St Kilda Breakwater Melbourne
Melbourne's St Kilda Breakwater is a haven for adorable little penguins and offers stunning bay views from its modern pier.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Penguins emerge from the sea
St Kilda Breakwater Melbourne
Best Time
Penguins emerge from the sea
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Melbourne's St Kilda Breakwater is a haven for adorable little penguins and offers stunning bay views from its modern pier.
"Delightful experience to see penguins up close, but dress warmly and respect their space!"
🤫 Respect the Penguins
No flash photography! Keep noise low. Never touch or feed them. Volunteers are on-site. :camerawithflash:
🧥 Dress Warmly
Even in summer, it gets chilly by the water at night. Bring layers! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Little Penguin Colony
St Kilda Breakwater
Witness Melbourne's smallest penguins return to shore at dusk. A truly magical wildlife encounter!
Renovated St Kilda Pier
St Kilda Pier
Enjoy the modern, looped design of the pier with stunning bay views and city skyline panoramas.
Sunset Views
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
Spectacular sunsets over Port Phillip Bay, offering a perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Penguin Viewing Etiquette
Timing is Key for Penguins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Respect the Penguins
No flash photography! Keep noise low. Never touch or feed them. Volunteers are on-site. :camerawithflash:
🧥 Dress Warmly
Even in summer, it gets chilly by the water at night. Bring layers! :cloud:
⏰ Arrive Early
To get a good spot for penguin viewing, especially on weekends, arrive before sunset. :alarm_clock:
🚶♂️ Explore the Pier
The renovated pier offers great views and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Respect the Penguins
No flash photography! Keep noise low. Never touch or feed them. Volunteers are on-site. :camerawithflash:
🧥 Dress Warmly
Even in summer, it gets chilly by the water at night. Bring layers! :cloud:
⏰ Arrive Early
To get a good spot for penguin viewing, especially on weekends, arrive before sunset. :alarm_clock:
🚶♂️ Explore the Pier
The renovated pier offers great views and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
The breakwater is a popular spot for fishing, with plenty of fish in the bay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical experience of seeing the little penguins at St Kilda Breakwater, especially around sunset. The renovated pier is also a hit for its views and modern design. However, some find the penguin viewing can be crowded with fewer penguins than expected, and advise dressing warmly as it gets cold at night.
"No spot for seeing penguins :( the platform is closed."
Arne Rast
"We visited the pier at around 7pm. The penguin colony is at the end of the pier and we saw at least 7-8 penguins that are on the rocks and the occasional penguins to cross the road. It’s a delightful experience to see them up close.
However, there is no touching or feeding allowed and there are several volunteers to keep watch over the penguins."
ho eng Leow
"Waited for almost 3 hours along with hundreds of other spectators only to see a handful of penguins. Did not turn out as many as what I've expected apparently. I might have come at a bad time though.
There were plenty of signage around reminding observers not to use flash when taking photos yet a lot of spectators did not follow, which might have contributed to the penguins not coming out.
Located a few hundred metres off the beach and even if it was summer, it was freezing during the night. You might want to bring something to keep you warm."
Ecl Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a tram from the Melbourne CBD to St Kilda. Tram routes 16, 96, and 3a/12 will get you close to the pier. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Yes, there is parking available near St Kilda Pier, but it can get very busy, especially during peak times. Consider public transport or ride-sharing if possible.
If you are in the St Kilda area, it's a pleasant walk to the breakwater. It's located at the end of St Kilda Pier.
Yes, some companies offer sunset penguin cruises that depart from St Kilda or nearby areas, providing a guided experience to see the penguins.
Absolutely! Trams are the most convenient way to reach St Kilda from the city. The pier is a short walk from the tram stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St Kilda Breakwater and viewing the penguins is free. It's a public area accessible to everyone.
The new St Kilda Pier is generally open to the public. While there aren't strict 'opening hours' for the pier itself, penguin viewing is best around sunset.
