Highlights:

Colorful Brighton Rainbow Boxes

Start by visiting the colourful Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, famous for their vibrant beachside atmosphere and photogenic charm. (Depending on the day’s Puffing Billy timetable, this stop may be skipped if the train leaves early or due to other circumstances)

Scenic Drive Through the Dandenong Ranges

Travel onwards through the lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges, one of Victoria’s most beloved natural landscapes.

Ride the Historic Puffing Billy Steam Train

Board the historic Puffing Billy steam train and enjoy a nostalgic ride through towering forests and scenic countryside.

Optional Wildlife Encounter at Maru

If time allows, you may also visit Maru Koala & Animal Park (optional and at your own cost, and may be replaced by another wildlife park), where you can get close to Australia’s native wildlife and learn more about iconic species such as koalas and kangaroos.

Coastal Views at The Nobbies

Continue your journey to The Nobbies Viewpoint, a dramatic coastal viewpoint offering sweeping ocean vistas and boardwalks overlooking rugged cliffs and offshore rock formations.

Evening Penguin Parade Experience

As evening approaches, make your way to the famous Penguin Parade. Watch as the world’s smallest penguins return from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows—an enchanting wildlife moment and the perfect way to end your day.

Itinerary:

Visit Melbourne’s most iconic and colorful beach huts, perfect for memorable photos by the seaside. Note: If the Puffing Billy train schedule requires an earlier departure, this stop may be skipped or replaced with an alternative such as a scenic lookout in the Dandenong Ranges or a charming local town, ensuring you still enjoy a unique experience.

Meet Australia’s famous wildlife up close, from kangaroos and wallabies to sleepy koalas. Learn about local conservation efforts and enjoy the opportunity to hand-feed some of the animals. Note: This spot may be replaced by Moonlit Sanctuary based on the actual situation on the day.

Step aboard Australia’s most beloved heritage steam railway, operating for over 120 years. Relax as the train winds through lush rainforests, towering eucalyptus trees, and rolling hillsides of the Dandenong Ranges. Note: The exact train section may vary depending on the day’s operational schedule, but the authentic steam train experience is always guaranteed.

Admire breathtaking ocean views at the western tip of Phillip Island, where rugged cliffs meet the crashing waves of Bass Strait.

End the day with the world-famous Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins return ashore at sunset after a day of fishing at sea. Watch this magical wildlife phenomenon from specially designed viewing platforms for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What's included?

Admission to Puffing Billy Train Ride
Admission to Penguin Parade Watch (not included in the "no penguin watch" option)
Bilingual professional driver/guide service
Comfortable vehicle transport
Toll, parking and fuel cost
Tips for the driver

Exclusions

Admission to the wildlife park
Meals and beverages
Other personal expenses
Personal insurance

Please note

• Stroller / pram accessible
• Public transportation nearby
• Infants must sit on your lap

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not suitable for pets
• Infant seats unavailable
• Not recommended for people with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for people with heart conditions
• Please tell the driver your booking name when boarding the vehicle.
• We will re-confirm with you about the exact pickup time one day before the tour.

Cancellation policy

Melbourne Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Parade Day Tour Escape

• We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
• We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event

Penguin Parade (no train ride)

• Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

More Info

Experience type

Day tour / activity

Booking in advance

Cut off: 4 hours

Duration

11 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Supported accessibility

Stroller or pram

Live tour guide

English