Wildlife Tours in Melbourne: 7 Ranked on What Lands in the Price

1.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162Our pick

Leave central Melbourne for Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, then walk around Emerald Lake and explore Healesville Sanctuary. You’ll have time for koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and animal talks before ending at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Guides such as Peter, Matty, David, and Emily are known for clear commentary and attentive service.

“Well planned., enough time at sanctuary., didn’t feel rushed..”

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2.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Leave Melbourne by minibus for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the classic leg-dangling tradition. Then spend about two hours at Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Gina add local context along the way.

“Loved the entire trip. The Puffing Billy was a great experience... Something different and such lovely views along the way. The wildlife tour was so good also, had loads of time to go around it and a bit of souvenir shopping time also LeeLee our tour guide was great...her bubbly personality from the moment of pick up to drop off made the day trip a memorable one. Would definitely recommend”

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3.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145Top rated

Spend about 12 hours beyond Melbourne with a guide such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, stop at The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. General Penguin Parade entry, transport, guide services, train fare, and park fees are included. Bring warm layers and expect a long day.

“The transport arrived on time, and we could all hop on the bus alright. Stuart, the driver, was witty and spoke only when required, giving us rest during the long drive. Puffing Billy was great; there were some delays, but nothing major. The penguin parade was fabulous—recommend everyone to get the Penguin Plus. As the seating is where the penguins will walk up to, and all along the boardwalk when you finish. Great trip, even if you were to drive yourself; it will probably take around the same time as you.”

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4.Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $163

Ride the Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Emerald Lake, then explore Healesville Sanctuary and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Guides such as Bonnie, Matt, Peter, and Graeme add local stories and practical help. Transport, entry fees, WiFi, and air-conditioning are included, with time for lunch and free chocolate samples.

“Amazing. The words can't describe it. My partner almost convinced me to move there. Nathan was superb. Everyone we interacted with was welcoming.”

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5.Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 380 reviews · 12 hours · from $105

Join Explore Australia for a 12-hour small-group trip from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island. You’ll see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, and little penguins. Guides such as Gary, Gina, Alan, and LeeLee are praised for useful commentary, friendly service, and smart timing. Bring warm layers for the evening and consider a Penguin Plus upgrade.

“Our driver Peter was great - funny and very knowledgeable. Really enjoyed the day. Would have loved to spend more time at the Nobbies - wonderful place! Overall great day trip!”

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6.Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 163 reviews · 1 day · from $24Best value

Spend a full day at Moonlit Sanctuary, 50 minutes southeast of Melbourne, exploring 10 hectares of bushland and meeting more than 60 native species. Feed free-ranging kangaroos and wallabies, watch keeper talks, and add paid koala or wombat encounters if available. The park is wheelchair accessible and sits on the route to Phillip Island.

“You get to feed and pat wallabies and kangaroos (it costs a little extra for food) and see other wildlife. They lay under the trees as it got warmer so go early in the day in summer. We paid to also pat a koala - that option wasn’t shown when we booked and I’m so glad they hadn’t sold out. So be aware of this. There were flies which bothered my kid but they provide spray. Food And gift store was reasonably priced.”

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7.Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach Boxes Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 152 reviews · 4 hours · from $73

This four-hour morning tour combines Brighton’s famous bathing boxes with two hours at Moonlit Sanctuary. A guide such as Sarah, Tess, or Johanna drives a group of up to 11 passengers, shares Melbourne and wildlife facts, and can help take photos. Hotel pickup, transport, and sanctuary entry are included.

“The tour is great, a little short the visit to the Moonlit sanctuary, the animals are great so it would be nice to send more time with them! :) Sarah our guide was really nice. I totally recommend this tour. The way back to Melbourne was also nice, we had great views, and Brighton beach is beautiful!”

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