There is no entry fee for St Kilda Breakwater. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
The pier is accessible, but for the best penguin viewing experience, aim for the hours around sunset.
Yes, visitors are reminded not to use flash photography and to keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing the penguins.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers stunning light for photography, capturing the city skyline and the bay. Dusk is also magical as the penguins emerge.
Absolutely not. Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it can harm the penguins' eyesight and scare them.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Many visitors use their smartphones, but a telephoto lens can be helpful for closer shots without disturbing the birds.
Tripods are generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors, especially during crowded times. Ensure you're not blocking pathways.
The end of the pier offers panoramic views. The breakwater itself provides opportunities to photograph the penguins in their natural habitat.
🎫 🐧 Penguin Viewing
The little penguins typically emerge from the water and head to their burrows around sunset.
The number can vary, but it's common to see several penguins returning to shore. Some visitors have reported seeing 7-8, while others have seen fewer.
Be quiet, avoid flash photography, and be patient. Spectators not following these guidelines can deter the penguins.
Yes, there are often volunteers present to help guide visitors and ensure the penguins are not disturbed.
No, touching or feeding the penguins is strictly prohibited to protect their well-being.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, St Kilda has a vibrant dining scene with many cafes and restaurants along the Esplanade and surrounding streets.
While there aren't dedicated picnic facilities on the breakwater itself, you can enjoy a picnic on the nearby St Kilda Beach or in the adjacent parks.
St Kilda offers a diverse range of cuisines, from casual cafes and fish and chips to international restaurants and fine dining.
Historically, there have been dining establishments on or near the pier, but it's best to check current offerings.
Many visitors enjoy having lunch or dinner in St Kilda before or after their penguin viewing experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the penguins, the renovated pier offers a safe and engaging space for kids to explore. The nearby St Kilda Beach is perfect for playing in the sand and paddling. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options can get busy, especially around viewing times.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember the strict no flash policy for penguins. A camera with good low-light capabilities and a telephoto lens will be beneficial. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak penguin viewing times, and consider using a tripod for stable shots, being mindful of other visitors.
❤️ Couples & Date Nights
Combine your visit with dinner at one of St Kilda's many excellent restaurants or enjoy a casual picnic by the beach. The combination of natural beauty and urban charm makes for a perfect evening out.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Little Penguins of St Kilda
+1Observing these penguins requires a mindful approach. Visitors are urged to maintain a respectful distance, avoid loud noises, and crucially, never use flash photography. The bright light can disorient and harm the penguins' sensitive eyes, potentially impacting their ability to navigate and hunt. Volunteers are often present to educate visitors and ensure the penguins' safety.
While the penguins are a natural phenomenon, their colony has been studied since 1986, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. The breakwater provides a safe haven, and responsible tourism ensures this special wildlife encounter can continue for years to come.
St Kilda Pier: A Modern Makeover
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the renovated pier serves multiple purposes. It remains a popular spot for fishing, with anglers often seen casting lines into the abundant waters. It's also a prime location for sunset viewing, offering a breathtaking backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon. The pier's design aims to be both functional and beautiful, complementing the natural beauty of the bay.
Crucially, the renovation also prioritized the preservation of the penguin nesting site located within the breakwater. This ensures that the pier's development coexists harmoniously with the local wildlife, allowing visitors to enjoy both the modern infrastructure and the natural wonders of St Kilda.
Beyond the Penguins: St Kilda's Charm
+1The area surrounding the pier is bustling with activity. St Kilda is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from casual cafes and ice cream parlors to international restaurants. The lively atmosphere extends to its shops, street art, and the historic Luna Park amusement park, providing entertainment for all ages.
+1For those seeking a more active experience, cold water therapy and morning swims are popular activities, even in the cooler months. The invigorating waters of Port Phillip Bay offer a refreshing start to the day, contributing to the overall well-being and energetic vibe of the suburb.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit