Guided Tours

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

Phillip Island Nobbies coastal view with rugged cliffs and ocean waves.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade with penguins walking on sandy beach at sunset.

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

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4.6

18 ratings

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Franziska

5/5

Jan, 2025

Amazing trip,, kind and well-informed guide; a pity the mic on the bus did not work though. Also, a teeny bit chaotic sorting people into three different coaches. But it alk worked out perfectly in the end. Puffing Billy and the penguins are definitely well worth the time and money.

Victoria

5/5

Jan, 2025

The guide John was fantastic. He was knowledgeable and really keen to give everyone the best experience possible. He went above and beyond from his photography skills to ensuring his passengers had a way to get home.

Emma-lea

5/5

Dec, 2024

Our driver Phil was down to earth, full of info, prompt and got us in and set for the activities on the itinerary with no dramas :)

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…

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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.