Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Melbourne that combines two of Victoria’s most iconic experiences. Start your adventure with a nostalgic ride aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train, winding through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. After soaking in the beauty of lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees, head to Phillip Island for an awe-inspiring encounter with nature. Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as hundreds of adorable little penguins make their way from the ocean to their sandy burrows at sunset—a truly magical and heartwarming experience you won’t want to miss!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The remaining hours of the tour are for the travel time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All fees and taxes
1 hour train ride on Puffing Billy
Licensed Guide
General admission into Penguin Parade
Return transport to/from Melbourne
Lunch
Dinner is available to purchase at Phillip Island
Snacks at own expense
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Mercure Melbourne Southbank
9 Riverside Quay, Southbank Melbourne Australia
What To Expect
Puffing Billy Railway
Enjoy a 1-hour steam train journey on Puffing Billy through lush rainforests, embracing the time-honored tradition of dangling your legs out of the train.
Wander through the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, a cultural hub with top-notch facilities.
Options
Penguins Plus
Upgrade to Penguins Plus: Superb up-close viewing from the tiered seating in Penguins Plus.
Pickup included
General Viewing
Pickup included
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
Li L,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Darren was incredibly attentive and thoughtful throughout the trip. He gave us enough time at each stop — even though the schedule was quite packed — and shared valuable knowledge, especially about wildlife. You can truly feel his passion. He also shared great tips so we were able to see Penguins at a very close distance. We highly recommend this tour to everyone!
Great experience
RaziqHaikal R,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience with tour guide Stewart. Real hands on guidance throughout all the attractions despite the decently massive group per bus. Plenty of time given at all the stops and attractions. Really appreciate tour guide Stewart for going above and beyond with the service and the information provided
Overall great, but didn't stick to intinerary
Ashley P,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00A lovely day overall, but just shy of 5 stars for two reasons: the first (and biggest reason) is that the tour itself had a different itinerary than the specific one listed here. We didn't go to the Nobbies and spent a totally useless 15 minutes at a picnic area and 30 minutes in Cowes instead... barely enough time to use the bathroom let alone get food, sightsee or anything. The second was that our guide, while very nice overall, did not give us any information about the area or what we were seeing. Compared to other reviews I thought we'd get to learn something more about the area but nothing beyond just driving us and letting us know when to be back. Not a huge deal, just unmet expectations. The two main stops -- Puffing Billy and OF COURSE the Penguin Parade, are incredible. The Penguin Parade is absolutely the highlight, and Penguins Plus was 100% worth it.
Wonderful Experience
Compass37658965092,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed the tour, and my guide Jose was very kind. Although the weather wasn’t great, he did his best to make it enjoyable for us. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Train ride and penguin watching
U8184IGkathleena,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the Puffing Billy ride for 1hour, it didn’t really feel like an hour! You can do a 30minute ride. You must ride on the side and hang your legs out to get full experience! Penguin’s waddling in at dusk and heading for their burrows, are super cute to watch! Was hard not to be able to take photos but you get you get to download free ones later.
Lovely day out.
larkl2025,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great day out. Jose was a good guide and driver and very calm and thoughtful. Puffing billy was fun and the penguins were gorgeous.
Amazing 🤩
Mel-79-D,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience and Michael was a great guide. Would recommend to everyone who is wanting to experience the train ride and penguins
AWedge,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic full 12 hour day out! Relaxing and chilled with a great bus driver and guide. Loki's passion for wildlife and conservation was really inspiring and only added to the wonderful of the day out. Loki was a great, funny, chatty and approachable guide which made the day run really smoothly and pointed out look outs and recommendations to enhance the day. Highly recommend 👌 🚂🐧🌟
Fantastic!
323adriannat,
Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jose is a very nice guy, helpful and kind. Taking us to go find some wildlife animal and get us some information about them. And clear instruction for us. The tour schedule was not so tight. Suitable for the older and young. However i think it would be better to remind us temperate of the day and the outfit one day before the tour.
So much fun
Tourist47089088345,
Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michael is a super nice tourguide! I would definitely recommend this tour. We saw loads of penguins on the beach after sunset :)
-10% off
From A$197.10Was A$219.00
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Operated by Explore Australia Tours