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 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.
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
Pickup points
Mercure Melbourne Southbank
9 Riverside Quay, Southbank Melbourne Australia
Options
General Viewing
Pickup included
Penguins Plus
Upgrade to Penguins Plus: Superb up-close viewing from the tiered seating in Penguins Plus.
Pickup included
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Wonderful Experience
Lorraine K,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing day on Puffing Billy and Penguins wildlife tour. Gina, our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful the whole day through. Puffing Billy is an amazing experience and watching hundreds of penguins come in from the ocean to their Burroughs was something else. Do yourself a favour and pay for upgrade to penguins plus. WELL worth the money for being so close to the penguins 🐧. You can take photos until it gets dark, then no photography or videos allowed. Just live in the moment and the experience. It's a long day but with a guide like Gina, it doesn't seem like it. An amazing day. Thank you.
Amazing tour! Definitely recommend!
S2040ZToliviac,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great tour! It is the perfect amount of activity/ travel. Our tour guide Mark was an absolute LEGEND! He gave a good amount of informative information and humour! As well as recommending places along the way when we stopped. Overall would recommend to others and use them in future. We had a high tide with the penguins- sadly didn't see as many come out of the water, but saw so many in the grass and burrows. Puffing Billy was also a great experience! Highly recommend a wind proof/warm jacket as the weather is unpredictable.
Must do trip if visiting Melbourne
Bex159,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most wonderful day on the Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Parade. Our tour guide was Michael who was absolutely fabulous. He guided us around the day, made us a video of the day and was just generally fab! We loved the Puffing Billy train - what an experience to ride with your legs hanging out of the train. For the best views sit on the right hand side of the train. The Penguin Parade was spectacular - we saw hundreds of penguins. Penguin Plus is 100% the extra money and make sure to take lots of layers - it was very cold. We would highly recommend this tour and would like to especially thank Michael for making the day even more special. Jamie and Rebecca
Wonderful day on the...
laura b,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful day on the railway and watching the penguins coming in from the sea and waddling to their burrows
Fantastic day seeing the...
laura b,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day seeing the amazing penguins and lots of wallabys, bandicoots, possum. Loved every minute!
Family from Taiwan 12/24 tour
Kwanyeob,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This guided tour was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was perfectly scheduled and ran smoothly, making the entire experience relaxing and enjoyable. Our tour guide, Gina, was exceptional! highly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. She did everything possible to make sure the tour was pleasant, well-paced, and stress-free for everyone. Traveling with two kids and two elderly family member, choosing a guided tour was definitely the best decision. We were so glad we didn’t attempt to drive on our own. Having all the logistics handled allowed us to truly enjoy the experience without any worries. The Puffing Billy ride and the Phillip Island portion of the tour were both unforgettable highlights. Everything flowed seamlessly, and Gina ensured everyone was comfortable, informed, and having a great time throughout the day. This tour exceeded our expectations in every way. If you’re considering Puffing Billy and Phillip Island ( especially with family) this guided tour is absolutely worth it. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Superb guide and tour....
Mayank b,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Superb guide and tour. Very professionally managed and planned I recommend to take this form this tour company only
Penguin plus
Zinna L,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the best time definitely get penguin plus tickets if you can so worth it! Michael our tour guide was amazing the entire trip!
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
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Operated by Explore Australia Tours