Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

Planning a trip to Melbourne and looking to pack in some of its most beloved attractions? This 12-hour tour promises a day filled with scenic train rides, wildlife encounters, and that adorable penguin parade. We’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who’ve experienced it firsthand to help you decide if it’s right for you.

One thing we really like is the seamless combination of nature, wildlife, and iconic Melbourne sights—all in one day. Plus, the guides seem genuinely knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging. On the flip side, some might find the schedule quite full and busy, especially if you prefer a slower pace or more time at each stop.

This tour works best for those who want a well-organized, varied day trip that hits both nature and wildlife highlights without the hassle of planning each detail. If you’re okay with a long day and some driving, you’ll likely find this trip a worthwhile adventure.

Key Points

• Diverse Experience: Combines train riding, wildlife, coastal views, and penguin viewing all in one day.
• Expert Guides: Tour guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpful tips.
• Great for Sightseers: Ideal for travelers wanting a packed itinerary with multiple highlights.
• Long but Rewarding Day: With about 12 hours of activity, expect a full schedule with some driving.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Good Value: Many reviews highlight the tour’s worth considering its variety and included activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transport

The day begins with your choice of three convenient pickup locations in central Melbourne—Lonsdale, Spencer, or Bourke Streets. From there, you’ll settle into a comfortable coach for about 75 minutes of travel to your first stop, setting the tone for a relaxed but busy day.

Puffing Billy Steam Railway

One of the main highlights, this historic steam train winds through the lush Dandenong Ranges. The train ride lasts from about 25 minutes to an hour, offering travelers a chance to enjoy the scenic views, listen to the chug of the engine, and perhaps stick your legs out the window for that perfect photo.

Travelers love this part, often quoting how much fun it is to ride the iconic Puffing Billy. One reviewer said, “So much fun on the train,” noting the unforgettable experience of hanging out the side and soaking in nature.

Some reviews suggest that sitting on the platform side can give you the best views, so if possible, request that when booking. The train itself is historic, adding a nostalgic touch to the journey, especially for train enthusiasts or those wanting a taste of old-world charm.

Optional Visit to Maru Koala & Animal Park

Next, there’s an optional stop at Maru Koala & Animal Park**. This gives you the chance to get up close with Australia’s native wildlife, hand-feed kangaroos, and snap some cute photos. Many travelers find this a highlight, describing it as a joyful experience to interact with native animals.

It’s important to note, however, that additional entrance fees apply, and since the stop is optional, it might be skipped if you’re tight on time or prefer to focus on the other attractions. Some reviews mention that this stop isn’t guaranteed every day, so keep that in mind when planning.

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Scenic Stop at The Nobbies

After the train ride and optional wildlife visit, your journey continues towards the coast. At The Nobbies, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Bass Strait from a cliff-top boardwalk. The scenery here is stunning—think rugged coastline, blowholes, and plenty of opportunities for photos.

Travelers often mention the beautiful views, with some noting they wish they had more time to explore. This stop offers a chance to breathe in fresh sea air and take some memorable shots of the coastline.

Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach

Finally, the main event: the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. As the sun sets, hundreds of Little Penguins waddle ashore from the ocean, heading back to their burrows in the sand dunes.

This part of the tour is especially popular, and reviews highlight how adorable the penguins are. One reviewer shared, “The penguins are so cute, you can’t miss the opportunity to see them in close range.” The guides often give tips on the best viewing spots, ensuring you get a good view of these charming creatures.

Keep in mind, the penguin arrival times depend on natural behavior—they come ashore at sunset, which varies through the year. The tour’s schedule is adjusted accordingly, with departure times between 8AM-12PM (April-October) and 10AM-2PM (October-April).

Return and Drop-offs

After the penguins, you’ll head back to Melbourne via coach, with a roughly 2-hour drive, arriving at your chosen drop-off points in the city. Many travelers appreciate the comfortable transport and the chance to relax after a full day of sightseeing.

