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Activity Melbourne, Australia

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

5.0 (42 reviews) 14–17 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

About this activity

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.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Audio Guides Rail Tours Likely to Sell Out

At a glance

Duration
14–17 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 24 people
People per booking
1–15
Audio guide
Hindi, German, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Malay, Cantonese, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Thai, Japanese
Written guide
Hindi, German, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Malay, Cantonese, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Thai, Japanese
Guide
English
Operated by
Go West Tours

Ages: Children (0–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Transportation by air-conditioned coach with upgraded seating
  • Included: One-way journey on Puffing Billy Steam Train
  • Included: Pickup from Selected Hotels
  • Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
  • Included: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Included: General admission to the Penguin Parade
  • Included: All Fees and Taxes
  • Included: Puffing Billy half-day morning tour
  • Included: Phillip Island afternoon tour
  • Included: Passionate & professional live guide (English)

Not included

  • Not included: Food & Drink
  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Puffing Billy Railway

    one hour Admission included

    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.

  2. Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Passing 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.

  3. Stop 3

    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.

  4. Stop 4

    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!

  5. Melbourne

    Passing by

    Enjoy a lunch break in Melbourne's city centre, before heading to the Immigration Museum to meet the Phillip Island Afternoon tour.

  6. Phillip Island

    3 hours

    Experience an afternoon adventure that takes you directly to Phillip Island for the spectacular Penguin Parade!

  7. Cape Woolamai Beach

    30 min

    Stop by this stunning surf beach at Cape Woolamai! We visit this spot only during the summer.

  8. Cowes

    one hour

    Enjoy a dinner stop in Cowes, offering a variety of dining options! We only stop at this spot during the summer.

  9. The Nobbies Centre

    15 min

    Beautiful views across the ocean while you spot the local seal colony

  10. Penguin Parade

    2 hours Admission included

    The nightly spectacular! See the cute little penguins waddle ashore to their nesting grounds.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
  • The Windsor
  • Grand Hyatt Melbourne
  • The Victoria Hotel
  • Europa Melbourne
  • Flagstaff Gardens Hotel
  • Mercure Melbourne Southbank
  • Intercontinental Melbourne By IHG
  • Urban Apartments Melbourne on Elizabeth
  • Space Hotel
  • Melbourne Marriott Hotel
  • Stamford Plaza Melbourne

and 6 more pickup points

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.

Using your ticket

  • This package includes 2 half-day tours which must take place of the same day. You will return to Melbourne after the Puffing Billy tour and have time to enjoy a leisurely lunch before re-joining for the Phillip Island Afternoon tour.
  • You must contact Go West Tours directly at least 24 hours prior to departure to confirm your booking and pick up details as these will not be provided on your voucher
  • Our guides are unable to wait for extended periods of time for missing guests and we ask that you arrive at the designated departure point at least 10 minutes early
  • Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
  • Want to listen to tour information in your own language while enjoying the sights on the day? Don't forget to download the free Go West Tours app prior to your tour departure!

Follow these links to download the App:

Apple Store: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/go-west-tours/id1397169660?mt=8

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.GoWest.GoWest.GoWest

  • Go West’s opening hours are:

07:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday

07:00 - 12:00 Saturday to Sunday

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • 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

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 42 reviews
5
95%
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

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