Puffing Billy Train and Penguins Day Tour
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Experience a magical one-day small group tour to the Puffing Billy Railway, The Nobbies and Penguin Parade with convenient transfers from Melbourne’s CBD. After a smooth departure from the city, you’ll venture to Belgrave station, where the historic Puffing Billy steam train awaits. Glide through the lush rainforests of the Dandenong Ranges with your legs dangling off the open-side carriages. The incredible hour-long ride will take you over the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge to Lakeside station in the beautiful Emerald Lake Park precinct.
Then, journey to the coast, with chances to spot native wildlife such as Eastern barred bandicoots and swamp wallabies along the way. At Phillip Island, stroll along the clifftop boardwalks of The Nobbies, where Australian fur seals lounge by the oceanside. As the sun sets, watch the Penguin Parade, where adorable Little Penguins waddle up the beach to their burrows for the night. Enjoy a day filled with the wonders of nature and wildlife and an unforgettable ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train.
Location
What you need to know
- 1 hour train ride on Puffing Billy
- General admission into Penguin Parade
- Return transport to/from Melbourne
- All fees and taxes
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- As the time that the penguins arrive on the beach changes significantly during the year, the return time to Melbourne also varies significantly.
- The tour returns to Melbourne at approximately the following times during the year:
- November - February: 12pm
- March: 11pm
- April: 10pm
- May - August: 9pm
- September: 9.30pm
- October: 10.30pm
- Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your pickup location for a speedy departure.
- This experience is a full day tour.
- This experience takes place in the Dandenong Ranges and Phillip Island.
- This experience departs from your chosen Melbourne CBD pickup location, including Mercure Southbank, Regent Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre or Mail Exchange Hotel.
- Pickup for transfers from Melbourne are available from the following locations in the Melbourne CBD:
- Mercure Melbourne Southbank - 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank
- Regent Theatre - 191 Collins St
- Her Majesty’s Theatre - 219 Exhibition St
- Mail Exchange Hotel - 688 Bourke St
- Pickups start from 40 minutes prior to the departure time
- The pickup must be pre-booked and the time will be confirmed
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- All-weather warm clothing for the evening, a jumper or windproof jacket for weather protection
- Money for snacks and meals
- Camera to capture unforgettable moments
- Bookings are essential
- Please see full Terms and Conditions at https://www.exploreaustraliatours.com.au/Terms-Conditions
- Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
