Guided Tours

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

4.8/5(44)

Claire M

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

This is an excellent tour! Our guide Russell was fantastic! He managed to mix, giving us practical information with a little bit of history and the zoology behind everything. He taught us how to spot penguin burrows and made sure that we saw lots and lots of wallabies! I appreciated his willingness to make sure that everyone was well oriented prior to each item on the itinerary. I would recommend this tour to anyone!

Rebecca W

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

David Hsu was an absolute joy the whole day. He's the kind of person you want to sit around a fire with to listen to his stories. I lived how he translates stories in English, Mandarin and Cantonese so that everyone in the mini bus could understand. He also went above and betond to take photos and videos for everyone, and it was clear he had a lot of photography experience. The tour itself was fun, but made better because of his warmth and energy. I loved the story about Captain Cook and learning about uow his house was taken apart brick by brick and transported to Melbourne. David also helped us understand the history of the Myki card, the Trams and other Australian trust-based systems. The Bully puffer train was my favourite part of this tour. I especially loved how the locals all stopped to wave as we went past. It seems like such a happy place as a result. It was a great day :)

Harikrishna B

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **An Unforgettable Experience!** From the moment we were picked up until we were safely dropped off, everything was absolutely perfect. The entire trip was exceptionally well organised, smooth, and enjoyable from start to finish. A special mention must go to our driver and guide, who truly made this tour outstanding. His knowledge, professionalism, and passion for sharing information were remarkable. Throughout the journey, he provided insightful explanations about the places we visited, shared fascinating stories and local history, and ensured that every traveller felt informed, comfortable, and engaged. What impressed me most was his genuine dedication to the group. He patiently answered questions, offered helpful guidance, and went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a memorable experience. His friendly attitude and expertise transformed a great tour into an extraordinary one. Every aspect of the trip exceeded expectations, and it is clear that a lot of care and effort goes into creating such a seamless experience. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a well-organised, informative, and enjoyable adventure. Thank you to the entire team for creating such wonderful memories. This was truly one of the best travel experiences I have ever had, and I look forward to travelling with you again in the future.

See the best of Victoria on a full-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with round-trip transfers included.

Journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges and enjoy a classic Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Emerald.

Watch the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.

Travel in comfort with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned coach, plus convenient pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point.

Did you know? Puffing Billy is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, operating since 1900.

Puffing Billy steam train ticket (Belgrave to Emerald)

Entry to Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Return transfers from Melbourne CBD

Pick-up and drop-off from meeting point

English-speaking professional guide

Air-conditioned coach transport

Food and drinks (lunch and dinner at own expense)

Gratuities

Personal expenses

TOTAL DURATION11 hours
Timeline
Map
Start point
Central Melbourne CBD
Get direction
1 hr
Passes By
Bus/coach
1. Emerald Lake
1 hr
Free time to explore, Scenic views & Sightseeing
A tranquil lake surrounded by gardens and native bushland, Emerald Lake is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a paddleboat ride. It’s also the Puffing Billy station, so you can watch the steam train roll in.
Things to do
Lunch
Additional cost (on-site)
Passes By
Puffing Billy Steam Train
2. Nobbies Lookout & Boardwalk
1 hr
3. Penguin Parade
2 hr
2 hr
End point
Central Melbourne CBD
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

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

44 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
39
3
0
1
1
Guests from United States, Mexico, Finland and over 7 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Mr Gavin O
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
It was a great day with a very good tour guide name Vance. We loved it, thank you very much cheers, Jane and Gavin O'Brien
Rebecca W
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
David Hsu was an absolute joy the whole day. He's the kind of person you want to sit around a fire with to listen to his stories. I lived how he translates stories in English, Mandarin and Cantonese so that everyone in the mini bus could understand. He also went above and betond to take photos and videos for everyone, and it was clear he had a lot of photography experience. The tour itself was fun, but made better because of his warmth and energy. I loved the story about Captain Cook and learning about uow his house was taken apart brick by brick and transported to Melbourne. David also helped us understand the history of the Myki card, the Trams and other Australian trust-based systems. The Bully puffer train was my favourite part of this tour. I especially loved how the locals all stopped to wave as we went past. It seems like such a happy place as a result. It was a great day :)
Claire M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
This is an excellent tour! Our guide Russell was fantastic! He managed to mix, giving us practical information with a little bit of history and the zoology behind everything. He taught us how to spot penguin burrows and made sure that we saw lots and lots of wallabies! I appreciated his willingness to make sure that everyone was well oriented prior to each item on the itinerary. I would recommend this tour to anyone!
Andrea Z
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
I loved the penguins, they were so cute.
Tiina T
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
10/10 absolutely! Timing was well planned. The start with the Puffing Billy kicked-off the day and the Penguin Parade was a perfect end for the tour. Our guide and chauffer was a true customer care-taker. In addition, his insights about Australian history and present were very intresting.

Journey from Melbourne on a full-day guided tour featuring the Puffing Billy steam train, scenic coastlines, and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

Getting started

Begin your adventure with pickup from The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne CBD. Meet your English-speaking guide and board an air-conditioned coach to relax on your way to the Dandenong Ranges.

What to expect

Puffing Billy & Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Experience Victoria’s iconic heritage railway and Australia’s celebrated wildlife spectacle, all in one day. The Puffing Billy steam train, operating since 1900, offers a nostalgic journey through the lush Dandenong Ranges, while Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade is renowned for its nightly gathering of little penguins returning to their burrows.

Features

Puffing Billy steam train: Ride the historic steam train from Belgrave to Emerald, passing through towering forests and fern gullies that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

Emerald lake: Enjoy free time to explore the lake’s tranquil surrounds or purchase lunch at your own pace.

The Nobbies Lookout: Stroll the boardwalk to see dramatic coastal views, the Blowhole, and Seal Rock, a haven for Australia’s largest fur seal colony.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Witness the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the surf at dusk, an extraordinary wildlife encounter exclusive to this region.

Comfortable coach transfers: Travel in an air-conditioned coach with return transfers to Melbourne CBD, ensuring a seamless and relaxed experience throughout the day.

What to bring

Bring flat, sealed shoes for safety, weather-appropriate clothing (umbrella or jacket recommended), a reusable water bottle, a small daypack.

What’s not allowed

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, pets (except for registered service animals), large luggage, suitcases, and oversized bags are not allowed on the tour.

Accessibility

This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

Additional information

Meeting point and pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before departure.

Lunch is not included but is available for purchase during the tour.

Personal expenses and gratuities are not included in your ticket.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.