Melbourne’s Puffing Billy & Phillip Island: A Detailed Review

Thinking about visiting the Puffing Billy steam train and Phillip Island when you go to Melbourne? I went recently and honestly, you should see this review first. A day hopping between the verdant hills of the Dandenong Ranges on Puffing Billy, and also the wild shores of Phillip Island watching the Penguin Parade, sounds pretty perfect, almost doesn’t it? Yet, arranging those two together requires, in some respects, a bit of thinking.

What is Puffing Billy?

Puffing Billy is basically, a century-old steam train that toot-toots its way through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, so you may want to know that. It has, after all, a charming history. Originating way, way back in the early 1900s, it was intended to aid settlement in these more isolated communities. Over time, anyway, Puffing Billy became something quite unique – a moving, breathing relic, bringing that old-world feel to everyone who hops aboard. It is typically quite an amazing ride!

When you sit on the outside sills, with your legs dangling free, you’ll experience something very special, is that correct? The rush of crisp mountain air, the smell of burning coal, and the whistles that echo through the trees – it’s certainly a multi-sensory kind of transport. Actually, kids totally love it, and to be honest, adults seem to enjoy feeling like kids once again, it could be said.

Keep in mind, however, the wooden carriages could be, seemingly, rather, lets say ‘basic’, more or less. The views are amazing, and the ride is something of an event in itself, yet expect to sit near to others in fairly standard comfort levels, so, you know.

Tips for Your Puffing Billy Visit:

• Book well beforehand. Apparently, popular times sell out, so it could be smart to reserve your space, I believe.
• Choose your trip thoughtfully. So, there are options in terms of length and destination. Lakeside is pretty standard, that is very true.
• Bring layers. Mountain weather tends to be rather temperamental, and changes rapidly, so they say.
• Take a picnic. Now, there are spots along the way where you’re able to get out for a snack, anyway.

Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is famous because, usually, tiny penguins waddle ashore each evening at sunset, you should be aware. Watching the Penguin Parade is, basically, a totally classic Australian experience, for what its worth. Little penguins – properly named Eudyptula minor – trek from the sea to their burrows after a day fishing, basically, just to rest, naturally.

Picture this: the sun disappears behind the horizon, so the sky shifts in color, just a bit. Then, one by one, those tiny penguins come out of the ocean onto the sand. In general, they waddle a little, kind of unsure, yet driven to get home. It really is a marvelous sight. In any event, be warned, lots of other people have come to look too!

Seeing the Penguins Responsibly

Now, you should certainly admire the penguins and it can be a really fun and touching spectacle. Basically, be very careful about the experience being a very good one, arguably, for all included, so, the penguins.

• Stay quiet. So, that may sound a bit obvious, still, keep voices low as there are viewing areas, for what its worth.
• No flash photography. It goes without saying, flashlights could be frightening or cause panic in little penguins.
• Keep your distance. Seemingly, allow them space. Basically, please do that!
• Be aware. Typically, rangers will share data and guidance – you will want to, maybe, listen closely and learn a little about this, anyway.

Puffing Billy and Phillip Island in One Day: Can It Be Done?

Okay, so here’s the very significant bit. Combining these attractions right into a day requires a long drive. In other words, you need to drive for at least, arguably, three hours, potentially even four with heavy traffic, in some respects.

You might want to bear this in mind:

• Consider the times. See if the train and penguin parade times fit nicely, you might want to see that before, right? Check sunset times during various parts of the year.
• Driving. Be ready for lots of travel, arguably, so that’s a given. Also think of whoever’s actually driving.
• Think about a tour. Sometimes, an organized trip, I mean tour, really, might, for instance, actually relieve pressure, for instance the driving.
• An overnighter? You might think to stay down in Phillip Island so to, lets say, see a less-rushed version of stuff, I believe.

Alternative: Yarra Valley

Basically, consider substituting the Yarra Valley when the distance to Phillip Island causes anxiety or looks tight to handle, I think that’s worthwhile. Now, that beautiful wine location is more closer to Puffing Billy, literally just a simple drive.

• Wine tastings. Arguably, sample numerous very good local wines.
• Picturesque scenery. Appreciate lots of landscapes; seemingly they come very highly Instagram-able, almost.
• Foodie stuff. Apparently, lots excellent dining choices abound, as well as cheese makers.

Food Options on the Island

Food and treats exist on Phillip Island to enhance your visit. I am just telling you of dining picks that could actually match any occasion. There seem to be cafes by day and dinner by sunset that provide different menus for whatever cravings you may feel! I mean that with honesty.

For visitors in the surrounding Penguin Parade, there seem to be lots of locations to acquire quick meals and snacks during trips and watching wildlife on the sandy shore and clear beach lines!

Summary

• Puffing Billy: is like, basically, an engaging ride from the old days with gorgeous forest backdrop that, actually, literally everybody, likes, I mean, loves!
• Phillip Island: Home for the penguin show at sunset, an incredibly exceptional thing everyone must appreciate so to know they existed on sand and ice.
• One Day tour, could be? Could actually be very pressed. Contemplate organized trips or probably splitting points in half, seemingly two visits to, potentially, spend equal time enjoying, right, so not over packed to visit!
• Consider Alternative: Replace that drive. Pick Yarra Valley where you could discover different wineries – closer locations which also adds different experiences; saves on drives but expands travel options.

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