From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguins Wildlife Tour

This full-day adventure from Melbourne costs around $128 per person and lasts about 12 hours, taking you from the lush Dandenong Ranges on a historic steam train, to the stunning coastal scenery at The Nobbies, and finally to the enchanting Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Your guide will be your companion throughout, sharing insights and keeping the day moving smoothly.

What we love about this tour are two key aspects: first, the timeless charm of riding Puffing Billy, an iconic Victorian steam train that’s been chugging along since 1900, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Australia’s rail history. Second, the intimate penguin-viewing experience—that one hour in the evening when tiny penguins march back to their burrows, which many reviews describe as simply adorable.

The only consideration worth noting is the long day of travel, which means you’ll want to be prepared for a full schedule and some potential fatigue, especially if you’re not used to 12-hour excursions. Also, transportation is included only during the tour, so planning your arrival and departure from Melbourne might require some thought.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love scenic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and historical train rides. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a well-organized day packed with variety, guided by knowledgeable hosts who make the experience fun and informative.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, enjoying lush scenery and vintage charm.
Wildlife Encounters: Get close to native animals and witness adorable penguins at Phillip Island’s Parade, an experience many reviews highlight as unforgettable.
Breathtaking Views: Marvel at The Nobbies’ panoramic coastal vistas and the blowhole, perfect for photography and appreciating Australia’s wild coastline.
Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to enhance the experience with interesting commentary and helpful tips.
Value for Money: With included transport, park fees, and the Penguin Parade ticket, many reviewers feel this tour offers solid value considering the full day of diverse activities.
Long but Rewarding Day: Be ready for a full schedule—good shoes, warm clothes in winter, and a sense of adventure will serve you well.

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A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Victoria’s natural beauty and wildlife, all wrapped into a 12-hour package. From the moment you meet your guide, likely to be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to make the day memorable, you start with a sense of anticipation. The meeting point varies depending on your booking, so always check your instructions carefully.

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The Puffing Billy Steam Train

Your journey begins in the Dandenong Ranges, a lush, leafy region just outside Melbourne. Riding the Puffing Billy, a steam-powered locomotive that has been delighting visitors since the early 20th century, is a highlight. The train ride lasts about an hour and takes you from Belgrave to Lakeside, winding through the forested hills and giving you plenty of chances to snap photos of the vintage train against the backdrop of towering trees and misty mountains.

Many reviews praise the train’s nostalgic charm. Comments like “hang your legs over the side of the car as we waved to onlookers” or “the train was really fun and the views along the way were beautiful” illustrate how immersive and enjoyable this part of the trip is. We loved the way the conductor shares stories about the railway’s history, adding context to the experience.

The Nobbies and Coastal Views

Next, you’ll visit The Nobbies, a rugged, windswept stretch of coastline famous for its panoramic views of Bass Strait and the impressive blowhole. Walking along the boardwalks, you’ll be treated to vistas that are as dramatic as they come—cliffs plunging into the surf and seabirds soaring overhead. Several reviews mention “breathtaking views,” making it clear that this stop offers some of the most striking scenery on the trip.

The Nobbies provide a peaceful contrast to the energetic train ride, and the chance to breathe in the fresh ocean air while watching the relentless surf is a real delight. Whether you’re a nature lover or just someone wanting a good photo op, this stop is worth the time.

Phillips Island Penguin Parade

As evening falls, your focus shifts to Phillip Island and its famous Penguin Parade. It’s a spectacle many travelers find adorable—tiny little penguins emerging from the water, darting across the sand to their burrows. The parade lasts about an hour, and you’re free to choose your viewing spot along the beach.

The reviews are unanimous on this part: many describe it as “the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” with a few noting that “it’s an all-year-round penguin-watching experience,” meaning you can enjoy it any time of year. Some suggest arriving early to get a good spot, especially if you want a clear view of the penguins crossing the beach.

Beyond the penguins, you might spot other native wildlife, like wallabies, bandicoots, geese, and seabirds such as short-tailed shearwaters. Guides often point these out and share interesting facts, enhancing the connection to Australia’s wildlife.

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Overall Experience and Logistics

Throughout the day, many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and their knack for keeping the group engaged without feeling rushed. Commenters mention guides like Gina, Matt, Loki, Brooke, and Ryan as making the experience special with their insights and humor.

The transportation is comfortable, usually a small group, which makes for a more personalized experience. While food and drinks are not included, there are opportunities at Puffing Billy stations and Phillip Island to grab snacks or a quick meal—so plan accordingly.

The full-day schedule means you’ll need to be prepared for a long day, with some reviews noting the importance of warm clothes in winter or layers for variable weather. The tour operates both in morning and afternoon sessions, so flexibility in timing is available.

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Considerations

The main consideration is the long day of travel and activity, which might be tiring for some. It’s a day that involves a fair amount of walking, sitting, and outdoor exposure, often in cool or windy weather. For those with limited mobility or small children, it’s worth checking if the tour is suitable, as baby strollers and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

However, many travelers feel that the value, the variety of experiences, and the friendly guides make the effort worthwhile. If you’re keen on seeing iconic Australian wildlife and historic steam trains, this tour definitely delivers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. If you’re someone who appreciates a mix of scenic train rides, coastal vistas, and adorable animal encounters, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s also ideal for those who want a guided day that offers a lot of highlights without the hassle of planning or driving.

Travelers who like small-group tours and value knowledgeable guides tend to have the best time. If you’re after an authentic, well-organized experience that combines history, nature, and wildlife, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts

The “From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguins Wildlife Tour” offers a memorable slice of Victoria’s landscape and wildlife. You get the nostalgic charm of Australia’s oldest steam train, stunning coastal views, and the adorable spectacle of penguins returning home at sunset—all in one day.

The value for money is evident, given the inclusive nature of the tour, the variety of sights, and the friendly, expert guides. You’ll come away with fantastic photos, new insights, and unforgettable memories of Australia’s natural charm.

For those who enjoy a diverse, guided adventure that balances scenic beauty with wildlife encounters, this tour is hard to beat. Just be prepared for a full, active day, and you’ll find yourself fully rewarded.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to meet at the designated meeting point, which varies depending on your booking.

How long is the train ride on Puffing Billy?
The train ride lasts about an hour, winding through the Dandenong Ranges and offering scenic views along the route.

What wildlife might I see during the tour?
You can expect to see native animals such as wallabies, bandicoots, geese, and shearwaters, in addition to the penguins at Phillip Island.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?
Food and drinks are not included, so if you have dietary restrictions, plan to bring your own snacks and meals.

What is the best time to see the penguins?
The penguin parade occurs at sunset, and reviews suggest arriving early to secure a good viewing spot.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While many reviews praise the experience, baby strollers are not allowed, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted, so check with the provider if traveling with young kids.

This tour balances scenic nostalgia, wildlife wonder, and coastal drama. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it offers a compelling way to enjoy Victoria’s natural gifts in a single, thoughtfully organized day.