Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 419 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour worth booking?
Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour is a 11-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $158 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 419 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (419)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $158 per person
After being picked up from a convenient central Melbourne CBD location in air-conditioned comfort on this full-day tour, your first stop will be the picturesque Emerald Lake in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges where you wi
What you get
About this experience
After being picked up from a convenient central Melbourne CBD location in air-conditioned comfort on this full-day tour, your first stop will be the picturesque Emerald Lake in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges where you will have the opportunity to purchase your own lunch and enjoy a leisurely walk around the Lake. Then it's all aboard the world-famous Puffing Billy Steam Train. The train winds through the hills and finishes at Belgrave. Then it's off on a scenic drive to the next stop The Nobbies to take in the vista of this iconic lookout. Next it's time to visit the Phillip Island Wildlife Animal Park where you can purchase dinner before watching the adorable penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way home into their burrows.
What's included
Included
- Entry to ride Puffing Billy (Belgrave to Emerald Lake)
- Entry to Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Entry to Emerald Lake
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guide
- Entry to The Nobbies
Not included
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Puffing Billy and Lunch Ride Puffing Billy Emerald Lake Park to Belgrave. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. You will have the opportunity to purchase your own lunch at the picturesque Emerald Lake. Time spent here includes travel time from pick up, Puffing Billy Train ride, time for you to purchase and eat lunch and enjoy a walk around Emerald Lake.
240 minutes here · Admission included
The Nobbies
After taking the scenic route through the Dandenong ranges you will arrive at the Nobbies Tourist Information Centre: Here you will be able to find out all you need to know about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Time spent here includes travelling to The Nobbies and time spent at the information centre
60 minutes here · Admission included
The Nobbies
Nobbies Lookout And Boardwalk. Nobbies Lookout And Boardwalk: Take on the glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this spectacular lookout. Then walk the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the stunning surrounds. Time spent here is to explore the boardwalk and take in the views.
120 minutes here
Penguin Parade
Phillip Island Penguin Parade And Dinner. In the Winter season you can purchase your dinner at Phillip Island Nature Park. In the Summer season you can purchase your dinner in the historic township of Cowes and enjoy a walk around this seaside town. After dinner you will be ready to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. Time spent here includes time to purchase and eat dinner, time to watch the Penguin Parade and travel time back to Melbourne CBD.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Winter Sale
Winter Sale Pickup included
Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wine Hop And Coastal Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: ALL babies/toddlers/children up to age 15 must purchase a CHILD ticket.
- During peak periods larger vehicles may be used
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 418 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
418 verified traveler reviews for Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An experience worth...
An experience worth having at least once in a lifetime. Much appreciated the driver taking us to ride the amazing train and watch the penguins. The beautiful view of the Nobbies was also unforgettable.
via Viator
Highly recommend the Puffing Billy
Dirk, our driver, was wonderful...friendly, very helpful taking photos of the group and very knowledgeable about the things we saw. The Puffing Billy was the highlight of the tour...we loved every minute of it. The Penguin Parade was okay but I wouldn't go back again. The seats are too low so unless you get a front row or maybe a second or third row seat it's pretty much a waste of time as you cannot see the penguins, only a peek or two. All you get to see is a view of the people's backs and heads sitting in front of you, so it was disappointing for us. Of course, this is no fault of the tour operator as they only take you there and do not run the Penguin Parade.
via Viator
Loved!!
We had a great time on our tour! Our guide from Wine & Hop Tours (I’m drawing a blank on his name - Durk?) was friendly & very informative! He kept us up-to-date on our itinerary throughout the day, as well as shared his knowledge about the nature & wildlife. We started at Puffing Billy, an hour long train ride, which was fun & the scenery was gorgeous! We had time for food (if you wanted) & to explore the nature around Emerald Lake. After, we had a bit of a drive to Phillip Island where we stopped for DELICIOUS fish & chips. We recommend Nat’s!! Next we headed to the Nobbies - absolutely stunning scenery as the sun was getting ready to set on the horizon. On our drive to the Penguin Parade we saw many geese with their chicks, black swans, & wallabies! We got to witness quite a few penguins waddling up the beach, as well as penguins in the sand dunes making their way into their burrows after sunset at the Parade - what a privilege! Overall a long, but incredible day exploring some nature & wildlife in VIC. I definitely recommend!
via Viator
It was a lovely trip! Our...
It was a lovely trip! Our tour guide is very kind, patient and profesional. He is also a good driver. We really enjoy the trip.
via Viator
Puffin Billy Ride is a must!
Marky, our tour guide was really fun to be with! He’s taken care of his group during the tour like family. It’s a great and fun tour!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $158 to $288
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 147
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour cost?
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Prices start at $158 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.
Is Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 419 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour?
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Around 147 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Melbourne?
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On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour, Yarra Valley Wine Tour w Exclusive Gin, Cider & Chocolate Tasting, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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