
Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 52 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour worth booking?
Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour is a 12-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $163 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 52 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (52)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $163 per person
Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Melbourne that combines two of Victoria’s most iconic experiences. Start your adventure with a nostalgic ride aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train, winding through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. After soaking in the beauty of lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees, head to Phillip Island for an awe-inspiring encounter with nature. Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as hundreds of adorable little penguins make their way from the ocean to their sandy burrows at sunset—a truly magical and heartwarming experience you won’t want to miss!
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Melbourne that combines two of Victoria’s most iconic experiences. Start your adventure with a nostalgic ride aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train, winding through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. After soaking in the beauty of lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees, head to Phillip Island for an awe-inspiring encounter with nature. Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as hundreds of adorable little penguins make their way from the ocean to their sandy burrows at sunset—a truly magical and heartwarming experience you won’t want to miss!
What's included
Included
- All fees and taxes
- 1 hour train ride on Puffing Billy
- Licensed Guide
- General admission into Penguin Parade
- Return transport to/from Melbourne
Not included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Puffing Billy Railway
Enjoy a 1-hour steam train journey on Puffing Billy through lush rainforests, embracing the time-honored tradition of dangling your legs out of the train.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Wander through the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, a cultural hub with top-notch facilities.
30 minutes here
The Nobbies
At The Nobbies, you can explore the boardwalks and enjoy panoramic coastal views of Bass Strait, stroll along the clifftop boardwalks with views out to the Nobbies and Seal Rocks. You'll be able to take in an array of stunning sights as you explore the boardwalks, and if you're lucky, you might even see the blowhole in action!
40 minutes here
Penguin Parade
Experience the amazing sight of little penguins waddling home from the ocean to their burrows at Phillip Island. Home to the largest little penguin colony in the world, you can watch these amazing seabirds every night of the year from our general viewing platform and boardwalks.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait outside the hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait outside the main entrance to Regent Theatre at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait at the corner of Exhibition & Little Bourke Streets at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. We will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait outside the hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait outside the hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time and look out for the purple Explore Australia Tours vehicle.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please wait outside the hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Ends at
Please wait outside the main entrance to Regent Theatre at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Ends at
Please wait at the corner of Exhibition & Little Bourke Streets at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. We will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Ends at
Please wait outside the hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Ends at
Please wait outside the hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time and look out for the purple Explore Australia Tours vehicle.
Options you can book
General Viewing
Penguins Plus
Upgrade to Penguins Plus: Superb up-close viewing from the tiered seating in Penguins Plus.
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Explore Australia Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The remaining hours of the tour are for the travel time
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 52 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
52 verified traveler reviews for Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Stuart was best guide we...
Stuart was best guide we could have for tjis tour. We've seen a lot of amazing places,but Puffing Billy train and Penguins Parade won. There is enough time for each spot. I highly recommend this tour!
via Viator
Penguins and Trains
It was a great fun with the train, almost like in Harry Potter movie, you can sit with your legs out and watch the view, and seeing the penguins was an incredible experience, they were so close it was magical, and hear them communicating like in Happy Feet, locations were great, Stuart was also a good guide, we saw many wallabies and echidna it was fun
via Viator
Amazing experience
Must do in Melbourne! Puffing Billy is a highlight, feel like going back in time. Bring glasses as there is sometimes some dust.
via Tripadvisor
Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade
Arrive to your train early because seats fill up. We were a group of 5 and had to sit in different sections of the cart. It’s a nice scenic view. As for the penguins, make sure you layer because it was cold in early September and the penguins don’t come out until 6:30-6:45pm. Don’t expect massive amounts of penguins at a time. It’s more like 3-5 at a time. It’s a great experience if you are there during the right time.
via Viator
Fabulous!
A fantastic day out. Well organised from start to finish and a great tour guide who was knowledgeable and friendly. A really great day out.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂🐧 We’re thrilled you had such a fantastic day and found everything well organised from start to finish. It’s great to hear your guide helped make the experience even more enjoyable with their friendly and knowledgeable approach. Thank you for travelling with us! 💜
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $163 to $299
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Explore Australia Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.2.
See everything Explore Australia Tours runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour cost?
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Prices start at $163 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 Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 52 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife 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 Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour?
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Around 18 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife 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 From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Cider & Chocolate tour, Melbourne: Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade, 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.
What is included in Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour?
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Included: All fees and taxes; 1 hour train ride on Puffing Billy; Licensed Guide; General admission into Penguin Parade; and Return transport to/from Melbourne. Not included: Lunch; Dinner; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour?
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Please wait outside the hotel entrance at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour?
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Across 52 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including General Viewing, Penguins Plus. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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