Step back in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and only 60-minutes from Melbourne CBD.

With lush fern gullies brushing past the open side carriages and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest.

Discover wonderful wildlife and spectacular landscapes made for adventure while sitting on the carriage sill of Puffing Billy’s open-side carriages; a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

Located adjacent to Lakeside station sits Puffing Billy’s new state-of-the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre. Featuring a modern café with the best produce on offer in the region, a dedicated gift shop featuring locally designed treasures and a gallery of steam artifacts in the Lakeside Hall, the Visitor Centre offers guests a cultural hub with world class facilities. Open daily with free entry to passengers and visitors. 

Just 35-minute drive from PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne, Yarra Valley is a worthwhile day trip for anyone after an experience that is the exact opposite to what you could get in the heart of bustling Melbourne. The region is especially beautiful in autumn and is famous for its quaint villages and towns, dotted among more than 160 wineries.

The Yarra Valley’s beautiful bushland and waterways make for charming walking and hiking, and are also ideal habitat for native wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats and cheeky lyrebirds. Alternatively, take to the skies in a hot air balloon for a unique perspective of the region’s verdant rolling hills and neatly-shaped vineyards.

There are natural attractions and family fun around every twist and turn on a seaside getaway to Phillip Island, some 90 minutes and 140 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. Featuring rugged coastlines ideal for spotting surfers and wildlife alike, migratory birds and gentle ocean giants, including humpback and southern right whales, roam the skies and seas.

Stroll along the Nobbies, get up close to Australia’s cuddliest marsupials at the Koala Conservation Centre and tick off the number one Phillip Island bucket list item – see the delightful Penguin Parade, where little penguins return ashore at sunset after a busy day fishing. 

Make your way around Western Port Bay to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in the afternoon. See koalas, kangaroos and emus up close and learn about native Australian animals at the Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary. After that, test your climbing skills with a spot of tree surfing at The Enchanted Adventure Garden in Arthurs Seat.

Recharge after your daytime adventures with a soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs. Watch the sunset from the thermal mineral pools and then head off to Iluka Retreat for a unique and romantic glamping experience with Bayplay Adventures.