The World’s 4 Best Rail Trips

1.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145Our pick

This 12-hour Melbourne day trip pairs a one-hour Puffing Billy steam-train ride with The Nobbies coast and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. English-speaking guides such as Gina, Alan, Jose, and Stuart lead the route, share wildlife tips, and help you choose good viewing spots. Expect long bus rides, cold evening air, and general penguin viewing, with a Penguin Plus upgrade available separately.

“Nathan was amazing! Super knowledgeable and was really friendly. Thank you for making this trip one of our main highlights of Melbourne.”

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2.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 195 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Spend about 12 hours linking Puffing Billy, Maru Koala and Animal Park, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Your English-speaking guide handles transport and timing, while you enjoy scenic stops, a single train ride, and general viewing at sunset. Maru costs an extra AUD $33 and may not be included.

“Clear instructions and gave us useful suggestions, especially the penguin activity, let us know where was the best location to see it”

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3.Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 40 reviews · 14 hours · from $113Cheapest here

Join a Chinese or English-speaking guide for a full-day outing from Melbourne to Puffing Billy, Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Your coach, train fare, and standard penguin viewing are included. Guides such as Evan Wu and Lei have been praised for clear updates and friendly service.

“Our tour guide, Evan Wu, was responsible and had a great sense of humor. The whole trip was well-organized and very enjoyable. We watched the amazing penguin parade and rode the exciting and scenic Puffing Billy Railway.”

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4.Melbourne Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Parade Day Tour Escape

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 4 reviews · from $121

Spend 10 to 12 hours linking Melbourne’s Brighton Beach, Maru Koala and Animal Park, Puffing Billy Railway, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. A bilingual driver-guide handles the long day and adjusts the route around train and sunset times. Vance is one named driver praised for keeping the schedule moving.

“Got to see the highlights - Puffing Billy, Melbourne Bathhouses, Maru Zoo, and of course penguins!!!!! Vance was a very nice driver and made sure we stayed on time and adjusted where needed. He even highlighted where we could plan to eRead more”

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