Guided Tours

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

Tourists enjoying a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train with lush greenery in the background, part of the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

Go for a day trip from Melbourne on a scenic coastal drive to Phillip Island, and hop on a Puffing Billy steam train.

Highlights

Get picked up from Melbourne and ride the famous Puffing Billy steam train, one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, in the Dandenong Ranges.
Enjoy a relaxed stroll around the scenic Emerald Lake, where you can also buy your own lunch.
Explore the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock area, and enjoy watching the waves crashing against the rocks.
See penguins coming out of the ocean and going back to their homes at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Fun fact: The railway operates on a narrow-gauge track, which is just 2 feet 6 inches (762 mm) wide, making it one of the few narrow-gauge steam railways in the world.

Inclusions

Full-day tour
Transfers from Melbourne
Ride on Puffing Billy steam train
Access to Emerald Lake
Entry to Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout
Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Reviews

4.4

12 ratings

5/5

4/5

3/5

2/5

1/5

Rune

4/5

Sep, 2024

Ride with Puffing Billy was good, despite the rain. Animal "spotting" and the pinguins were also good. Gavin, the driver, had a lot of knowledge that he willingly shared.

5/5

Jun, 2024

The app showed pick up time 10:15 However the tour guide sent us a text message saying that pick up time 8:30 but i did't see the message…

Rachel

5/5

Jun, 2024

To be honest I loved everything about it. It's went exactly as I expected. I should've brought a warmer jacket with me to the penguins though. I can't remember our guides name but he was really good and informative. I'm very glad that I did the tour and I would recommend it.

Nathan

5/5

Aug, 2024

Great weather, great sights and sweet guide.

Priya

5/5

Sep, 2024

Show all reviews

Your experience

Steam train journey

Enjoy two fantastic experiences with this tour. You will begin with a convenient pickup from Melbourne, traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned bus to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Upon arriving in Dandenong, you will hop aboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train, embarking on a scenic journey from Belgrave to Emerald. Later in the day, you will make a stop at Emerald Lake, where you will take a leisurely walk around the lake, where you will have the chance to purchase your own lunch at a local eatery.

Make your way to The Nobbies Lookout and the Nobbies Tourist Information Centre. Here, you will learn about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct, capturing breathtaking views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from the spectacular lookout. You will also explore the ocean-view boardwalk.

Penguin watching

Phillip Island is home to a significant population of these penguins, and they nest in burrows along the island's coast. You'll see these charming penguins emerging from the rolling waves, making their waddle across the sandy beach, and finally finding their way back to their burrows. Specially designed boardwalks and viewing areas will allow you to observe the penguins without disturbing their habitat.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring along your sunscreen, hat, water bottle, camera, warm clothing, and umbrella.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
This experience is pram/stroller accessible.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Citadines on Bourke Melbourne.
Address: 131-135 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

The closest bus stop is Exhibition St/Lonsdale St. It is a quick 4-min walk to the meeting point.
Board buses #250, #251, #302 and more to get you there.

By Tram