Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne
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September 2026
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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
5.0/5
Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne worth booking?
Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne is a 14-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $179 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 39 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (39)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $179 per person
Join us for an exciting adventure combining the Puffing Billy steam train with the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train on a scenic journey through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, cro
What you get
About this experience
Join us for an exciting adventure combining the Puffing Billy steam train with the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train on a scenic journey through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, crossing the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. You can even dangle your legs over the open-sided carriages as you take in stunning views of fern gullies and tall mountain ash trees. At Lakeside, you’ll have time to explore the peaceful walking trails at Emerald Lake Park, relax by the lake, or grab a coffee at the café. After some free time in Melbourne, join the afternoon tour to Phillip Island. Take in breathtaking views from the Nobbies clifftop boardwalk before the Penguin Parade begins. Watch the little penguins come ashore and waddle across the beach to their burrows. You'll see these adorable penguins in action as they feed & socialise. This tour offers a fun and informative experience with expert guides in small groups of up to 24 guests.
What's included
Included
- Transportation by air-conditioned coach with upgraded seating
- One-way journey on Puffing Billy Steam Train
- Pickup from Selected Hotels
- On-board WiFi
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- General admission to the Penguin Parade
- All Fees and Taxes
- Puffing Billy half-day morning tour
- Phillip Island afternoon tour
- Passionate & professional live guide (English)
Not included
- Food & Drink
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Puffing Billy Railway
Upon arriving in Belgrave, you'll step into a piece of living history as you board the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. Dating back to the early 1900s, this world-famous heritage railway offers a unique experience with its open-sided carriages, allowing you to feel the fresh air and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Dandenong Ranges National Park
As Puffing Billy steams through the enchanting Dandenong Ranges, you'll be treated to stunning views of lush forests, towering trees, and vibrant fern gullies. Along the way, you’ll cross the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, offering breathtaking vistas of the serene landscape.
Pass by without stopping
Here, you’ll have the chance to explore interactive exhibits that delve into the rich heritage of Puffing Billy and the surrounding region. You could also enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe or venture out to Emerald Lake Park.
30 minutes here
This picturesque park invites you to explore its scenic walking trails, where you can take in the serene views of the lake and lush greenery. Alternatively, you can spend more time in or around the Visitors Centre snapping iconic photos!
30 minutes here
Melbourne
Enjoy a lunch break in Melbourne's city centre, before heading to the Immigration Museum to meet the Phillip Island Afternoon tour.
Pass by without stopping
Phillip Island
Experience an afternoon adventure that takes you directly to Phillip Island for the spectacular Penguin Parade!
180 minutes here
Cape Woolamai Beach
Stop by this stunning surf beach at Cape Woolamai! We visit this spot only during the summer.
30 minutes here
Cowes
Enjoy a dinner stop in Cowes, offering a variety of dining options! We only stop at this spot during the summer.
60 minutes here
The Nobbies Centre
Beautiful views across the ocean while you spot the local seal colony
15 minutes here
Penguin Parade
The nightly spectacular! See the cute little penguins waddle ashore to their nesting grounds.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, de, ru, ko, pt, cmn, ms, yue, en, it, fr, es, ar, th, ja
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Go West Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Photography of any kind is not permitted at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
- Your Puffing Billy tour will run in the morning. You will then have free time in Melbourne city centre before meeting for your Phillip Island Express Tour the same afternoon at the Immigration Museum
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 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
39 verified traveler reviews for Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The guide, Jools is...
The guide, Jools is excellent and super friendly and helpful. What a memorable trip i had. Highly recommend
via Viator
Go West, The Best!
Angel and Chris N were so amazing! They were our drivers going to Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade, respectively. Not just drivers but they were also our tour guide at the same time. They really know how to communicate with their clients. They were very friendly also. Overall, I can recommend them. ☺️
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tours with Amazing Guides – Thank You, Angel & Chris N!
Angel made our Puffing Billy tour fun and exciting! She was lovely, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She kept everyone engaged throughout the trip and made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. Her enthusiasm and warm personality made our day even more memorable. Thank you, Angel, for the wonderful tour! Chris N made sure we were safe throughout our visit to the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. He was friendly, professional, and shared interesting facts about the local wildlife and the area’s history, which made the experience even more enjoyable. His knowledge and care for the group were truly appreciated. Thank you, Chris, for making our trip both safe and memorable!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such a great time on both your Puffing Billy and Phillip Island tours. We'll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to Sophia, who will be thrilled to hear that her enthusiasm, friendly nature and local knowledge helped make your Puffing Billy experience so enjoyable from start to finish. We're equally pleased to hear Chris N made your Penguin Parade tour such a memorable one. It's wonderful to know his professionalism, fascinating commentary and genuine care for the group helped you feel well looked after throughout the day. We'll make sure both Sophia and Chris N receive your kind feedback—they'll be delighted to know they helped make your visit to Victoria so special. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with us. We truly appreciate your lovely feedback and hope to welcome you back for another Go West adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Laughing, passion and memorable
Our guide Jools is really nice, professional and full of passion, which give us a really memorable trip experience during the trip. Also which makes this trip more interesting and exciting!
via Tripadvisor
Fun cozy trip
Fun cozy trip with helpful tour guides (Chris N and Sherif). Train was cute with lots of locals waving you by (though caution it’s a little uncomfortable sitting out the window). For the penguins I’d recommend the Penguin Plus to get a good look at them as it’s hard to see due to crowds otherwise. Bus was comfortable and Sherif’s musical number was a fun touch.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $179 to $245
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne cost?
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Prices start at $179 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 Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne take?
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Plan for about 14 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 Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 39 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 Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne?
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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 Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne?
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Around 14 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 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne 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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