Puffing Billy & Mornington Hot Springs: Melbourne Day Trip 2026

If I had to pick the most memorable places from my Melbourne trip,

Puffing Billy and Mornington Hot Springs would definitely be at the top of the list.

I visited these two spots on separate days,

But now that the trip is over,

I realized that spending two full days on these suburban excursions—

one for Puffing Billy, and one for Mornington—was a bit of a shame.

That's especially true if your Melbourne trip is a bit shorter, like 4 nights/6 days

or 5 nights/7 days,

as you'll want to squeeze in the Great Ocean Road

and still have time for city sightseeing.

A friend recently asked me about tours for their upcoming Melbourne trip,

and while researching together, I stumbled upon something amazing this time:

a Melbourne suburban tour that combines Puffing Billy + Mornington Hot Springs

into one single day!

Having personally visited both locations on separate occasions,

I think this combo is a fantastic option for anyone looking to save time in Melbourne,

which is why I recommended it to my friend and am now recommending it here on the blog!

​

Puffing Billy is

an old steam train that chugs through the Dandenong Ranges,

and you've probably seen many iconic Melbourne travel photos featuring people dangling their legs out the windows.

It truly felt like riding Thomas the Tank Engine or even the Hogwarts Express!

It's not just about the train ride itself;

the entire journey through the lush forest was incredibly fun,

and if you love capturing photos and videos, this route offers incredible satisfaction!

Even when I visited, the photos I took here

were some of my absolute favorites from my Melbourne trip.

The train itself is just so photogenic!

What's even cooler is that the tour package I'm introducing today

even provides a video of you riding the Puffing Billy steam train!

As an SNS enthusiast, that's incredibly enticing! Haha.

I, too, visited Mornington Hot Springs on a separate day.

Peninsula Hot Springs is much larger than I expected,

with various pools and viewpoints, each with its own unique ambiance,

so I was glad I allocated plenty of time for my visit.

Melbourne often has cool mornings and evenings, even in the middle of summer,

so the time I spent soaking in the warm water felt absolutely wonderful.

Relaxing in the outdoor hot springs, feeling the breeze,

it felt like all the fatigue from a day of exploring just melted away.

It's personally one of the most memorable suburban spots from my Melbourne trip.

This particular tour package allocates

approximately 4 hours for your time at Mornington Hot Springs.

Make sure to pack your swimsuit and flip-flops,

as towels aren't included as standard, so it's a good idea to bring your own.

If you need them, you can rent a

robe + locker + towel package for AUD 25

separately at the venue.

And remember, on-site payments are card-only!

Your adventure kicks off at 8:30 AM from Melbourne's city center,

as you head towards the beautiful Dandenong Ranges.

After an enchanting ride on the Puffing Billy Steam Train,

and exploring the Dandenong Ranges forest and Sassafras Village,

you'll journey back through Melbourne's city center before heading off to Mornington!

Afterwards, you'll luxuriate in the Peninsula Hot Springs for about 4 hours,

then make a stop at the breathtaking Arthur's Seat Lookout,

before finally arriving back in Melbourne city center around 9:30 PM.

It’s a truly packed day, ensuring you make the most of your time!

What’s even better is that drop-off at your city accommodation is included,

and the entire tour clocks in at approximately 12 hours according to the product page.

When I visited Puffing Billy and Mornington separately,

I dedicated a full day to each location.

I honestly never considered combining these two fantastic spots into a single day.

If you're eager to experience both,

but feel that spending two full days on Melbourne's outskirts might be a bit much,

then combining them into a single-day itinerary like this is incredibly efficient!

This is especially true if you have a shorter Melbourne itinerary,

as it means you can free up an extra day to explore the city or even venture out to the spectacular Great Ocean Road.

가장 큰 장점으로 보이더라.

The tour package I looked into was the

Puffing Billy Steam Train (including a heartwarming video!)

+ Mornington Starlight/Afternoon Hot Springs (with accommodation drop-off!) package!

The tour fee includes a dedicated guide, comfortable tour vehicle,

your Puffing Billy Steam Train ticket,

National Park entry fees, and Mornington Hot Springs admission.

Please note that personal expenses and meals are separate.

Since this is a vehicle tour conducted in Korean,

you'll have the fantastic opportunity to ask questions about Australia more comfortably

and truly learn more about the country~

​

Given how incredibly popular the Puffing Billy Steam Train is,

tickets can sell out fast.

They recommend booking at least 3 days in advance,

so if your travel dates are set, it's definitely wise to confirm your booking ahead of time!

If you're like me, eager to visit both Puffing Billy

and the Mornington Hot Springs,

but found the idea of dedicating a separate day to each a bit daunting,

then I really wish I had discovered this Melbourne day tour sooner!

Having personally visited both locations and absolutely loved them,

I highly recommend including this combo tour in your itinerary if you're planning a trip around Melbourne!

Imagine this: a morning ride on the Puffing Billy, winding through lush forests,

followed by a relaxing afternoon and evening soaking in the hot springs,

and then, to top it all off, you get dropped right back at your accommodation.

It sounds like the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, making for a truly fulfilling day!

Find out more about the Puffing Billy Steam Train + Mornington Hot Springs Tour <Click here

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