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Introduction
Melbourne day trips split into two main routes: heading southeast for the Puffing Billy steam train + Phillip Island penguin parade, or heading west for the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles. Both depart in the morning and return to the city around 9pm. Mandarin-speaking small-group tours typically cost A$229 to A$288 per person, including tickets, city pickup/drop-off, and a Chinese-speaking guide; lunch is not included. Platform car hires are extra. This article compares eight Mandarin-speaking day tours in Australia. If you are travelling solo and want to keep costs down, choose Old Mel Travel; for a Taiwanese guide, choose Rex; for four or five people chartering a car along the Great Ocean Road, choose the KKday private car.
Melbourne day trip: small group tour or rent a car?
If you’re two or fewer and want to see the penguin parade, small group tours are cheaper
Car rental for a day runs A$70 to A$100, with fuel and Phillip Island tickets (from A$34) extra; you’ll also have to drive three hours each way and return on dark roads. Small-group tours costing A$229 to A$288 include the train ticket, wildlife parks, the penguin viewing stand, and pickup/drop-off; for two people the total cost is similar, and you also get a Chinese guide who times the penguin arrival for you.
For four or more and only the Great Ocean Road, renting starts to save money
The Great Ocean Road is a straight route, no timed slots—split the rental and fuel among four people and it’s under A$50 per person, more than half cheaper than a small-group tour. The trade-off is you’ll have to drive the seven-hour round trip to the Twelve Apostles yourself, and the mountain roads after dark on the return are not very friendly for first-time left-side drivers.
Solo travelers or with elderly: pick a small group tour
Renting alone isn’t cost-effective, and elderly travelers often need assistance getting on/off the vehicle and with restroom breaks. Mandarin small-group operators like Rex and Lao Mo allow single travelers to join; with hotel pickup, paying A$229 to A$250 gets you a day without having to drive.
Top 8 Local Australian Day Tours
1
Old Mel Travel Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade Day Tour
Editor’s takeOld Mel runs this as a 10-person small group: they pick you up at your door within designated city postcodes, the Chinese-speaking driver doubles as guide, and steam train and penguin viewing tickets are included. MARU zoo tickets are extra, so if you don’t want the zoo, you don’t pay for it. The penguins arrive after dark, so you’ll be back in the city around 10 p.m.
- Product positioning
- Melbourne one-day small-group package (Puffing Billy steam train, optional MARU Wildlife Park, and Phillip Island penguin parade), runs as a 10-person small group with CBD pickup, highlighting Chinese-speaking driver-guides.
- Price
- From A$229 per person (MARU zoo tickets extra: adult A$33, child A$18)
- Key features
- Daily departures, 10-person small group, free CBD pickup within specified postcodes, Chinese driver-guide, includes one-way Puffing Billy steam train ticket and standard penguin viewing stand ticket, penguin viewing can be upgraded to Penguins Plus or Underground for an extra fee, about 13 hours, meals not included
- Best for
- Chinese-speaking travelers who want to see the steam train and penguins in one day without driving, families with kids or elders who need hotel door pickup
- Official information
- Local Melbourne Chinese travel agency, offers 10-person small-group join-ins and private hires, also provides airport transfers, hot air balloon tours, and Mt Buller snow trips
- Website uses the Rezio booking system, accepts TWD, HKD and other currencies, and accepts direct inquiry via LINE
- Website claims certified overseas fleet and high repeat-customer rate
What users like
- Chinese guides and local commentary (including feedback from Taiwan-born guides)
- It covers popular spots like Phillip Island penguins and the Puffing Billy steam train
- Small-group or private options are flexible; guides bring you to photo-worthy spots
What users complain about
- Usually requires an early start
- Pre-trip communications (like email) occasionally have unclear details or minor hiccups
- Penguin parade waits until dark, often returning to the city around 10pm
>2
Fun Play Melbourne Puffing Billy Phillip Island Day Tour
Editor’s takeFun Play Melbourne is run by a Taiwanese guide in Melbourne. Tours go ahead with just 4 people, the steam train, Moonlit Sanctuary and penguin viewing tickets are all included, and you ride in a Mercedes van. Kids under 4 go free, which is great value for families with little ones. Train tickets are non-refundable once payment is confirmed, so settle your date first.
