Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Melbourne that mixes history, wildlife, and spectacular scenery, the Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour might just fit the bill. This tour promises a nostalgic steam train ride, encounters with Australian animals, and the magical sight of tiny penguins wading ashore at sunset. While it’s quite popular—booked three times just today—it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you commit.

We’ve looked into this experience from multiple perspectives, and what really stands out are the enthusiastic guides and the beautiful vistas you’ll encounter. The tour also offers solid value for the price, which hovers around $105 per person. On the flip side, some travelers find the long bus rides tiring, or the penguin viewing a bit underwhelming if you’re expecting close-up encounters in bright daylight. It’s best suited for those who love a mix of nature, history, and a dash of Victorian charm—families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone eager for a full-day adventure.

Key Points

• Scenic Steam Train Ride: Enjoy a vintage journey through lush Australian landscapes aboard Puffing Billy.
• Wildlife Encounters: Visit Maru Koala and Animal Park and then witness the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides make the experience more engaging, often with humor and helpful tips.
• Value for Money: Includes train and penguin viewing tickets, with transport and guide services, making it a cost-effective day out.
• Long Day, Long Bus Rides: Be prepared for 10-12 hours—some reviews mention it feels longer, especially with extended bus travel.
• Mixed Experiences: While many cherish the views and wildlife, some find the penguin viewing distant or the bus conditions less than ideal.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Puffing Billy Railway: A Nostalgic Steam Adventure

The day begins at 10:30 am with a ride on the famous Puffing Billy, a vintage steam train that winds through the scenic green folds of Victoria’s countryside. The train ride lasts about 30-60 minutes and is the highlight for many travelers. The trains are vintage, with wooden carriages that evoke a bygone era, and the steam engine’s chugging adds a romantic, old-world charm.

Travelers love the scenery—think winding tracks through lush forests, glimpses of charming towns, and a sense of stepping back in time. As Nicola_P noted, “The Puffing Billy train surpassed all my expectations, the scenery was so beautiful, and it was great fun sitting with your legs dangling outside.” This informal, fun experience appeals especially to those who enjoy historic transportation or want a break from modern buses.

Maru Koala and Animal Park: Close Encounters with Australian Wildlife

Next, the tour takes you to Maru Koala and Animal Park for about 45 minutes. Here, you get a chance to connect with animals like kangaroos, koalas, and other native creatures. It’s an excellent opportunity for families or animal lovers, though note that admission to the park is self-paid—the ticket is not included in the price.

One reviewer, Lisa_C, appreciated this stop, mentioning it as part of a “really complete experience.” You might find the opportunity to feed kangaroos or take photos with koalas, although, according to reviews, close-up interactions like petting or holding are limited and often involve extra fees.

The Nobbies: Marvel at Australia’s Rugged Coastline

After a scenic drive, the tour visits The Nobbies, on the southern tip of Phillip Island. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of jagged coastlines and sea cliffs. It’s a free stop, lasting about 45 minutes, providing perfect moments for photos and a chance to breathe in the fresh air and admire the power of the ocean.

Reviewers who visited this spot were impressed by the stunning coastal vistas. Zahra_R described the views as “lovely,” and the location’s rugged beauty is ideal for nature lovers or anyone seeking a peaceful coastal scene.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade: A Magic of Nature at Sunset

The final highlight is the Penguin Parade, which runs for approximately 2 hours. As the day ends, thousands of little penguins waddle ashore from the sea to their burrows—a sight that many travelers find utterly enchanting. The tour includes standard viewing platform tickets, meaning you’ll see the parade from designated areas—not necessarily close enough for detailed photos but still a magical spectacle.

Several reviews noted that the penguins are far away in the dark, with Zahra_R mentioning, “The penguin parade was not what I imagined. It was dark, and the penguins were far away.” Still, others like Nicola_P found the experience “so beautiful” and “so worth it,” especially since the guides provided interesting facts and tips for spotting the penguins.

What to Expect from the Experience

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles—a comfortable way to cover the long distances between stops. The group size is capped at 40, ensuring a relatively intimate experience, though some reviews mention the bus can be filthy or poorly maintained—something to consider if cleanliness is important to you.

Timing and Pacing

Starting at 10:30 am, the tour lasts about 10-12 hours, meaning you’ll be on the move most of the day. Some travelers, like Alex_C, express that the trip feels longer and involves a lot of time on the bus—from a 9:40 am start to a late return around midnight. If you prefer a shorter or less bus-heavy day, this might not be ideal.

Guide Quality

The guides seem to be a key part of this tour’s appeal. Multiple reviews praise Ricky Lee and Evan for being knowledgeable, funny, and attentive. They also tend to translate commentary into multiple languages, which benefits international travelers.

Price and Value

With a ticket priced at $105.43, including train and penguin tickets, this tour offers good value for money—especially given the number of stops and the expert guidance. However, remember that meals and some attractions like the animal park are self-paid, and extra costs can add up.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families looking for a full day of activity, wildlife enthusiasts eager to see Australian animals up close, or anyone interested in historic railway rides. If you’re someone who enjoys scenic drives, wildlife, and iconic Australian sights, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or want a closer view of the penguins, you might find the tour’s distant viewing platform a bit of a letdown. Also, those with young children should be prepared for a long day and some bumpy bus rides.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a solid combination of history, wildlife, and stunning scenery, making it a practical choice for travelers who want a taste of Victoria’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The guides seem to be a highlight, often making the experience more enjoyable through their knowledge and humor. The inclusion of train rides and penguin tickets in the price makes it a cost-effective option, especially when compared to booking each element separately.

That said, it’s a long day with extended bus rides, which can feel tiring, especially if you’re eager for more intimate wildlife encounters or close-up views of the penguins. It’s best suited for adventurous families, wildlife lovers, and first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded, fun experience with plenty of memorable sights.

Overall, if you’re comfortable with a full schedule and are excited to experience classic Australian scenery and wildlife, this tour delivers on those promises. Just pack patience for the bus and a camera for those unforgettable vistas and adorable penguins.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 10 to 12 hours, starting around 10:30 am and ending late in the evening, often around midnight.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a one-way Puffing Billy steam train ride, standard viewing tickets for the Penguin Parade, a guide, and air-conditioned transport.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy food during the stops.

Is the guide bilingual?
Guides generally provide commentary in English and Mandarin, which helps international travelers. Some reviews mention that the narration is translated or supplemented.

Can I get closer to the penguins?
The tour provides standard viewing platform tickets—not close-up or behind-the-scenes access. Expect the penguins to be seen from afar in the dark.

Is the tour suitable for young children?
While some reviews say it’s not ideal for very young children due to the long day and bus rides, families with older kids who enjoy wildlife and trains will likely appreciate it.

What about the walk at Nobbies?
The Nobbies stop offers spectacular coastal views and is free, lasting about 45 minutes, perfect for photos and relaxing.

How’s the weather impact?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, plenty of patience, cash for tips or extras, and possibly a flashlight for the penguin parade, as it’s at sunset or after dark.

Embark on this full-day adventure if you’re ready for a mix of scenic train rides, Aussie wildlife, and a sunset penguin parade—just be prepared for a long, busy day with plenty of memorable moments.