Big Bus Private Puffing Billy and Phillip Island Tours (up to 21 pax)

The historic Puffing Billy Railway nestled in the verdant Dandenong Ranges and the wildlife-rich coastal paradise of Phillip Island, where the world-renowned Penguin Parade serves as a spectacular finale, a journey that effortlessly blends nostalgia, nature, and wonder, all just a short jaunt from the city to the Dandenongs and a bit further to Phillip Island, making it an accessible yet extraordinary escape for families and friends. The day begins with a scenic drive in our modern, air-conditioned coaches, where large windows frame the transition from urban sprawl to rolling hills and patches of farmland, setting the stage for the first highlight, the Puffing Billy Railway, Australia’s oldest narrow-gauge heritage steam train, which has been puffing through the Dandenong Ranges since 1900, offering a delightful ride that transports you through time and nature as you board the open-sided carriages at Belgrave station, the whistle sounding and steam billowing as the train winds along a narrow track through dense rainforests, past towering mountain ash trees, the tallest flowering plants in the world, and over historic trestle bridges, with lush fern gullies swaying in the breeze and the air carrying the scent of eucalyptus and damp earth, a sensory treat that captivates children dangling their legs out the windows and adults marvelling at the engineering marvel of this cherished railway, enriched by our expert guides who share tales of its survival through community efforts in the 1950s, making it a symbol of resilience and nostalgia.

Complementing the ride is a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges, where winding roads reveal a natural masterpiece of towering eucalyptus forests, vibrant wildflowers, and misty lookouts offering panoramic views of the rolling hills, a tranquil haven known for its cool climate and native wildlife like lyrebirds and wallabies, providing a refreshing contrast to the city and a perfect prelude to the second half of the tour, Phillip Island, a coastal gem celebrated for its historic significance, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate, but most notably for its incredible wildlife and diverse landscapes, where we explore a series of unforgettable stops, beginning with the Maru Koala and Animal Park, a sanctuary where you can hand-feed kangaroos, feeling their tongues tickle your palm as they nibble, cuddle koalas perched in eucalyptus trees, and meet other native animals like wombats, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils, offering an intimate and educational encounter that’s a hit with families and animal lovers. From there, we delve into the broader beauty of Phillip Island, where scenic walks take you through wetlands teeming with emus and wallabies, the air fresh with salt from the nearby ocean, and along rugged coastlines where waves crash against cliffs, providing endless opportunities for stunning views and peaceful moments, followed by a visit to Churchill Island, a serene retreat connected by a narrow bridge, where heritage farmhouses and friendly farm animals like sheep and Highland cattle evoke the island’s early European settlement, with scenic trails offering coastal vistas and the soothing sound of waves lapping the shore, creating a perfect blend of history and nature. Next, we indulge in a sweet interlude at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, where the rich aroma of cocoa greets you as you watch chocolatiers craft intricate treats, sampling velvety milk chocolate, dark chocolate with a hint of bitterness, and creative flavours like salted caramel, with interactive exhibits adding a fun and educational twist for all ages, followed by a relaxing visit to Cowes, Phillip Island’s charming coastal town, where you can stroll along the sandy beach, feel the cool sand between your toes, and unwind by the waterfront with an ice cream or browse quaint shops, soaking in the laid-back island vibe.

The journey continues to the Nobbies Centre, perched on a dramatic headland with sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, where boardwalks lead you past crashing waves and the chance to spot seals lounging on offshore rocks, the wind carrying the tangy scent of salt and informative displays shedding light on the area’s marine life, setting the stage for the day’s most iconic moment, the Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where, as the sun sets, hundreds of little penguins, the world’s smallest species, waddle ashore after a day of fishing, their tiny bodies swaying in small groups as they march across the sand to their burrows, a heartwarming and comical spectacle accompanied by their distinctive calls, viewed from platforms with commentary from rangers who highlight the conservation efforts of Phillip Island Nature Parks, making it a magical finale that leaves you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature’s small miracles.

What makes this tour truly special is the expertise and convenience of Bus Tours Charters, with our modern coaches ensuring a comfortable journey, expert guides bringing each destination to life with stories and insights, and a flexible itinerary that caters to all, including pet-friendly options, private tours, and group outings, with some attractions requiring separate tickets (Puffing Billy, Maru Koala, Churchill Island, Penguin Parade) seamlessly integrated into a full-day experience that runs from early morning to late evening, covering the distance from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges and then to Phillip Island, requiring only comfortable shoes, a camera, sun cream, a hat, and warm layers for the evening Penguin Parade.

This tour is a celebration of Victoria’s rich heritage and natural splendour, from the nostalgic charm of a steam train winding through lush forests to the awe-inspiring sight of penguins waddling home at sunset, offering a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and discovery that resonates with travellers of all ages, whether you’re marvelling at towering trees, hand-feeding kangaroos, savouring chocolate, or gazing at coastal vistas, every moment designed to create lasting memories, making it an ideal outing for families, friends, and even your pets, with the Dandenong Ranges’ serene beauty and Phillip Island’s historic significance and wildlife providing a standout experience that’s both accessible and extraordinary.

Tour Highlights:

• Puffing Billy Railway: Ride an old steam train in forests.
• Dandenong Ranges: Drive through scenic Dandenong hills.
• Maru Koala and Animal Park: Feed kangaroos, see koalas.
• Phillip Island: Walk with wildlife on the island.
• Churchill Island: See history and nature.
• Phillip Island Chocolate Factory: Taste chocolate treats.
• Cowes: Relax in coastal Cowes.
• Nobbies Centre: View coast and seals.
• Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade: Watch penguins at sunset.