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Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour

42 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 42 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Melbourne, Australia

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

12 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

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

  • All fees and taxes
  • 1 hour train ride on Puffing Billy
  • General admission into Penguin Parade
  • Dinner Dinner is available to purchase at Phillip Island
  • Lunch
  • Snacks Snacks at own expense
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We offer 4 pickup locations from Melbourne CDB which are listed above. Your pickup depends on the time of year you have booked. Your exact meeting times are listed below and our team will confirm this with you after a booking is placed.12:30 pm (Oct-Mar, Daylight savings)Penguin Parade & Wildlife Tour departs from our main pickup location Mail Exchange Hotel - 688 Bourke Street @ 12:30pm and below are the pickup times from our other locations:* 11.45am Mercure Melbourne Southbank - 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank * 12.05pm Regent Theatre - 191 Collins St * 12.15pm Her Majesty’s Theatre - 219 Exhibition St10:00 am (Apr -Sept, Non -daylight savings)Penguin Parade & Wildlife Tour departs from our main pickup location Mail Exchange Hotel - 688 Bourke Street @ 10am and below are the pickup times from our other locations:* 9:20am Mercure Melbourne Southbank - 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank * 9:35amRegent Theatre - 191 Collins St * 9:45am Her Majesty’s Theatre - 219 Exhibition StAs the time that the penguins arrive on the beach changes significantly during the year, our return time to Melbourne also varies significantly from 21:00 to 0:00

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre

Wander through the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, a cultural hub with top-notch facilities.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Phillip Island Nature Parks 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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The remaining hours of the tour are for the travel time
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 27 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-159345P15

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
42 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 42 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
36
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • All fees and taxes
  • 1 hour train ride on Puffing Billy
  • General admission into Penguin Parade
  • Return transport to/from Melbourne
  • Licensed Guide
  • DinnerDinner is available to purchase at Phillip Island
  • Lunch
  • SnacksSnacks at own expense

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • The remaining hours of the tour are for the travel time
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 27 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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