- Product positioning
- Small private-guided day tour (min 4 people to run, max 11), combining Puffing Billy steam train, Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary interactions, and Phillip Island penguin parade viewing, suitable for short stays in Melbourne and family travel.
- Price
- Adult from A$265, age 4–15 A$215, toddler A$175 (includes all admission tickets, meals not included; penguin viewing upgrades cost extra)
- Key features
- Runs with 4 people, max 11, Mercedes people-mover, CBD pickup (postcode 3000), includes Puffing Billy steam train, Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary, Phillip Island Nobbies and standard penguin stand, Taiwanese guide in Chinese, about 8am departure, 12–15 hours, train tickets non-refundable after payment confirmation, free for under 4s
- Best for
- Travelers who want a Taiwanese guide, those who want to see the steam train, wildlife park, and penguins in one day, families with children under 4
- Official information
- Melbourne-registered Chinese tour operator, run by Taiwanese guides, holds a Tour Operator license
- Focuses on 4-person mini groups and private hires, routes include the Great Ocean Road, steam train, wineries, and Phillip Island penguins
- Promotes mainly via official social channels and vlogs
What users like
- Chinese small groups and Chinese commentary are praised by most participants
- Pre-trip customer service replies quickly and the booking process is smooth
- Covers popular sights (Puffing Billy, Moonlit, Phillip Island penguins)
- Guides help with photos and share local tips
What users complain about
- Limited customization; itinerary follows a set day schedule
- Wildlife activities may be suspended or changed due to events like pandemics or avian flu
3
Melbourne at Leisure: Steam Train + Penguin Island One-Day Tour
Editor’s takeMelbourne at Leisure includes the train, zoo and Penguin Island tickets plus service fee and transport in the tour price, with no tips or driver-guide fees, so you won’t pay anything more once you set off. Pickup is at your city hotel door, with at most 11 per group.
- Product positioning
- Mandarin-speaking small-group day tour from Melbourne, following the classic route of the Puffing Billy steam train, forest walk, zoo, Nobbies, and Phillip Island penguin parade.
- Price
- A$249 and up per person
- Key features
- All-inclusive tickets (steam train, zoo, Penguin Island), includes tour service fee and transport, no extra tips, hotel pickup in Melbourne city, group limit 11 people (8-seat vehicle for ≤5 people, 12-seat vehicle for ≥6 people), private departures available on request, about 12 hours (08:30–21:00, varies by season), Nobbies open Oct–Mar only, lunch at your own expense
- Best for
- Travelers who don’t want any on-site extra charges, those staying in city hotels who want doorstep pickup and those staying in city hotels who want doorstep pickup
- Official information
- Mandarin-speaking Melbourne small-group operator, focusing on the Great Ocean Road, steam train + Penguin Island classic routes, and private hires
- Group limit 11 people, private departures available on request; contact official LINE @687nonoh
- Website clearly lists all-inclusive tickets, no tips, no guide fees
4
Rex Steam Train + Maru + Penguin Island Day Tour
Editor’s takeRex is led in person by A-Yong, a Taiwanese guide. Groups aren’t merged with other agencies, there are 11 people or fewer in a Mercedes van, and the tour runs even with a single booking, so solo travelers can join easily. The price includes all tickets and kangaroo feed at Maru. The steam train tickets are booked for you in advance, so book popular dates early.
- Product positioning
- A Chinese-speaking guided, refined small-group day tour limited to 11 people or fewer. The itinerary includes the Dandenong Ranges steam train, interactive Maru Wildlife encounters, and Phillip Island penguin viewing.
- Price
- Adult from A$250, ages 4–15 from A$210 (includes all admissions and kangaroo feed, meals not included; penguin viewing upgrades cost extra)
- Key features
- Taiwanese guide Ayong leads the tour, no combining with other agencies, maximum 11 people, Mercedes van, free hotel pickup in the city, drop-off at any CBD point on return, includes Puffing Billy steam train, Maru Zoo with kangaroo feed, Nobbies, general penguin viewing platform, bottled water, rain gear and child safety seats on board, solo travelers welcome
- Best for
- Solo travelers who want to join a tour, visitors seeking a Taiwanese guide
- Official information
- A Chinese-language day tour brand run by Taiwanese in Melbourne; the website calls itself “Taiwanese people’s travel agency in Australia”
- Guide Ayong personally leads the tours, no combining with other agencies, travel by Mercedes van
- Reservation-based; some departures require a minimum number of participants and a deposit
What users like
- Small group size keeps the tour intimate
- Chinese-speaking guide (Taiwanese immigrant) is friendly and professional
- Comfortable, unhurried itinerary pace
- Van is a people carrier—comfortable seating
- Guide helps with photos and attends to passengers’ needs
- Solo travelers can join
What users complain about
- Limited seats and departure dates; book early
- If minimum numbers are not met, departures may be delayed or rescheduled
- Some attractions or tickets (such as the steam train) require early booking and are hard to refund/change
5
See Melbourne Travel — Phillip Island Steam Train One-Day Tour
Editor’s takeSee Melbourne’s price includes tickets, national park fees and tolls, plus lunch at Pie in the Sky, so you don’t need to find food yourself. Guides speak Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien, which makes communication easier for older relatives who speak dialects. They’ve run this route since 2011 and have plenty of experience.
- Product positioning
- A one-day guided tour combining a historical steam train experience with wildlife viewing on Phillip Island, suitable for nature and animal lovers who prefer a partly guided, partly independent excursion.
- Price
- Adult A$240, 4–15 years A$210, child A$120 (includes admission, national park fees, tolls, and lunch)
- Key features
- Puffing Billy steam train, feeding parrots in the Dandenong Ranges rainforest, Pie in the Sky lunch, free time in Olinda village, Maru Wildlife Park with kangaroo feed, Cowes beach (summer–autumn only), Nobbies boardwalk, penguin parade general viewing stands, Mandarin/Cantonese/Hokkien guides, Apr–Oct 08:00–22:00, Oct–Apr 10:00–00:00, booster seats available for under 6s
- Best for
- Families with older relatives who need Cantonese or Hokkien guides, travelers who prefer a tour that includes lunch so they don’t have to find a meal themselves
- Official information
- Established in 2011, an Australian-registered tour company holding a Parks Victoria-issued tour operator licence
- Provides guided tours in Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and English
- Uses its official website, branded blog posts and social channels (Facebook, Threads) as primary outreach, and has many user reviews and shares on travel review platforms
- Claims to have ranked first for Melbourne outdoor activities on TripAdvisor for many years and has won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award seven times
6
FIT Travel Sydney–Blue Mountains Three-Stage Cable Car Chinese One-Day Tour
Editor’s takeIf you’re in Sydney, look at FIT’s Chinese-guided Blue Mountains small-group tour: hotel pickup in the city, three-stage cable car tickets included, and Three Sisters, Honeymoon Bridge and Leura village all in one day, with no need to switch between train and bus yourself. Free cancellation up to 7 days before departure lets you book before your plans are fixed.
- Product positioning
- A Chinese-speaking driver-guide leads a one-day small-group Blue Mountains sightseeing tour (includes three-section cable car experience and city transfers).
- Price
- Adult A$164–177; 0–3 years occupying a seat A$157–169 (includes three-section cable car ticket; lunch not included; Christmas and Lunar New Year seasonal surcharges may apply)
- Key features
- Chinese-speaking driver-guide, free pick-up from Sydney CBD (postcode 2000) hotels or assemble at Darling Harbour, includes Blue Mountains three-section cable cars (Scenic Skyway, Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway), Three Sisters, Echo Point lookout, Honeymoon Bridge, Leura village, Mercedes sedan, baby seat add A$20, free cancellation up to 7 days before departure
- Best for
- Travelers staying in Sydney city who want to see the Blue Mountains in one day without taking trains and bus transfers
- Official information
- F.I.T. Travel Australia, headquartered in Brisbane, with offices in Cairns and the Gold Coast, specializing in Mandarin-language independent travel market
- Hosted a TVBS travel show crew in 2013 to film the Great Barrier Reef
- Products include day tours, diving and skydiving experiences, and multi-day themed packages
What users like
- Offers Chinese-language tours and Chinese booking assistance
- Convenient to pre-book activities and tickets from Taiwan; small-group/private car options are easier to find
What users complain about
- Prices are often criticized as high
- Multi-day package tours have complaints about hotels and meals; day tours do not have this issue
7
Melbourne Fun Tour Antique Steam Train + Wildlife Park + Penguin Island Day Tour
Editor’s takeMelbourne Fun Tour’s guides speak Taiwanese Hokkien, so elders from southern Taiwan won’t have to worry about understanding. The tour visits a wildlife park to see koalas and feed kangaroos, and from April to October adds Seal Rocks to look for little penguins. Groups of 8 to 13 can hire a whole vehicle with a private guide.
