Melbourne Puffing Billy + Penguin Island classic day tour [Popular steam train/Penguin Parade]

Itinerary Reference

12:00pm - 224-226 Lonsdale St. Melbourne CBD

[12:30pm] 909 Whitehorse Rd Box Hill VIC 3128 (Hanbit Uniting Church - Korean Church) (Please arrive 10 mins early at the boarding point)

12:50 PM - 70 Kingsway, Glen Waverley

Please select 1 meeting point from the above 3 options and arrive 10 minutes early to avoid delays. The actual departure time may vary depending on the number of passengers at each pick-up point.

If the reserved train ticket is for the 12:25 departure, please note that the tour group's departure time has been moved up to 10:00am on the same day.

14:00–15:15 Ding Ding Dang~ Time to board the little train~

Arrive at the steam train boarding point around 14:00, with a ride duration of approximately 30 minutes (includes admission ticket).

In the early 20th century, the state of Victoria constructed four low-cost 762 mm narrow-gauge railway lines to develop remote areas, with Puffing Billy Railway being one of them. This railway opened on December 18, 1900, connecting Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook over a distance of 29 km, traversing forests, fern-filled valleys, and farmland. While the train no longer transports goods or livestock, passenger numbers are now higher than ever. Today, Puffing Billy is one of Australia's most popular steam trains and among the best-preserved steam railways in the world.

Built in the early 1990s as one of the narrow-gauge railway lines constructed by the government to develop remote areas, Puffing Billy Steam Railway has become one of the world's best-preserved steam railways thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers. Sitting on the train's window ledge alongside numerous children, dangling your feet outside as you cross towering wooden trestle bridges and weave through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, offers a delightful way to experience mountain scenery with childlike joy.

● Note: The steam train ride takes approximately 30-60 minutes. The departure and arrival stations may be adjusted based on actual ticket sales, subject to the arrangements by the driver/guide on the day.

After 17:30 Phillip Island—Watch the Penguin Parade, including general viewing admission ticket (stay for approximately 1 hr 30 min)

[Winter Time] Arrive at Phillip Island around 5:15 PM, with the mass penguin parade occurring between 5:30 PM and 5:50 PM.

Over a century ago, Phillip Island's Summerland Peninsula was already home to little penguins, who built their nests in the sand dunes and followed the same route daily to return to their burrows. Adult penguins leave the island during the day, swimming 100-200 km offshore to forage for food, returning only after four or five days. By then, they are well-fed and bring back ample food for their chicks. Remarkably, no matter when they set out, the penguins return to the island with clockwork precision—always after nightfall when all light has faded—revealing the fascinating connection between these creatures and our planet.

The visit lasts approximately 60 min (including admission ticket for the Penguin Parade). At dusk each day, you'll witness large groups of penguins coming ashore. The island features a designated viewing area where visitors can observe the little penguins' nighttime activities in detail. The viewing area is well-lit, allowing clear observation of the penguins' fascinating interactions during their return to nests. Watching the adorable little fairy penguins waddle back to their nests with their round bellies is utterly charming. The heartwarming moment when young penguins greet their returning family members creates an unforgettable experience.

Around 19:00, we begin the return journey (during winter time, we return to Melbourne city center around 21:30)

The following attraction itinerary times are for reference only. The actual schedule and sequence may be adjusted according to weather, traffic conditions, and other factors on the day, while the activities remain unchanged. Please be aware of this before booking.