Steam Train & Penguin Parade Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

Okay, so you’re thinking about taking the Steam Train and Penguin Parade tour, maybe the one with Chinese commentary? You’re likely wondering if it’s actually worth spending your time and cash on it, right? I get that. Day trips can be kinda hit or miss. I had a chance to go on this particular tour myself, and I’m going to spill the beans, like, everything I experienced – the good, the not-so-good, and the downright adorable. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be super confident about deciding if this trip is the right adventure for you.

What’s the Deal with the Steam Train & Penguin Parade Tour?

At its core, that is, this tour tries to mash up two really cool experiences into one pretty full day. The first bit of the experience is a ride on a genuine, like, puffing steam train through some super scenic countryside. Very cool, to experience what life way back was! Then, the main attraction rolls around: the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Picture this: tiny little penguins waddling their way home after a long day of fishing. It sounds amazing and like something from National Geographic, which, let me say, can actually be very moving to witness.

Riding the Rails: The Steam Train Experience

So, first off, the steam train element usually involves riding the Puffing Billy Railway. It is a narrow-gauge train that chugs its way through the Dandenong Ranges, which, like, are hills just outside Melbourne. The carriages are open-air, is that cool or what, letting you dangle your legs out as you weave through forests of unbelievably green ferns and towering mountain ash trees. You, like your eyes aren’t even believing this is happening!

I will say, that while riding, it gets very exciting for all, it gives some really amazing photo opportunities, that, I promise. Just being out in the open air and feeling the steam billowing around you creates a really nostalgic vibe. I, like honestly, felt transported back to another time, almost. Now, here’s where things get slightly complicated for this particular tour: it’s targeted at Chinese speakers. Which means the commentary and information given on the train tends to be mostly, that is, if not exclusively, in Mandarin. This wasn’t a huge issue for me personally because I came prepared, just a bit! Yet if you aren’t familiar with the language, just a little of the experience will be lost.

Phillip Island’s Main Event: The Penguin Parade

Alright, onto Phillip Island, where the real cuteness overload is set to take place. So the Penguin Parade itself is where hundreds, very many in fact, of little penguins – they’re called fairy penguins, very appropriately – waddle ashore after spending the day fishing in the ocean. This occurs every single night at dusk, naturally. They come out from the water and march across the sand to their burrows. The tour gets you to the viewing area just before sunset. We can get settled in so you’re able to get a good spot to watch these little guys come ashore.

Viewing platforms are created to keep a slight, that is, respectful distance from the penguins so we can view and not, in fact, scare or disturb their routine. So now the cool thing: There are also underground viewing areas you might see if you so desire to peek through the glass. However, be warned, that the most important part is to not take photos using flash photography. The super bright flash frightens the penguins! That, as I remember, the guides remind everyone about before the parade starts.

Watching these penguins is surprisingly emotional and so heartwarming! It’s really cute seeing them waddle in groups or parties of two to three, so they aren’t lonely, likely to their nests. They do this and call for one another at dusk; you’ll love it! Be aware, that it does get chilly once the sun drops, which is not unlikely in southern Australia. Bring something very, very warm.

Language and Logistics: The Chinese Speaking Aspect

Now, for the detail on the “Chinese Speaking” element. The tour is designed and created for Chinese-speaking tourists. The tour guides, obviously, conduct the tour in Mandarin Chinese, with maybe, just a bit, some limited English spoken on occasion. If you aren’t a Mandarin speaker, this, in a way, could present some challenges. The educational information regarding the animals on parade and environment might be, literally, hard to follow. All I remember from that day!

That said, many tours offer an audio guide to some extent, at least, you can follow along for some of the tour with a set of headphones, usually for a fee, and follow with a brochure to read that gives descriptions and information regarding the penguin parade! Make sure that this element is definitely offered before booking the trip.

Logistically speaking, tours usually include transportation to and from Melbourne CBD. It is very handy for those not keen to drive that distance after dark, alright, on an unfamiliar Australian road, usually about 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon traffic conditions. All admission fees may be paid beforehand, or on site. In many instances, you are usually given time for dinner at the Phillip Island visitor center. There is just one dining hall there and food is acceptable, not, definitely not amazing! Make sure your tummy isn’t empty before going on tour! The schedule keeps everyone running about!

Is This Tour Actually Worth Your Coin?

So, finally, here we arrive: Is this Penguin Parade steam train excursion a go or no go? If you like cute wildlife, vintage steam engines, and breathtaking views and a packed itinerary, then yeah, it is probably something you like!

I mean, this tour gives what’s promised; very awesome. Yet, there might be things to consider so you are very clear, obviously before spending. One thing is if a language barrier could prove to be stressful. Make sure that a translation is offered.

Anyway, so here is the breakdown, very carefully.

• Wildlife Lovers: You will, maybe even thoroughly, enjoy getting up close to those fairy penguins; there’s just a tiny bunch in this particular area!
• Steam Train Fanatics: I mean, riding Puffing Billy is truly amazing. If that, just in itself, has been a longing of yours, then it will fulfill something you dreamed!
• Chinese Speakers: The tour really becomes very accessible; you won’t be struggling to keep abreast with the guides commentary.
• Budget Conscious: It all does depend, anyway. Doing everything individually, while super annoying for having to drive on a schedule you choose, does tend to usually be a slight fraction cheaper than paying for everything as part of this excursion.

At the end of it all, it all simmers down to that, actually.

So to summarise what happened!.

• What: That is, the ‘Steam Train and Penguin Parade Chinese Speaking Day Tour’ combines steam train and a Penguin parade onto a fun filled itinerary.
• Experience: It is super worthwhile depending upon if your Chinese Mandarin listening is proficient and that both penguins and Puffing Billy appeals as attractions.
• Things To Be Aware: Transportation; dining limitations and cost elements.

It’s one very, very wonderful choice!

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