About this tour
A full-day private tour combining two of Victoria's most popular attractions: the heritage Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. You'll be picked up from Melbourne around noon (summer schedule), travel by private vehicle with a professional guide, ride the narrow-gauge railway through fern-lined ranges, visit Maru Koala & Animal Park, enjoy refreshments at Phillip Island Chocolaterie, and finish with the penguin return at dusk — ending around midnight. Suits families, groups wanting flexible pacing, and anyone wanting to skip the standard coach-tour experience.
Highlights
- Puffing Billy steam train ride on two-foot-six narrow-gauge heritage railway
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade general viewing at dusk
- Maru Koala & Animal Park entry included
- Stop at Phillip Island Chocolaterie for fresh coffee or hot chocolate
- Private vehicle and professional guide with working-with-children check
- Twelve-and-a-half-hour itinerary ending midnight (summer schedule)
- Wheelchair-accessible transport and attractions
What to expect
You'll be collected from your Melbourne location around noon and travel by private vehicle to the Dandenong Ranges — roughly ninety minutes from the CBD. After arrival at Puffing Billy, you'll board the steam train for a scenic ride on narrow tracks through tall trees and native ferns. You'll then head to Maru Koala & Animal Park to see Australian wildlife. En route or during the tour, you'll stop at Phillip Island Chocolaterie for coffee or hot chocolate. The day culminates at Phillip Island as daylight fades, where you'll watch the Penguin Parade — the nightly return of little penguins to shore. The tour winds up around midnight, with your guide driving you back to Melbourne.
What travellers say
- Two major attractions in one seamless itinerary without logistical hassle
- Private guide and transport beats standard coach-tour crowds and pace
- Fully licensed, insured operator with trained, child-checked guide
- Wheelchair accessible throughout; pram and infant seat provisions
- Flexible timing and personal attention in small group
- Twelve-and-a-half-hour day with midnight finish exhausting for some
- Lunch not included; limited mention of meal stops or dining options
- Summer schedule only; check dates carefully before committing
- Long car journey to Dandenongs may feel heavy if unaccustomed
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits families and groups wanting a leisurely, customised itinerary without the rush of a coach tour; it's also practical for anyone needing wheelchair access or travelling with infants (prams and specialist seats are available). The tour runs on summer schedule only — confirm dates before booking, as winter hours differ significantly. Lunch and personal expenses aren't covered, so budget accordingly. The late finish (around midnight) works well for penguin viewing but won't suit early risers the next day. The Dandenong drive is scenic but can feel long if you're not keen on car time. Group size isn't specified, so clarify with the operator. All major attractions and transport are included.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.