
Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up
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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
4.5/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up worth booking?
Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up is a 10-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $149 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (36)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $149 per person
Small-group tour by Mercedes mini bus, maximum 14 passengers, hotel pick-up & drop-off within Melbourne CBD. 8–11 AM departure (subject to Puffing Billy tickets). Exact time emailed by 9 PM 1 day prior. Puffing Billy
What you get
About this experience
Small-group tour by Mercedes mini bus, maximum 14 passengers, hotel pick-up & drop-off within Melbourne CBD. 8–11 AM departure (subject to Puffing Billy tickets). Exact time emailed by 9 PM 1 day prior. Puffing Billy Vintage Steam Train: Ride the vintage narrow-gauge steam train through temperate rainforest. Maru Koala Park or Moonlit Sanctuary WildlifeConservation Park (Optional, Own Expense. Which zoo we visit depends on the departure time of our Puffing Billy tickets. ): Get close to Australia’s wildlife—kangaroos, koalas in eucalyptus trees, and unique native species. Penguin Parade: Watch the world’s smallest wild penguins return to nests, a magical day end.
What's included
Included
- Entrance fees
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy is a genuine relic of the early 20th century. It was originally one of four narrow-gauge lines that opened in 1900 to serve the remote farms and communities of the Dandenong Ranges. After a landslide closed the line in 1953, a group of passionate volunteers fought to restore it. Thanks to their dedication, Puffing Billy was reborn as a preserved heritage railway, offering visitors a unique and authentic steam train experience.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Maru Koala and Animal Park
Maru Koala and Animal Park is a family-friendly wildlife sanctuary where visitors can get up close with Australia’s iconic native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and more. Unlike larger zoos, Maru offers an intimate, hands-on experience, making it perfect for kids and animal lovers.(Subject to the schedule of the train, not guaranteed to go)
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade is one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife experiences, offering a front-row seat to the nightly spectacle of Little Penguins (the world’s smallest penguin species) waddling ashore at sunset. This unforgettable natural phenomenon draws over 500,000 visitors annually
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.
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
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wild OZ Adventures
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Australian Animals and Nature!
Was very complete experience and our Driver Daniel was amazing. It was really wonderful to experience nature!
via Viator
We love the tour! We love Joe!
Booking this day tour (30 March 2026) was one of the best decisions we have made! Joe, our tour guide, was exceptional! He has a light energy that made the 13hours tour fun and exciting! Everything was smooth! He wasn't only a tour guide and driver, he became a friend! He's the best! The tour itself was soooooo worth it, but having Joe was even more amazing! 11/10
via Tripadvisor
Best Guide Eric.
A very enjoyable tour. Eric our guide/driver was very informative and friendly. Couldn't ask for a nicer person. He was knowledgeable and helpful. Eric gave us time and recommendations on what to do and where to sit for best view. Thank you Eric! Highly recommend this Tour.
via Viator
Excellent trip
Got the wrong pickup messages at the beginning. The guide, Shin, was very well-organized, knowledgeable, helpful and attentive. He also provided free bottled water and drinks. The pickup van was clean and comfortable. Quick visit the chocolate factory. The nearby lake was very beautiful. I did not have wine tasting because just joined similar tasting two day before. Then, I admired nearby scenery instead. Regrettably, we did not have time to visit Maru Koala and Animal Park due to schedule of Puffing Billy Railway. Excellent unique experiences - dangled legs outside the carriage. Great Penguin Parade at Philip Island. Shin also let us take pictures when saw kangaroos. Overall excellent experiences.
via Tripadvisor
Great fun, interesting and good value for money
It's a very long day, but very interesting and a lot of fun. William, our driver and guide provided a lot of information and ensured we were fully informed of ways to get the most out of each stop. Thank you William, I would recommend this trip as good value and great fun.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $149 to $279
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up cost?
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Prices start at $149 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 Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 36 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 Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up?
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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 Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up?
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Around 13 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puffing Billy Phillip Island and Zoo Small Group Hotel Pick Up 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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