We have a fabulous getaway planned for our trepid adventurers. Jump on the Adventure Bus with us as we head out east to visit all of the animals at Healesville Sanctuary and the Yarra Valley Noctorunal Zoo. We will get up close and personal with all of the animals and explore the bushland they live in. And what trip out east wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the world famous vintage steam train, Puffing Billy. It’s going to be an action packed few days.

Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is also home to the Australian Wildlife Centre, a hospital which treats more than 2000 sick and injured native animals every year and is an important training centre for wildlife veterinarians.

Explore a bushland haven for Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. Wander along the tracks and meet some iconic Australian animals like Koalas, Kangaroos, Platypus, Dingoes, Wombats and Emus.

Don’t miss:
Magic Moments, a close up encounter to have your photo taken with an amazing Australian Animal
Wade with the Platypus, dive in for a hands-on experience in our Platypus Play Pool
Lunar Secret Forest, an interactive multimedia experience for kids
Spirits of the Sky, be awed by parrots as they light up the sky and birds of prey as they feed on the wing.
Fearsome to Awesome, a cold-blooded experience in the Reptile Arena where our expert keepers will expose you to a diverse range of their scaliest friends
Animal Hospital treating thousands of sick and injured Australian wildlife

Puffing Billy

If a joyous train ride through beautiful hills is your idea of fun, the Puffing Billy Railway tour is perfect for you. Complete with whistling sounds and the gentle chugging of the train, this is as old-school as an experience can get.

During the 25 km long train journey, we’ll pass through the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. As the train passes over the wooden bridge, it curves around allowing travelers to get the perfect picture of the train’s engine with steam rushing out of it. Other stops during the journey include Menzies Creek, Emerald Lakeside, Cockatoo and Gembrook, all of which are equally beautiful.

A ride aboard the Puffing Billy train offers the rare opportunity of riding an ancient styled train. To make the experience even more authentic, you’ll have guards waving at you as the train departs each station, bells ringing to mark the departure and arrival of trains and more.

Itinerary

Day 1:

We will leave Bendigo just after lunch, arriving at our accommodation late afternoon where we will have the rest of the day as free time to relax into our surroundings.

Day 2:

Up bright and early for breakfast before we head out to Belgrave to board Puffing Billy for a day full of photographic moments aboard the old steam train and a lunch in picturesque Gembrook.
We will then do some sightseeing around the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley.

Day 3:

A hearty breakfast will set us up for the day as we head to Healvesville Sanctuary to see everything it has on offer, including the famous birds of prey show and an up close experience with some of the animals.
We’ll then head back to Bendigo arriving at approximately 5pm