- Product positioning
- A Chinese-guided small-group day tour from Melbourne combining an antique steam train, wildlife park experiences, and Phillip Island little penguin viewing.
- Price
- Adult A$288, 4–14 years A$268, under 4 A$250 (includes train, wildlife park, and general penguin viewing ticket; does not include meals or tips; private vehicle for 8–13 people A$1,300–1,560 excluding tickets)
- Key features
- Mandarin/Taiwanese/Cantonese guides, 11–13 person small groups, Puffing Billy steam train, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park koala cuddle and kangaroo feed, Phillip Island general penguin viewing stand, Apr–Oct includes Seal Rocks walk to spot penguins, viewing stand upgrade available, private vehicle with dedicated guide available
- Best for
- Families needing a Taiwanese-language guide, groups of 8+ who want to charter a vehicle
- Official information
- A local Melbourne operator focusing on Chinese small groups and private vehicles, also offers airport transfers, business transfers, and flight/hotel bookings
- Day tour routes include the Great Ocean Road, Penguin Island, Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Puffing Billy, and Mt Buller skiing
- Uses website and Instagram/Facebook as main publicity channels
What users like
- Social posts mention quick reply and contact speed
8
KKday Melbourne Great Ocean Road Private Car One-Day Tour
Editor’s takeThis KKday Great Ocean Road trip is a private car hire, so everyone on board is in your party and you can discuss the order of stops with the driver; split among four or five people, it’s good value. You can pay in full by card in NT$ on the Chinese-language page before leaving Taiwan, with free cancellation up to 8 days before. The tour is run by a local operator, so quality depends on who you’re assigned that day.
- Product positioning
- A private car one-day Great Ocean Road tour departing from Melbourne city, Chinese-speaking driver-guide, visiting Split Point Lighthouse (Little Red Riding Hood Lighthouse), Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge.
- Price
- 5-seat vehicle approx. NT$20,300 per vehicle (other options: 7-seat, 11-seat; 11- and 28-seat shared-group options sold out)
- Key features
- About 10 hours, meet at 08:00 Box Hill or 08:30 city, Chinese-speaking driver-guide, Kia Carnival or similar, includes vehicle and guide, meals not included, Twelve Apostles helicopter available to add on-site, free cancellation up to 8 days before, confirmation within 1 day after booking, 4.4 stars from 1,882 reviews
- Best for
- Families or friends of four to five who want to hire a whole car, people who prefer to pay in New Taiwan dollars with a Taiwan card in advance
- Official information
- An online travel experience platform founded in Taipei in 2014; raised about US$70 million in 2024
- Tours are operated by third-party local providers; KKday handles booking, payment, and customer service
- Site in Chinese, New Taiwan dollar payment, most products offer instant online confirmation
What users like
- Chinese interface and NT$ payment; everything is handled before departure
- Free cancellation up to 8 days before—more flexible than local operators
- Large volume of reviews: 1,882 with an average of 4.4 stars
What users complain about
- The actual operator is a third party, so quality depends on whoever is assigned that day
- Many complaints about last-minute cancellations or changes to meeting points
- Shared-group options sold out; one or two people must buy the whole vehicle
| Travel Agency | Itinerary Name | Price | Main Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lao Mo Travel | Puffing Billy + Penguin Parade One-Day Tour (10-person small group) | A$229 and up | Puffing Billy steam train, Penguin Parade | Families, traveling with older relatives |
| Fanwan Melbourne | Puffing Billy Philip Island One-Day Tour | A$265 and up | Puffing Billy + Moonlit + Penguins | Short-stay travelers and families |
