6 Cable Car & Rail Trips in Phillip Island, From Cheapest Up

1.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165Our pick

Spend a full day beyond Melbourne with a historic Puffing Billy steam-train ride through the Dandenong Ranges, time at Emerald Lake, coastal views at the Nobbies, and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, and Nathan are known for lively commentary and wildlife spotting. Warm clothing is essential.

“Terry was the best! The best guide ever! Puffing Billy steam train is amazing, worth to try when you’re here in Melbourne! And, Finally, I saw the penguins this time at Philip Island, thanks Terry for suggesting us the best spot! Again! Terry is the best❤️❤️”

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2.Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 351 reviews · from $171

Spend about 11 hours beyond Melbourne with a guide such as Lorraine, Terry, Matt, or Russell. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, walk the Nobbies boardwalk, and watch little penguins return from the sea. Transport and entrance fees are included, but food, drinks, and a long evening are not.

“Totally SCAM. No one showed up to pick up and no response from the guide. We trying to get refund of the operator at the moment”

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3.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

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

Spend about 12 hours linking Melbourne’s Puffing Billy Railway with The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. You’ll ride a historic steam train, explore coastal boardwalks, and watch little penguins return at sunset. Guides such as Daniel, William, and Jeremy have been praised for clear timing and helpful viewing tips. Maru Koala & Animal Park is optional and costs AUD $33.

“Recommend this tour a 100%, Daniel our guide was very good he was guiding us and giving us interesting facts about each fact and about Melbourne. Definitely should book through them.”

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4.Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 161 reviews · 1 day · from $140

Join a full-day Melbourne trip with a driver-guide such as Angel, Tony, Steven, or Alex. Photograph Brighton’s beach huts, ride Puffing Billy, visit The Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s penguins come ashore. The tour includes transport and key admission tickets, while Maru Koala and Animal Park costs extra and may not operate on every departure.

“I really enjoyed the days and the sights. I did imagine that i would not be able to see out the side windows of the bus do that was a bit disappointing. You need to tell people that they need cash to pay the driver for Maru Koala Park. I would rather have paid for my own single entry into Maru Koala Park at my discounted senior rate rather than having to pay cash to the driver later at 30% more cost to me. .”

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5.Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-One

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 128 reviews · 13 hours · from $120Best value

Spend 13 hours moving from Yarra Valley wine and chocolate to Puffing Billy and Phillip Island’s penguin parade. Choose a standard coach or premium Mercedes-Benz minibus. Guides including William, Shin and Phillip provide commentary, with Maru wildlife park available when time allows.

“Very happy with the tour! Nice driver and view is amazing”

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6.Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train Ride

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

Spend a full day beyond Melbourne on a bilingual English and Chinese tour with a Puffing Billy steam-train ride, Brighton Beach huts, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s little penguin parade. The optional Maru Koala and Animal Park costs extra. Guides such as John and Tony have earned praise, but meals, warm clothing, and careful timing matter.

“Driver was inconsiderate to my grandfathers mobility issues and parked very far at the penguin parade despite there being open spots closer which upset my grandfather who insisted we go on without him so he didn’t get to properly enjoy the experience or see any penguins.”

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