Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Here, you’ll have the chance to explore interactive exhibits that delve into the rich heritage of Puffing Billy and the surrounding region. You could also enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe or venture out to Emerald Lake Park.
This picturesque park invites you to explore its scenic walking trails, where you can take in the serene views of the lake and lush greenery. Alternatively, you can spend more time in or around the Visitors Centre snapping iconic photos!
Enjoy a lunch break in Melbourne's city centre, before heading to the Immigration Museum to meet the Phillip Island Afternoon tour.
Experience an afternoon adventure that takes you directly to Phillip Island for the spectacular Penguin Parade!
Stop by this stunning surf beach at Cape Woolamai! We visit this spot only during the summer.
Enjoy a dinner stop in Cowes, offering a variety of dining options! We only stop at this spot during the summer.
Beautiful views across the ocean while you spot the local seal colony
The nightly spectacular! See the cute little penguins waddle ashore to their nesting grounds.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is only available from the list of hotels provided upon checkout. Pickups are between 7am-8am. Your pickup will be between the times listed depending on your selected hotel. Your exact meeting time will be provided after a booking is placed. Tour duration varies with sunset times, with drop-offs as early as 9:30pm in winter, and after midnight in summer.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(36)
Our guide Jools is really nice, professional and full of passion, which give us a really memorable trip experience during the trip. Also which makes this trip more interesting and exciting!
Fun cozy trip with helpful tour guides (Chris N and Sherif). Train was cute with lots of locals waving you by (though caution it’s a little uncomfortable sitting out the window). For the penguins I’d recommend the Penguin Plus to get a good look at them as it’s hard to see due to crowds otherwise. Bus was comfortable and Sherif’s musical number was a fun touch.
The trip was excellently organized; the guide, Greamen, was fantastic and very informative. The ride was very fun and impressive in terms of the scenery.
The half-day tour in Melbourne and the penguin parade were a beautiful experience and both well organised and attention to detail. I recommend asking about Alisha who in addition to telling us so many interesting things about Melbourne, enriched the experience with her sympathy and availability.
got to see train and penguins. thank you.
Exciting tour with ocean surfer views and penguin parade on the beach. Sophia was a fantastic guide full of energy, joy and enthusiasm.
David from start to finish was awesome he got us to our attraction on time . He was a caregiver ensuring safety anticipating our needs and always very helpful , great conversationist a great sense of humor , our photographer, knowable about the significant places on our way to and back from Puffing Billy which was a great train ride with your feet hanging out and the scenery to die for . Don't miss this tour .
Both experiences are once in a lifetime trips to enjoy! The train ride is soo much fun and just beautiful. Unique. Step back in time while viewing picturesque landscapes. And the penguin parade is a wonder of nature unlike any other. Add to that all the nature and animals you see along the way - plus a fabulous guide like Alesia - well. There really is NOT anything you can’t enjoy. Being the cameras - but they MUST go away so as to not upset the very shy penguins. Enjoy every minute! We did!!!!!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed both experiences — Puffing Billy and the Phillip Island Express tour really do make for unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime moments. It’s fantastic to know you loved the charm of the train ride and the magical Penguin Parade, along with all the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way. We’re especially happy to hear Alesia helped make the day even more enjoyable — we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words! And thank you for sharing that helpful tip about cameras — protecting the penguins is so important, and we appreciate you highlighting that for future travellers. Thank you again for travelling with Go West Tours. We hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future! 🐧🚂😊
I appreciated the staff's dedication to service. They provided recommendations and assistance throughout the trip, and were very punctual. They were cheerful and smiling, clearly showing their love for their work and pride in their country.
It was a nice day ! We’ve really enjoyed ! Thanks to Graeme for the puffing Billy tour and to Israel for Phillip Island !
