The World’s 9 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 $113

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.Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 34 reviews · 12 hours · from $133

Travel from Melbourne to Brighton Beach, the Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, and the Nobbies with an English- or Chinese-speaking guide. Ride Puffing Billy’s steam train, optionally visit Maru Koala and Animal Park, then watch little penguins come ashore at dusk. The day lasts about 12 hours, and dinner is at your own expense.

“The animal Park visit could have been a lot shorter or ommitted. More time could have been spent at the penguin area for a better experience. rushing dinner was stressful.”

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5.Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $164Best reviewed

Travel from Melbourne by guided coach to ride Puffing Billy for one hour through the Dandenong Ranges, visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre, and watch little penguins return to their burrows on Phillip Island. Guides such as Darren, Gina, Stewart, Cat, and Leelee have earned praise for helpful wildlife tips and careful timing.

“Wonderful and fun experience at the Puffing Billy Train. Penguin parade was quite adorable and a must see experience.”

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6.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Parade Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 18 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $130

Spend 8 to 12 hours exploring Victoria by air-conditioned coach with an English and Chinese-speaking driver-guide. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, stop at Brighton Beach or Maru Koala and Animal Park, visit The Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. The train and penguin viewing are the main draws.

“Lucky to join the tour on the last day in Melbourne. A lot to see in the Dandenong ranges and on Phillip Island! The train was definitely a highlight and special experience to remember! Note: the penguins come back a bit late in the evening so do prepare warm clothes for the windy seaside.”

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7.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Island Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · 12 hours · from $130

Spend about 12 hours exploring Victoria by air-conditioned vehicle, steam train, and coastal viewpoint. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, stop at Brighton Beach when timing allows, and watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. English and Chinese guides, including Ken and David Chen, lead the trip. Maru Koala and Animal Park is optional and costs extra.

“We enjoyed the day the driver/guide Ken was great very informative and helpful”

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8.Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · from $105Cheapest here

Ride the Puffing Billy steam train, visit Maru Koala and Animal Park, see the Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. This 10 to 12-hour trip from Melbourne includes transport, a guide, train fare, and standard Penguin Parade entry. Guides such as Ricky Lee and Evan have received praise, but Mandarin is the main tour language.

“Awesome experience....puffing Billy,lunch,Australian animals and the penguin parade......worth while.xxxxx Good Value and well organised....English and mandorine tour guide.”

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9.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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