Puffing Billy and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Combo Tour Melbourne
Overview
This combination day tour from Melbourne joins two of Victoria's favourite experiences: a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island at dusk. The ticket includes the Puffing Billy train from Belgrave to Lakeside, entry to the Penguin Parade and return transfers to and from the Melbourne CBD. Hotel pickup is not included, so you meet at a central point. It is a long shared coach day for travellers who want two classic sights in one go.
Highlights
- Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Lakeside
- Cross the timber trestle bridges of the Dandenong Ranges by rail
- Watch little penguins come ashore at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Entry to the Penguin Parade and the train ticket included
- Return transfers to and from the Melbourne CBD
- Two departure times, in the early afternoon
Full Description
Puffing Billy steam railway
Puffing Billy is a narrow-gauge heritage steam railway running through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. It opened in 1900 and is famous for its open carriages, where you can sit with your legs dangling over the side while the old locomotive puffs through the forest.
The railway climbs through mountain ash and tree ferns and crosses the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, one of the largest timber trestle bridges in the country. This tour rides from Belgrave to Lakeside, so you enjoy the heart of the scenic journey. It is a nostalgic and photogenic way to spend part of the day.
Emerald Lake Park and the Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges are a green, cool escape from Melbourne, with tall eucalypt forests, tree ferns and misty valleys. Lakeside station is beside Emerald Lake Park, a landscaped park with a lake, walking paths and picnic areas.
If you have time after the train, walk around the lake or stop for a coffee before the coach continues. The Dandenongs are only about an hour from the city, which is why the Puffing Billy tour from Melbourne is one of the most popular escapes in Victoria, and why a short stop here fits so easily into a longer day.
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade
After the train, the tour heads to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade. Each evening at dusk, hundreds of little penguins, the smallest penguins in the world, come ashore at Summerland Beach and waddle across the sand to their burrows.
Entry to the Parade is included, and viewing platforms let you watch without disturbing the birds while rangers explain their behaviour. Photography and flash are not permitted, and it can be cold and windy after dark, so dress warmly. The timing of the show follows sunset, so it changes through the year.
How the combination day works
Because the day covers two very different areas, the tour begins in the early afternoon, with departures at 12:15 or 14:30 depending on availability. You are transported by coach between the sights and returned to central Melbourne late in the evening, so it works best if you have nothing planned afterwards.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in this option, so you meet at the central Melbourne meeting point in your voucher. Food and drinks are not included either, so plan to buy dinner at Phillip Island before the penguins arrive.
Itinerary
- Meet in central MelbourneArrive at the meeting point confirmed in your booking voucher, ready for your 12:15 or 14:30 departure.
- Drive to the Dandenong RangesTravel by coach to Belgrave, the start of the Puffing Billy railway.
- Puffing Billy steam trainRide from Belgrave to Lakeside, crossing timber trestle bridges.
- Coastal drive to Phillip IslandContinue by coach on the scenic road to Phillip Island.
- Phillip Island Penguin ParadeBuy dinner if you wish, then watch the little penguins arrive at dusk.
- Return to MelbourneTravel back to the Melbourne CBD, arriving late in the evening.
What's included
- Puffing Billy train ticket, Belgrave to Lakeside
- Entry ticket to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Return transfers to and from Melbourne CBD
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- Guests who cannot walk short distances outdoors in cold weather
- Guests carrying luggage or large bags
- Guests who do not want a long day, as the tour returns late in the evening
Meeting point
This option does not include hotel pickup. Meet at the central Melbourne meeting point confirmed in your booking voucher, ready for your departure at 12:15 or 14:30 depending on your booking.
Important information
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included on this option
- Dress warmly and bring a windproof jacket for the Penguin Parade
- Wear comfortable shoes for the train stations and Phillip Island boardwalks
- Food and drinks are not included
- Photography and flash are not allowed at the Penguin Parade
- Bring a charged phone, headphones and a bottle of water
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade tour cost?
The price depends on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You meet at a central Melbourne meeting point, which is confirmed in your booking voucher.
What is included in the ticket?
The Puffing Billy train ticket from Belgrave to Lakeside, entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade and return transfers to and from the Melbourne CBD.
How long is the combination tour?
The tour lasts about 12 hours and returns late in the evening.
What time does the tour depart?
Departures are at 12:15 and 14:30, depending on availability. Check the booking panel for times on your date.
Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You can buy dinner before the Penguin Parade.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children usually love the steam train and the penguins. Child prices are shown in the booking panel.
Can I take photos of the penguins?
No, photography and flash are not permitted at the Penguin Parade. You can take photos at the Puffing Billy stations and elsewhere.
What should I wear?
Wear warm layers, a windproof jacket and comfortable shoes. It can be very cold and windy on Phillip Island at night.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the next available dates.
