Tours/Melbourne/Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
5.0(41)Melbourne14–17 hours
VIATOR5.0(9)TRIPADVISOR5.0(32)
+11 photos
At a glance
Duration
14–17 hours
Price from
$174 / person
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 41 reviews
Languages
HI, HI, DE, DE
Group
Small group, up to 24
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Go West Tours
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.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:00 AM
Next available
Fri, Oct 9
Adult (ages 16+)
$174
Child (ages 0–15)
$159
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
Tour Options
Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Puffing Billy Railway
Admission included60 min
Step aboard the iconic Puffing Billy Railway for an unforgettable journey through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Feel the fresh forest air from the famous open-sided carriages as the historic steam train winds past towering trees and fern-filled gullies from Belgrave to Lakeside.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Pass by
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.
30 min
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.
30 min
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!
Melbourne
Pass by
Enjoy a lunch break in Melbourne's city centre, before heading to the Immigration Museum to meet the Phillip Island Afternoon tour.
Phillip Island
180 min
Experience an afternoon adventure that takes you directly to Phillip Island for the spectacular Penguin Parade!
Cape Woolamai Beach
30 min
Stop by this stunning surf beach at Cape Woolamai! We visit this spot only during the summer.
Cowes
60 min
Enjoy a dinner stop in Cowes, offering a variety of dining options! We only stop at this spot during the summer.
The Nobbies Centre
15 min
Beautiful views across the ocean while you spot the local seal colony
Penguin Parade
Admission included120 min
The nightly spectacular! See the cute little penguins waddle ashore to their nesting grounds.
What's included
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)
Not included
Food & Drink
Gratuities
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
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
41 reviews
5
40
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Melbourne
Rated higher than 84% of 297 reviewed tours in Melbourne
Excurgo comparison of 841 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
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
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour lasts about 14–17 hours. The itinerary has 10 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $174 per person for this Melbourne experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 AM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 0–15 pay from $159, adults from $174.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. 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. Pickup points include The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne, The Windsor.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in HI, HI, DE, DE, RU, RU, KO, KO, PT, PT, CMN, CMN, MS, MS, YUE, YUE, EN, IT, IT, FR, FR, ES, ES, AR, AR, TH, TH, JA, JA.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 24 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 41 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Go West Tours.
Reviews(41)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Mark_S
September 9, 2026 · via Viator
It’s a LONG day if you’re...
It’s a LONG day if you’re doing both, so pack some snacks and wear comfy footwear.
The train ride is so much fun and beautiful scenery whether it’s sunshine or rain.
Our driver David to Puffing Billy was a BLAST & he made the experience (even just the drive to the train) entertaining. Would definitely do Puffing Billy again.
The change over to a new driver for our next trip to the Penguin Parade was a breeze. We stopped at some extra little places before going to watch the penguins. Just note you cannot take photos or videos of the Penguin Parade but they are adorable to watch waddle onto the shore.
The tour was well worth the money.
Operator response
Thanks so much for the fantastic review! 😊
It sounds like you made a proper full day of it! We’re especially happy to hear David brought so much fun to the Puffing Billy part of the day. When even the drive to the train is entertaining, you know you’ve got a good guide! 😄
It’s also lovely to hear that you enjoyed both the train ride and the Penguin Parade, and that the changeover between drivers was nice and easy. And yes, while the penguins definitely don’t make it easy for us to capture them on camera, seeing them waddle up the beach in person is pretty hard to beat! 🐧
Thanks as well for the helpful tips about snacks and comfy footwear. A long day is always a little easier when you’re prepared for it!
We’re so glad the day felt well worth it, and hopefully there’s another Go West adventure waiting for you next time. The Great Ocean Road, Grampians or even our Puffing Billy & Redwoods experience could be a fun one to try! 😊💛
G
G6753YJpaolag
September 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A really special experience
Such a lovely experience! I honestly had such a great time and felt really comfortable from the moment I arrived. Tony is such a kind and caring person and really makes you feel welcome and well looked after. The tour was beautiful and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it!
C
ChiYeung_C
July 21, 2026 · via Viator
The guide, Jools is...
The guide, Jools is excellent and super friendly and helpful. What a memorable trip i had. Highly recommend
C
cedrickjohnd2026
July 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Go West, The Best!
Angel and Chris N were so amazing! They were our drivers going to Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade, respectively. Not just drivers but they were also our tour guide at the same time. They really know how to communicate with their clients. They were very friendly also. Overall, I can recommend them. ☺️
E
elizabethbQ9797OT
July 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tours with Amazing Guides – Thank You, Angel & Chris N!
Angel made our Puffing Billy tour fun and exciting! She was lovely, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She kept everyone engaged throughout the trip and made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. Her enthusiasm and warm personality made our day even more memorable. Thank you, Angel, for the wonderful tour!
Chris N made sure we were safe throughout our visit to the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. He was friendly, professional, and shared interesting facts about the local wildlife and the area’s history, which made the experience even more enjoyable. His knowledge and care for the group were truly appreciated. Thank you, Chris, for making our trip both safe and memorable!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear you had such a great time on both your Puffing Billy and Phillip Island tours.
We'll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to Sophia, who will be thrilled to hear that her enthusiasm, friendly nature and local knowledge helped make your Puffing Billy experience so enjoyable from start to finish.
We're equally pleased to hear Chris N made your Penguin Parade tour such a memorable one. It's wonderful to know his professionalism, fascinating commentary and genuine care for the group helped you feel well looked after throughout the day.
We'll make sure both Sophia and Chris N receive your kind feedback—they'll be delighted to know they helped make your visit to Victoria so special.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with us. We truly appreciate your lovely feedback and hope to welcome you back for another Go West adventure in the future!
3
318xuweiz
June 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Laughing, passion and memorable
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!
2
274zehraa
June 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fun cozy trip
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.
2
23837646473838
May 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A successful outing.
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.
A
alexso82
April 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience with professional and friendly guide
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.
S
Sarah T
April 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
train and penguins
got to see train and penguins. thank you.
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Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
