Reviews

• Amazing

  boshra e,,Dec 21, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Really suggested to everyone and Thanks Mr Charlz for his guidance I have to mention also phillip island was so cold then don't forget warm clothes

  

  

  

• Fun Packed Day

  Michaela S,,Dec 21, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This was our 2nd day in Melbourne and we cracked it with this tour. We were picked up on time and looked after expertly all day by Matty who drove the bus and provided the tour commentary which was full of humour and interest. There was a lot of driving during the day from the centre of Melbourne out into the hills and then following the train ride onto Philip Island…but somehow that was worth it for the sights and experience we were being taken to. The train ride was everything you’d hope for with a light gauge steam railway adventure. Everyone gets place on a bench in a carriage but generally you sit with your legs dangling over the side so you can see more of the rainforest views and up and down the length of the train which is truly a unique experience. It can be a bit awkward getting on and off that. But with someone supporting you it’s definitely worth doing for at least part of the hour train journey. The tour guide has some discretion about stop offs and we called at a village called “Emerald” to pick up some lunch. The bakery there was a real gem with Christmas themed decorations. We had an extra activity to get shoehorned into the day which was optional at a wildlife park. Here we met Ozzie must-see animals including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and many more. We also got to stretch our legs on Philip Island along a man-made boardwalk along the coastline spotting the blue feather penguins in their natural habitat within a spectacular backdrop of the sea and setting sun. The last part of the day was the penguin parade. You need a jacket for this whatever time of year as it happens after sunset looking over the sea. They little penguins were a bit shy when we were there and the watching crowds were inpatient, unable to sit still for 10 minutes to watch this natural show but that still didn’t spoil the experience, and the walk back to the visitor centre alongside the waddling penguins was very entertaining and fun. The trip back to Melbourne from Philip Island took 1.5 hours to midnight, so it was a full 12 hour tour….but we are so glad we did it as it was a very special day.

• Puffing Billy experience

  598zetaz,,Dec 16, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  2.00

  Well, Puffing Billy train really just waste time and money. I felt I was the one sitting on the train to be viewed by the cars and pedestrians passed by. No views on the way really. The picture of the locomotive was all I felt for the trip. And the staff in train station were quite rough as too many tourism. With a small open sides space and 3 quarters full carriages, four of us were asked to squeeze in one small section rudely. Phillips island is stunning. Many more people rather than penguins you could see on the beach. However, you could view wild penguins. That’s all. So it’s your choice of going.

  

  

• A long day but a fun, well structured tour

  Simon G,,Dec 12, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  I really enjoyed the tour. Our driver, Tony, was very knowledgable and gave some good commentary throughout the day. Puffing Billy was good fun, especially sitting on the ledges with your legs dangling out, though that's completely optional. We stopped in Cowes for lunch and the recommended fish 'n' chips was delicious. Phillip Island is primarily about the wildlife, we had sightings of wild wallabies, kangaroos and plenty of geese. The Penguin Parade was fascinating to watch, with seagulls impeding the penguins' route across the beach until sufficient numbers arrived. However, be aware a ban on taking photos and videos onsite after sunset means there's a chance you may not get much, if any, of you own footage of the penguins so be sure that seeing them with your own eyes is enough for you (some professional photos and video are available for free online). Penguin arrival is unpredictable, and in our case they arrived 20mins after sunset on a clear day with strong light levels. They may arrive earlier if the evening weather is cloudier or dull.

• Spectacular

  ttmarie2018,,Dec 11, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Was such a great day!! Loved the train and the little penguins were awesome . So cool to see them come out from the ocean. Are guide Graham was so knowledgeable and just great.

  

• Full day enjoyment !!

  Mladen J,,Dec 11, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  A ride on the iconic and charming Puffing Billy train offered wonderful glimpses into past rail operations. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Phillip Island, where we spotted wallabies and kangaroos. Viewing the Penguin Parade felt like watching a live National Geographic documentary. David is a highly informative tour guide, an enthusiastic host, and a great entertainer. He takes excellent care of his passengers, ensuring everyone travels safely and comfortably. Thank you, David and Wine Hop Tour, for this unforgettable experience.

• 100% recommend

  Francine C,,Dec 11, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We had the absolute privilege of having Terry as our guide. Terry was very informative and really cared about the environment we were going around to. The day was absolutely perfect. There was enough time for each stop and there was no rush. 10/10, Thank you Terry!!

• Melbourne Tour with Lorraine

  Kate C,,Dec 5, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This tour was amazing and the best tour we’ve been on because of our tour guide, Lorraine. Lorraine was so knowledgeable about the history of Melbourne and brought a fun energy to the time on the bus with her wit and sense of humor!! Lorraine is the best at what she does and a true professional. I would highly recommend any tour she is a part of!!

• Lovely day trip

  Holly A,,Dec 2, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We had such a lovely day, starting with the Puffing Billy train. Our tour guide Lorraine was so informative and engaging. She took a video of us on the train and shared the content afterwards. After the train we ventured to Nobbies and explored the wildlife and she pointed out where penguin burrows would be and we spotted lots of wallabies too. The penguin parade was great. They came out late when we were there, but we still managed to see lots. I thoroughly recommend this tour. Lorraine looked after us and answered all our questions from start to find! So enjoyable.

• Take water and snacks...

  Susan F,,Dec 2, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Take water and snacks with you. Warm clothing for both the train and waiting to see the penguins. It's a long day for small children. Bus was adequate but old.

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