| You You Melbourne | Puffing Billy + Penguin Island One-Day Tour | A$249 and up | All-inclusive tickets, no tipping, hotel pickup | Those who don’t want extra charges |
| Rex Melbourne Day Tours | Puffing Billy + Maru + Penguin Island | From A$250 | Puffing Billy + Maru Wildlife Park + Penguins | Those who want to see wildlife and penguins |
| See Melbourne Tours | Philip Island Puffing Billy One-Day Tour | A$240 (including lunch) | Puffing Billy, Penguin Parade | Family travel, animal watching |
| FIT Travel | Blue Mountains Three-Ride Cable Car Chinese One-Day Tour from Sydney | A$164 and up | Three-segment cable car + Chinese guide | Those needing a Chinese guide for a one-day tour |
| Australia Fun Holidays | Vintage Steam Train + Wildlife Park + Penguin Island One-Day Tour | A$288 | Steam train, wildlife, penguins | Those wanting a deep one-day tour with Chinese commentary |
| KKday | Melbourne Great Ocean Road Private Car One-Day Tour | About NT$20,300 per vehicle (5-seat) | Whole-car hire, Chinese-speaking guide, free cancellation up to 8 days before | Car hire for four to five people |
Three key things to compare before choosing an Australia day tour
10-person small group or 28-person coach: two hours can make the difference in a day
Of these eight operators, six in Melbourne use 8–12-seat commercial vans; they pick up at hotel doors and return directly to the city after dark. KKday’s 28-person coach option is sold out, leaving only private car hires. Coaches must wait at each stop for the whole group to gather, which can add one to two hours to the day; the cheaper options are usually here. The extra A$50–80 for a small group buys you not having to wait and the flexibility to ask the driver to stop for an extra photo.
Is the guide Taiwanese or a local Chinese speaker matters when traveling with elders
Fanwan and Rex use Taiwanese guides; KanKan Melbourne offers Cantonese and Hokkien, Youqu offers Taiwanese, Laomo and YouYou use local Mandarin-speaking guides. If you travel with elders from southern Taiwan, pick one offering Taiwanese; if you have relatives from Hong Kong, choose KanKan Melbourne. The penguins’ return to shore varies daily; small groups can adjust departure times to match, which coaches cannot do.
What’s the difference between A$229 and A$288: zoo tickets and meals
Laomo at A$229 does not include zoo entry (adult A$33 extra). Fanwan A$265, YouYou A$249, Rex from A$250 all include tickets. KanKan Melbourne A$240 even includes lunch. Youqu A$288 includes tickets but not meals. None include tips; only Youqu’s page recommends A$5 per person. Cancellation policies vary the most: KKday and FIT allow free cancellation 7–8 days before departure, while steam train tickets for Melbourne small groups are non-refundable once confirmed—confirm your date before booking.
Specs, pitfalls, and who each is best for at a glance
- Specs comparison: For the six Melbourne penguin-line operators, prices range from A$229 to A$288; differences are whether zoo tickets and lunch are included. Group types are mostly 8–12-seat commercial vans with hotel transfers. Sydney Blue Mountains FIT tours start at A$164 and are cheaper because there is no night component. KKday’s price is for a private hire—one 5-seater costs about NT$20,300.
- Best for: Solo travelers should pick Rex or Laomo, which will run the tour for one person. If bringing elders, check guide language: choose Youqu for Taiwanese, KanKan Melbourne for Cantonese/Hokkien. For four to five people, compare with a private hire—KKday or Youqu offer 8-person private cars. Only FIT operates in Sydney.
- Common pitfalls: penguins come ashore around 6pm in winter but not until 9pm in summer, creating up to a three-hour difference in return time to the city. Steam train tickets are non-refundable once confirmed, so lock in your date before booking. Holding and photo sessions with koalas at the zoo are all charged separately at around A$35 and are not included in the tour price.