Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne
Overview
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Join us for an exciting adventure combining the Puffing Billy steam train with the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Ride the Puffing Billy steam train on a scenic journey through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, crossing the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. You can even dangle your legs over the open-sided carriages as you take in stunning views of fern gullies and tall mountain ash trees. At Lakeside, you’ll have time to explore the peaceful walking trails at Emerald Lake Park, relax by the lake, or grab a coffee at the café.
After some free time in Melbourne, join the afternoon tour to Phillip Island. Take in breathtaking views from the Nobbies clifftop boardwalk before the Penguin Parade begins. Watch the little penguins come ashore and waddle across the beach to their burrows. You'll see these adorable penguins in action as they feed & socialise.
This tour offers a fun and informative experience with expert guides in small groups of up to 24 guests.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photography of any kind is not permitted at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
Your Puffing Billy tour will run in the morning. You will then have free time in Melbourne city centre before meeting for your Phillip Island Express Tour the same afternoon at the Immigration Museum
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Puffing Billy Railway
Upon arriving in Belgrave, you'll step into a piece of living history as you board the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Dating back to the early 1900s, this world-famous heritage railway offers a unique experience with its open-sided carriages, allowing you to feel the fresh air and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
As Puffing Billy steams through the enchanting Dandenong Ranges, you'll be treated to stunning views of lush forests, towering trees, and vibrant fern gullies. Along the way, you’ll cross the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, offering breathtaking vistas of the serene landscape.
What‘s Included
Transportation by air-conditioned coach with upgraded seating
One-way journey on Puffing Billy Steam Train
Pickup from Selected Hotels
WiFi on board
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
General admission to the Penguin Parade
All Fees and Taxes
Puffing Billy half-day morning tour
Phillip Island afternoon tour
Passionate & professional live guide (English)
Food & Drink
Gratuities
Pickup points
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Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne
Pickup included
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unique experience
Jodi B,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a great family activity. We really enjoyed ourselves. The train ride was so pretty. I love that the company takes pictures for you as you cross the bridge. It was fun to learn about the history of the train. Michael our tour guide did a great job- super friendly!
*Puffing Billy*...
Andy C,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00*Puffing Billy* We had a smooth pickup and a timely return to the city, enjoying a fun ride on the train with plenty of time to explore the scenic Emerald Lake afterward. Our guide, Jono, was very knowledgeable and even took us to another scenic spot for a short nature walk before Puffing Billy. He was friendly and helpful throughout, and when my daughter left her AirPods on the bus, he kindly took the time to help her retrieve them, which we truly appreciated. *Philip Island* Our guide, Jools, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. She brought us to several beautiful scenic spots before taking us to the visitor centre to watch the penguins, giving us plenty of time to enjoy each stop. At the end of the trip, she even surprised us with personally handwritten gifts, which was such a thoughtful touch and made the day feel extra special.
Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade
Smita P,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a whole day trip cut into two parts. In the morning Jess drove us to the Puffing Billy station. She was great, really upbeat and took loads of pictures for us. On the penguin parade we were accompanied by Alex’s, she was so funny and kept us up to date looking at out of our coach for wallabys. She had great banter and gave us the best recommendations for places to eat. But most importantly where we should look out for the penguins and to take the lower boardwalk, so that we were able to see hundreds of little penguins climbing up the banks to their burrows. I would recommend this trip !!!
Great experience!!!
chinb00nl,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guides for puffing billy were jono and jazz, and our tour guide For penguin parade was jools! they were really friendly throughout, even before the tour officily started. They were also very helpful and made us feel Comfortable! Especially For penguin parade, jools’ experience and tips ensured that we could see the penguins clearly and allowed us to have a great experience! Overall, our tour guides made us feel that Go west tour guides’ are very genuine and professional, with lots of wisdom to share! Would recommend :)
Magical experiences with family
mhoeg08,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We started the morning with Alisha to head to Puffing Billy. She was very personable and we had a great time. We traveled with four children under the age of 10. The drive to Puffing Billy from the city is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. We were dropped back off in Melbourne and had some time to grab lunch before departing for Philip Island. Our guide Bluey was awesome. He provided great commentary on the 2 hour drive to the island. He also provided great tips for the penguin viewing. All in all it was a very long day but so worth it to experience both the train and penguins.
Perfectly memorable memories.
Q932LU ,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Puffing billy's guide sister took good pictures of us and videoed us. The Penguins prade of the afternoon trip was the best experience of my entire two-week tour of Australia! I also upgraded Penguins Plus, which is very close to the chicks, about a metre away, and gave me the idea to protect the penguins further in the future to protect the ocean. Afternoon guide ChrisH was very welcoming, lively atmosphere and the whole car was happy! Thanks again to both guides for making the best memories of my trip to Australia!
Amazing tour
L6679XLcamerond,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a great tour on the trains and watching the penguin parade, Aleks and our other tour guide were great, both very funny and friendly.
Very cool steam train experience!
Taylor M,,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day started at 07:15 and we were promptly picked up by our friendly guide Jono. Jono was quite informative and was very pleasant. The bus ride to the train was about 1 hour, and the steam train ride itself was an additional hour. The train stations have gift/souvenirs for purchase. The bus was comfortable and safe. Awesome tour, fantastic train ride! You can hang outside of the train carriage which makes the experience cooler than most train rides. The forest it drives through is scenic and beautiful. Thank you Jono and go west tours!
Superb experience
Navigator42600705069,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both tours are superb. We really appreciate the professionalism and enthusiasm of our guides James in the Puffing Billy trip and Chloe during the Philip island and penguin parade. Thanks a lot.
A Fun and Friendly Tour with Bree!
nsR5456OB,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bree was so kind and friendly, and she made our Puffing Billy tour incredibly fun. I really enjoyed every moment of the tour!
Related Experiences
Operated by Go West Tours