From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

Journey from Melbourne on a full-day guided tour featuring the Puffing Billy steam train, scenic coastlines, and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

Getting started

Begin your adventure with pickup from The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne CBD. Meet your English-speaking guide and board an air-conditioned coach to relax on your way to the Dandenong Ranges.

What to expect

Puffing Billy & Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Experience Victoria’s iconic heritage railway and Australia’s celebrated wildlife spectacle, all in one day. The Puffing Billy steam train, operating since 1900, offers a nostalgic journey through the lush Dandenong Ranges, while Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade is renowned for its nightly gathering of little penguins returning to their burrows.

Features

• Puffing Billy steam train: Ride the historic steam train from Belgrave to Emerald, passing through towering forests and fern gullies that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

• Emerald lake: Enjoy free time to explore the lake’s tranquil surrounds or purchase lunch at your own pace.

• The Nobbies Lookout: Stroll the boardwalk to see dramatic coastal views, the Blowhole, and Seal Rock, a haven for Australia’s largest fur seal colony.

• Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Witness the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the surf at dusk, an extraordinary wildlife encounter exclusive to this region.

• Comfortable coach transfers: Travel in an air-conditioned coach with return transfers to Melbourne CBD, ensuring a seamless and relaxed experience throughout the day.

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

This full-day guided tour from Melbourne includes round-trip transfers, a journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges, and a classic steam train ride on the heritage-listed Puffing Billy railway. The day starts with hotel pick-up in Melbourne before heading to Belgrave, where you board the iconic Puffing Billy for a 45-minute ride through lush forests and charming countryside. After disembarking at Emerald station, your tour continues to Phillip Island via air-conditioned coach, offering scenic views of rural Victoria along the way. The highlight of the day is the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where little penguins waddle ashore at sunset in a mesmerizing display that lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Your experienced English-speaking guide provides commentary throughout the tour, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to these must-see landmarks and natural wonders. The Puffing Billy railway, built in 1900, is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, stretching over 25 kilometers through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. At Phillip Island, you’ll also have the chance to visit the Koala Conservation Centre and the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, adding variety to your sightseeing experience. With a total duration of around 10 hours, this tour offers an immersive glimpse into Victoria’s natural beauty and rich history.

Experience Puffing Billy Railway

Your tour stops at Belgrave station where you board the historic Puffing Billy railway for a nostalgic journey through time. Built in 1900 and stretching over 25 kilometers, this steam train operates year-round through lush forests and charming countryside in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The railway features several stations along its route, including Belgrave, Gembrook, and Emerald, each offering unique views of Victoria’s natural beauty. Puffing Billy is not only a working heritage railway but also a significant part of Australia's industrial history, showcasing steam locomotives from the early 20th century. The ride itself lasts approximately 45 minutes, providing ample time to appreciate the scenic landscapes and historic architecture along the way. Unlike other tourist attractions that focus solely on entertainment, Puffing Billy offers both educational value and a genuine sense of historical immersion.

Witness Penguin Parade at Phillip Island

At Summerland Beach on Phillip Island, guests can witness one of nature's most enchanting spectacles: the Penguin Parade. This event occurs daily during sunset when little penguins waddle ashore after a day’s fishing in the ocean. The parade lasts for approximately 90 minutes each evening and draws thousands of visitors every year due to its unique charm and educational value. The penguin colony at Phillip Island is one of the largest in Australia, with over 32,000 breeding pairs calling the island home. Established as a conservation area in the early 1980s, this site has become a crucial habitat for these endangered birds. Unlike other wildlife viewing sites that may offer glimpses into various species' lives, the Penguin Parade focuses exclusively on the nightly return of little penguins, making it a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Tour Highlights

• Journey through Dandenong Ranges
• 45-minute Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Emerald
• English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Witness Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach on Phillip Island
• Visit Koala Conservation Centre during daylight hours
• Explore Churchill Island Heritage Farm for a glimpse of colonial life
• Round-trip hotel transfers included in Melbourne
• Air-conditioned coach with comfortable seating and panoramic windows

Perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and families, this full-day tour provides an immersive experience through Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll have the opportunity to board the historic Puffing Billy railway, explore Phillip Island's wildlife conservation areas, and witness one of Australia’s most unique natural spectacles: the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. The 10-hour duration allows you to fully appreciate each destination while enjoying comfortable transportation and expert guidance throughout your journey.