Puffing Billy & Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Bus & Train Tour from Melbourne
Puffing Billy & Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Bus & Train Tour from Melbourne
Puffing Billy & Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Bus & Train Tour from Melbourne
Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges and watch the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Enjoy a full day adventure from Melbourne with scenic views, wildlife encounters, and expert commentary.
From
Highlights
Embark on a captivating full-day journey from Melbourne, blending the nostalgic charm of the Puffing Billy steam train with the enchanting Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart from a central CBD location in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, and venture into the lush Dandenong Ranges. Board the historic Puffing Billy, a 100-year-old steam train, for a scenic ride from Belgrave to Emerald or Lakeside, chugging through fern gullies, ancient forests, and over rustic bridges, with open-air carriages perfect for soaking in Victoria’s iconic landscapes. It’s a seamless blend of heritage, nature, and wildlife that showcases Australia’s coastal and forested beauty.
After the train ride, enjoy a stroll around picturesque Emerald Lake, where crystal-clear waters and fresh mountain air set the stage for a relaxing break. Continue via a scenic route to Phillip Island’s Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk. Marvel at panoramic Bass Strait views, the dramatic Nobbies Blowhole, and Seal Rock, home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. As twilight falls, settle into the Penguin Parade’s General Viewing area at Summerland Beach, where hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore after a day at sea, creating a heartwarming spectacle under eco-friendly lighting. Expert guides share insights on local wildlife and history, enhancing stops at the Nobbies Tourist Information Centre and penguin conservation efforts. Book now for a memorable day of steam trains, coastal vistas, and adorable penguins, complete with Melbourne hotel transfers.
- Ride the Historic Puffing Billy: Journey through the lush Dandenong Ranges aboard Australia’s beloved steam train, Puffing Billy.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Travel along picturesque routes to The Nobbies Lookout, offering stunning views of Seal Rock and the famous Blowhole.
- Penguin Parade Experience: Witness the enchanting sight of little penguins emerging from the sea and waddling to their burrows at sunset.
- Comfortable Transfers: Relax with air-conditioned bus travel, departing from a convenient central Melbourne CBD location.
- Wildlife and Nature Encounters: Enjoy a full day immersed in Victoria’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse birdlife, and marine animals.
Itinerary
Duration: Approx. 11 Hours
Meet at 111 Spring Street, Melbourne
Board the 'Wine Hop and Coastal Tours' bus using your mobile ticket. Please check your seasonal pickup time: 12:30 PM (1 March–5 April 2025) or 10:30 AM (6 April 2025–30 June 2026). Only small backpacks are permitted.Journey to the Dandenong Ranges(Pass by)
Sit back and enjoy a scenic drive through Melbourne’s leafy eastern suburbs, entering the lush Dandenong Ranges—home to towering mountain ash trees and native wildlife.Puffing Billy Steam Train Ride
One-way Train Ticket IncludedAll aboard Australia’s favorite steam train! Experience a nostalgic ride through the picturesque forests and fern gullies aboard the historic Puffing Billy Railway.Scenic Drive to Phillip Island(Pass by)
After the steam train adventure, continue on a beautiful coastal drive towards Phillip Island, with sweeping views of farmland and ocean vistas along the way.Stop at The Nobbies Lookout
Visit The Nobbies for breathtaking coastal scenery. Marvel at the blowhole and spot Seal Rock, home to a colony of Australian fur seals.Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Admission Ticket IncludedArrive at Phillip Island Nature Parks to witness the unforgettable Penguin Parade. Watch hundreds of little blue penguins waddle ashore to their burrows at sunset.Return to Melbourne(Pass by)
After the penguin parade, relax on your return journey to Melbourne. Reflect on your day filled with nature, heritage, and unforgettable Australian wildlife.End of Tour
The tour concludes back at the original meeting point in Melbourne CBD.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Additional information
Starting Point:
- 111 Spring Street, Melbourne, 3000
- Use your mobile ticket to board the "Wine Hop and Coastal Tours" bus.
Pickup Times:
Seasonal pickup times apply:
- 1 March 2025 – 5 April 2025: 12:30 PM
- 6 April 2025 – 30 June 2026: 10:30 AM
- Please check the seasonal pickup time before booking.
Duration:
- Approximately 11 hours.
- No large luggage allowed, only small backpacks permitted.
- The start time of this tour changes seasonally; please confirm before travel.
- Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.
- Suitable for most travellers.
- Live guide service available in English.
- Age 0–15 years must purchase a Child ticket.
- Age 16–99 years must purchase an Adult ticket.
- Small backpack.
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
- Warm clothing for the evening Penguin Parade, as coastal temperatures can be chilly.
- Camera for capturing scenic views and wildlife.
- No specific wheelchair accessibility information provided.
- Public transportation options nearby.
- Confirmation is received instantly upon booking.
- A full refund is available if cancelled at least 2 days before the scheduled experience.
- No refund if cancelled within 2 days of the scheduled date.
- Mobile ticket accepted.
- Show your voucher at the starting point to board the bus.
Location
Provider
Wine Hop And Coastal Tours
Frequently asked questions
USD 145.80
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It is awesome. The train is very impressive and the penguins are so cute. We seen more than 100 penguins
Both puffing billy and penguin parade are amazing experiences. Our tour guide, Mars was also super good. The only issue is logistics with back and forth communication with pelago on final pick up points. Luckily, I bought a local sim and was able to call the tour vendor directly and got to know all details. Minus 1 star for pelago not giving my name and contact details to the tour vendor and not informing of time change from 10:15am to 12:30pm. This is really unacceptable service from SIA. I could have literally missed this tour had I not called the vendor directly.