What Travelers Are Saying

Across reviews, a common theme is appreciation for knowledgeable guides. Several reviewers mention guides like William and Daniel for their friendly demeanor and insightful commentary. One said, “He spoke about Melbourne’s history and took us to all the stops,” emphasizing how guides enhance the experience.

The scenic train ride at Puffing Billy and the wildlife encounters at Maru Park are also frequently praised. Travelers love the opportunity to interact with wildlife, with one noting, “Getting to feed kangaroos was a highlight.”

The Penguin Parade gets mixed reviews—many find it adorable and worth seeing, but some note that not many penguins came ashore during their visit. One review shared, “The penguins were very cute, but not many came ashore when we were there,” reminding everyone that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed.

The tour is regarded as good value, especially considering it packs so many attractions into one day. Travelers appreciate the well-organized schedule, but some mention the long day and limited time at each stop.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Timing is key. Since penguin activity depends on sunset, be prepared for flexible scheduling, especially in different seasons.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the Nobbies and wildlife parks.
• Pack sunglasses and a jacket—the weather can vary, and coastal breezes can be cool.
• If you’re a train lover, request a seat on the platform side of Puffing Billy for the best views.
• The optional wildlife park stop offers great photo opportunities but remember it incurs an extra fee.
• The tour is quite busy, so if you prefer more relaxed pacing or more time at each attraction, this might feel rushed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for anyone who wants a full day of diverse highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic train rides, wildlife encounters, and seeing iconic Australian animals—and who don’t mind a packed schedule.

If you’re a nature lover, the coastal views at The Nobbies and the penguins will hit the spot. For wildlife enthusiasts, the optional visit to the animal park adds a nice touch. And if you’re a history buff or train fanatic, Puffing Billy offers a nostalgic trip through Melbourne’s countryside.

This tour may not suit those looking for a slow, leisurely experience, or travelers with young children who need more flexibility. Also, because it’s a long day with a lot of driving, it’s best suited for those prepared for a full schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as family-focused, many of the stops—like wildlife parks and penguins—are very kid-friendly. Just be aware of the long duration and plan accordingly.

How long is the Puffing Billy train ride?
It lasts between 25 minutes and an hour, depending on the specific ride. The experience is relaxing and scenic, perfect for enjoying the views.

What should I bring for the penguin parade?
A jacket is recommended since it can get chilly at sunset. Sunglasses and a camera are also good ideas to capture the moment.

Are the penguins guaranteed to come ashore?
No, as their arrival depends on natural behavior. Some travelers mention that the penguins didn’t come ashore in large numbers during their visit, so patience is key.

What is the optional wildlife park stop like?
It’s a chance to see and interact with native animals like kangaroos and koalas, with opportunities to feed and photograph them. It’s highly rated, but remember it’s an extra fee.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is fairly tight, with about 12 hours packed with activities. You’ll need to be comfortable with a busy day and some travel time.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, with a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which adds flexibility.

Is this tour good value for money?
Most reviews suggest yes. For the variety of activities, scenic views, wildlife encounters, and the expert guides, many find it worth the price.

What if I want more time at each stop?
Since the schedule is quite full, if you’re someone who prefers leisurely pacing, this might feel rushed. In that case, consider splitting the activities into separate trips.

Final Thoughts

This Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to see Australia’s natural beauty and iconic wildlife. The combination of scenic train rides, wildlife encounters, and the adorable penguins makes for a memorable day.

While it’s a full schedule with some long drives, the expert guides, stunning views, and variety of experiences make it quite appealing. If you enjoy organized tours that maximize your time and cover diverse attractions, this could be a great choice. However, if you prefer a slower pace or more time at each location, you might want to explore other options.

Ultimately, this tour will delight those looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free day out that showcases some of Victoria’s best sights. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a bit of everything—scenery, wildlife, and a touch of Aussie charm—all in one go.

Remember: Always check the latest details regarding departure times and weather conditions, especially for wildlife viewing. Pack smart, bring some patience, and you’re set for a day of unforgettable Melbourne adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: