From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

Nestled within the lush Dandenong Ranges, the historic Puffing Billy steam train offers a charming journey through the picturesque Victorian countryside. Complementing this nostalgic experience is the captivating Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, where visitors can witness the nightly ritual of little penguins emerging from the sea. This combo tour from Melbourne promises a memorable day filled with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unexpected delights. From the tranquil Emerald Lake to the dramatic Nobbies headland, this tour provides a seamless blend of activities sure to captivate the senses and leave travelers eager to discover more.

Key Points

• The tour includes a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges and a visit to the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.
• Lunch is provided at the tranquil Emerald Lake in the Dandenong Ranges.
• Visitors can admire the stunning natural scenery and local wildlife during the tour.
• The tour offers a convenient pick-up and drop-off service from The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne’s CBD.
• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or who use wheelchairs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

This combo tour from Melbourne combines a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges with a visit to the renowned Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

The tour is priced from €137.78 per person and is likely to sell out, making it an unmissable opportunity.

Guests will depart from The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne’s CBD and enjoy the scenic journey, including a stop at Emerald Lake for lunch.

The tour also includes a visit to The Nobbies lookout on Phillip Island before witnessing the magical Penguin Parade at sunset.

With convenient pick-up and drop-off in the city center, this combo tour provides a well-rounded experience of Victoria’s natural wonders.

Departure and Itinerary

The tour departs from The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne’s central business district, where guests will board the coach for the scenic journey through the Dandenong Ranges.

The first stop is the historic Puffing Billy steam train, where travelers can ride through the lush forests and picturesque landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges.

After the train ride, the group will visit Emerald Lake for a delightful lunch.

The tour then continues to Phillip Island, with a stop at The Nobbies lookout to enjoy the coastal views.

As the day draws to a close, the highlight of the tour awaits – witnessing the Penguin Parade, as the little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle back to their burrows.

Puffing Billy Steam Train

One of the highlights of the Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour is the historic Puffing Billy steam train that carries passengers through the lush Dandenong Ranges.

Dating back to 1900, this century-old narrow-gauge railway offers a unique and picturesque journey.

As the locomotive puffs and chugs along the tracks, passengers can admire the stunning natural scenery, including dense forests, rolling hills, and charming villages.

The Puffing Billy experience allows travelers to step back in time and enjoy a traditional mode of transportation that has captivated visitors for generations.

This nostalgic journey is a must-do activity for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Victoria’s railway heritage.

Emerald Lake Lunch

After the scenic journey aboard the Puffing Billy steam train, the Combo Tour takes visitors to Emerald Lake for a lunch stop.

Situated in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, this picturesque lake provides a tranquil setting for travelers to recharge and refuel before continuing their adventure.

The tour includes:

1. A delicious lunch menu featuring local cuisine and fresh seasonal ingredients.
2. Free time to explore the lakeside trails and gardens, or simply relax and take in the serene surroundings.
3. An opportunity to spot native wildlife, such as the iconic black swans that call Emerald Lake home.

With its beautiful natural scenery and convenient location, Emerald Lake is the perfect midway point to break up the Combo Tour and energize for the Penguin Parade experience on Phillip Island.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Phillip Island and The Nobbies

Following the picturesque journey through the Dandenong Ranges on the Puffing Billy steam train and lunch at Emerald Lake, the Combo Tour continues to the rugged coastline of Phillip Island.

Travelers make a stop at The Nobbies – a dramatic headland boasting sweeping views over the Southern Ocean and the island’s spectacular natural scenery. This vantage point offers visitors the chance to admire the region’s abundant wildlife, including seabirds and fur seals that inhabit the rocky offshore islands and cliff-top lookouts.

After taking in the breathtaking coastal panoramas, the tour proceeds to the highlight of the day – the Penguin Parade, where visitors witness the nightly ritual of little penguins emerging from the sea and waddling back to their burrows.

Penguin Parade at Sunset

At the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, visitors gather as dusk falls to witness the nightly procession of little penguins emerging from the churning Southern Ocean and waddling ashore to their burrows.

These pint-sized seabirds, the world’s smallest penguin species, come in by the hundreds as the sun dips below the horizon.

The experience offers three key highlights:

1. Observing the penguins’ endearing behaviors as they reunite with their chicks and settle in for the night.

2. Catching glimpses of the penguins navigating the rocky coastline and making their way up the beach.

3. Taking in the serene, coastal scenery as the natural light fades and the parade unfolds.

It’s a magical, up-close encounter with these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat.

Return to Melbourne

Having concluded the Penguin Parade experience, the tour then departs Phillip Island and returns to Melbourne.

Passengers are transported back to the starting point at The Hotel Windsor in the city’s central business district, marking the end of the Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour.

The journey back to the city provides an opportunity to reflect on the day’s adventures and highlights. Travelers can share their favorite moments, whether it was the nostalgic ride on the Puffing Billy steam train or the captivating Penguin Parade at sunset.

The convenient pick-up and drop-off service ensures a seamless start and end to the tour, making it an effortless and enjoyable day trip from Melbourne.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour includes a Puffing Billy train ticket and a Penguin Parade entry ticket, as well as return transfers from Melbourne’s central business district. This provides a seamless and convenient experience for travelers.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or who use wheelchairs.

The tour offers an immersive and memorable experience, but it’s important to consider any accessibility needs before booking. The operator ensures a smooth journey, but some travelers may find the tour challenging if they’ve limited mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch is provided at Emerald Lake during the itinerary. Snacks and beverages may also be available for purchase at various stops along the way.

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is available on most days of the week, but availability may vary. It’s best to check the tour operator’s website or contact them directly to confirm the specific days the tour runs.

Can I Take Photos During the Penguin Parade?

Photography is generally allowed during the Penguin Parade, but visitors are asked to use flash sparingly to avoid disturbing the penguins. Cameras without flash can be used throughout the viewing area to capture the penguins’ nightly return to their burrows.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad During the Tour?

If the weather is bad during the tour, the operator will adjust the schedule as needed. They may alter the itinerary, shorten the activities, or provide alternative options to ensure guests have an enjoyable and safe experience despite the inclement conditions.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator does not offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. The set itinerary includes specific activities and timings, and cannot be customized or expanded upon. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, longer tour package.

Recap

This combo tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Victoria.

Travelers will journey through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train, and witness the captivating Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

With a delightful lunch stop and a visit to the dramatic Nobbies headland, this tour offers a seamless and immersive day trip from Melbourne, leaving lasting memories of Victoria’s beauty and charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: