritage railways in the world. Known as the Puffing Billy, this restored antique narrow-gauge train still travels along the same the mountain track in the lush Dandenong Ranges, just as it did in the early 1900s. During your 30-minute ride, you'll journey through thick forest and flourishing fern-filled gullies, crossing magnificent timber-trestle bridges up to 280 foot long and recapturing the romance and charm of bygone days on this scenic journey. The authentic open-sided carriages are the best way to see the stunning scenery.
Your motorcoach will meet you at Menzies Creek station to bring you to your next destination, where you'll savour the fruits of the Yarra Valley. Like Bordeaux or Burgundy in the South of France, or the Tuscany region of Northern Italy, the Valley is a world class, world-renowned wine region. Home to over 55 wineries, it's recognized as a producer of exceptional sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. You'll arrive at De Bortoli Wines which is a third generation family wine company established by Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli in 1928 after the couple emigrated to Australia from Northern Italy. Taste some of the range at the cellar door of this famous family run estate.
Just down the road is Fergussons Winery, where you'll get to enjoy a delicious lunch and some of the house wines as well.
After lunch, you'll re-board your motorcoach for your final stop, a visit to the famed Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Indulge in some sweet treats as you enjoy the magnificent views over the Valley.
Your tour concludes as your motorcoach takes you back through the Ranges and to your ship. As you marvel at the peaceful greenery and babbling waterways, you can reflect on your taste of the beautiful countryside.
Special Notes:
During total fire ban days, Puffing Billy is powered by a diesel locomotive. The train is not air-conditioned. On Total fire Ban days when the fire rating is Code Red or Extreme, Puffing Billy will not operate at all.Passengers must be 18 or older to participate in wine tasting.
Child Price:
12 years & under onlyTour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.
Depart from ship for Belgrave train station for a Puffing Billy train ride to Menzies Creek
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 42
- Travel time:
- 01:15
- Time at site:
- 00:45
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 4
- Steps:
- 1
- Wheelchair accessible:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- No
Wine tasting at Rochford Winery
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 42
- Travel time:
- 00:45
- Time at site:
- 00:45
- Free time at site:
- 15
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 20
- Steps:
- 10
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Wine tasting at De Bortoli Winery
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 42
- Travel time:
- 00:30
- Time at site:
- 00:45
- Free time at site:
- 30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 50
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Wine tasting and lunch at Fergusson Winery
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 42
- Travel time:
- 00:10
- Time at site:
- 01:30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 2
- Steps:
- 10
- Wheelchair accessible:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 42
- Travel time:
- 01:30