About this tour
This 12–13 hour day tour strings together three Melbourne coastal and regional classics: the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes, a vintage steam railway journey through the Dandenong Ranges aboard Puffing Billy, and the Little Penguin Parade on Phillip Island at dusk. You'll travel by air-conditioned coach with a knowledgeable guide offering commentary in Mandarin and English, plus access to multilingual audio guides on your device. The tour includes your train ticket and penguin viewing, though meals and optional animal park entry are separate.
Highlights
- Photograph the rainbow-coloured Brighton Bathing Boxes
- Ride Australia's best-preserved heritage steam railway
- Watch Little Penguins return to shore at Summerland Beach
- Spot koalas, wallabies, and seals on Phillip Island
- Guided tour with live commentary in multiple languages
- Air-conditioned coach transport throughout
- Departure time confirmed 12 hours before via SMS/email
What to expect
Your guide will collect you between 8am and noon (exact time sent the day prior). First stop is Brighton Beach, where you'll have time to shoot the famous pastel bathing boxes dotting the shoreline. Next, head inland to the Dandenong Ranges for a one-way trip aboard Puffing Billy's steam carriages—expect a nostalgic 40-minute journey through forested hillsides. Lunch and free time come mid-afternoon. Late afternoon you'll drive to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade: walk out to Summerland Beach's grandstand before dusk and watch the Little Penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle to their burrows. The full tour wraps around 8–9pm.
Good to know
Exact departure time arrives 12 hours ahead by email or text. Puffing Billy may cancel in extreme heat or fire restrictions (refund issued, tour continues). Train rides aren't suitable if you have cardiovascular concerns. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Maru Koala Park entry (around $18–$33) is optional and paid separately. Bring cash for a $5-per-person driver tip.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.