Rise before the sun for a breathtaking hot air balloon flight with Global Ballooning - Australia’s only fourth-generation aviation family. Grab a coffee before winding through the hills, valley, and forest aboard the iconic century-old Puffing Billy steam train. Explore a historic museum that houses over 80 exhibits before sitting down for morning tea. Check out a well-known Dandenong Ranges pub before settling in for the evening at a hidden gem in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne.Â
EARLY MORNING
(pre-dawn, really)
Rise before the sun for a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley with Global Ballooning, Australia’s most credentialed fourth-generation aviation family, bringing over 30 years of experience and thousands of 5-star reviews.
Float above Victoria’s most cultivated regions, taking in vineyards, winding rivers, and rolling hills. From this breathtaking vantage point, enjoy a rich tapestry of sights, flavours, and experiences below - from cellar doors and local produce to native wildlife like kangaroos - framed by breathtaking morning light.
Morning tea time
Jump onboard Puffing Billy for a 30-minute journey from Belgrave, passing over the historic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge and through the forests of the Dandenong Ranges, before arriving at Menzies Creek station. Here, we invite you to visit the Menzies Creek Museum which houses over 80 exhibits, including rare operational steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and a rail tractor. After a wander around, you can sit down and enjoy your pre-booked Devonshire Tea. Find out more.
Your return train journey brings you back to Belgrave just in time for lunch!
Bookings are essential.
Lunchtime
Only a 10-minute drive from Belgrave station you will find Paradise Valley Hotel, located along the Puffing Billy railway line. Their skilled chefs will prepare a delicious meal for you with our seasonal fresh produce. From classics you can’t live without to modern and innovative dishes, they have a menu ready to cater to anybody’s tastes, and a drinks menu sure to satisfy.
Be seated on the enclosed bistro deck, where they boast an immaculate view of the historic steam train as it passes by. Get a little closer to the action and grab a seat in the beer garden or enjoy a quieter dining experience inside the newly redesigned bistro with a modern atmosphere touched by the rustic history of the building itself.
Want to make a night of it?
Relax with stylish, convenient & affordable accommodation at ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley. The hotel offers an ideal location close to both the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, and provides an excellent base for those heading out early for a balloon ride!
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