St Kilda Pier and Breakwater Penguins
Melbourne's iconic St Kilda Pier offers stunning city views and a chance to see adorable Little Penguins at dusk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Penguins emerge from the sea
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater Penguins
Best Time
Penguins emerge from the sea
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Melbourne's iconic St Kilda Pier offers stunning city views and a chance to see adorable Little Penguins at dusk.
"The new pier is open, but the last bit (essential to see penguins) is still closed off after 6 PM."
🐧 Penguin Viewing Times
Penguins emerge around dusk. Check pier access times as the final section may close at 6 PM.
🚶♀️ Stroll the New Pier
The renovated pier offers great city views. Perfect for a leisurely walk and photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Little Penguins
St Kilda Breakwater
Witness adorable Little Penguins returning to their homes on the breakwater rocks at dusk.
St Kilda Pier Boardwalk
St Kilda Pier
Stroll along the newly renovated pier for stunning city skyline views and a relaxing seaside atmosphere.
Sunset Views
St Kilda Pier
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over Port Phillip Bay, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Penguin Viewing Hours
Pier Renovation Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐧 Penguin Viewing Times
Penguins emerge around dusk. Check pier access times as the final section may close at 6 PM.
🚶♀️ Stroll the New Pier
The renovated pier offers great city views. Perfect for a leisurely walk and photos.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The pier is an ideal spot for sunset photography over Port Phillip Bay.
🚗 Getting There
Easily accessible by tram from Melbourne CBD, taking about 20-30 minutes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐧 Penguin Viewing Times
Penguins emerge around dusk. Check pier access times as the final section may close at 6 PM.
🚶♀️ Stroll the New Pier
The renovated pier offers great city views. Perfect for a leisurely walk and photos.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The pier is an ideal spot for sunset photography over Port Phillip Bay.
🚗 Getting There
Easily accessible by tram from Melbourne CBD, taking about 20-30 minutes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the newly renovated St Kilda Pier and the unique opportunity to see Little Penguins. However, frustration exists regarding evening access restrictions to the penguin viewing area, which often clashes with the penguins' emergence time. The pier's daytime appeal and city views are generally well-received.
"Recently renovated walkway at the end of St Kilda pier that has been designed for viewing of the penguins on the nearby breakwater, however as at February 2025 it is not open in the evenings when the penguins come out to allow them to recover from the noise / disruption of the building works. At this stage there’s no timeframe for when it will open at nights, so one star deducted. Makes a nice spot to sit in the sun during the day."
Sean Nairn
"Just reopened after a really long wait.
Could see a few cute penguins swimming and then climbing up on the rocks. Lots of people but nicely redone"
Devora Kingsley
"New pier is open, but the last bit (which is essential to see penguins) is still closed off as of now after 6pm. This vital info was not online which is the reason for my poor rating. As penguins come out after sunset, no point in going at the moment for that reason. But good view on the skyline and for a sundowner."
Marco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach St Kilda Pier from the Melbourne CBD via tram. Tram routes like the 16 or 96 will take you there in approximately 20-30 minutes.
Yes, there is parking available in the vicinity of St Kilda Pier, though it can be busy, especially during peak times. Consider public transport for a more convenient experience.
While it's a significant walk from the CBD, St Kilda Pier is part of the St Kilda foreshore, which is a popular area for walking and cycling. If you're staying in St Kilda, walking is a great option.
The most common advice is to take a tram to St Kilda and then walk to the pier. Arriving before dusk is recommended to secure a good viewing spot.
It's always a good idea to check PTV (Public Transport Victoria) for any service updates or disruptions before you travel, as tram routes can sometimes be affected by events or maintenance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St Kilda Pier and the breakwater area to see the penguins is generally free.
The pier itself is generally accessible, but the specific boardwalk area for penguin viewing has restricted hours, often closing at 6 PM. This can impact evening penguin sightings.
Penguins typically start to emerge from the water and head to the breakwater around dusk, which is slightly after sunset.
Evening access to the penguin viewing area on the pier is often restricted after 6 PM due to the penguins' recovery needs. Check for any updates on extended hours.
The St Kilda Esplanade Market is free to enter, though you'll need to pay for any purchases you make from the stalls.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, watch the sunset, spot Little Penguins on the breakwater, and visit the nearby St Kilda Esplanade Market.
There are designated viewing areas on the breakwater. It's important to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the penguins.
The newly renovated pier is generally designed to be accessible, but it's always best to check for any specific accessibility information if needed.
The end of the pier offers fantastic views of the Melbourne skyline, especially at sunset. The breakwater is also a popular spot for penguin photography.
While there might not be extensive facilities directly on the pier, the St Kilda foreshore area has public restrooms and numerous cafes and restaurants nearby.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no direct dining establishments on St Kilda Pier itself, but the surrounding St Kilda Esplanade and Acland Street offer a wide array of cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.
St Kilda is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from casual beachside eats and fish and chips to international cuisine and trendy cafes.
Yes, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the pier or the adjacent foreshore. It's a great way to enjoy the views.
Absolutely! Many bars and cafes along the St Kilda foreshore offer great views for a sundowner, especially with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Don't miss trying some of the famous cakes and pastries from Acland Street, or enjoy fresh seafood from one of the local eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Sunset is particularly popular for the city skyline views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive pier and skyline. A telephoto lens can be useful for getting closer shots of the penguins.
Yes, you can photograph the penguins, but remember to use a zoom lens and avoid flash photography, as it can disturb them.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors.
The end of the pier with the city skyline in the background, the breakwater where the penguins reside, and the pier's architecture itself are all highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The newly renovated pier offers a safe and spacious environment for children to explore. The nearby St Kilda beach is also great for sandcastle building and paddling. Consider visiting the St Kilda Esplanade Market on a Sunday for fun souvenirs and snacks. Pack some snacks and drinks, as dining options directly on the pier are limited, but plentiful in the surrounding area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For wildlife photographers, the Little Penguins are a unique subject. Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing them, and remember to disable your flash. The breakwater offers interesting textures and compositions for nature photography. The pier's architecture itself also presents opportunities for creative shots, playing with lines and reflections.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Getting to St Kilda via tram from the CBD is also an economical option. Explore the St Kilda Esplanade Market for affordable souvenirs and local crafts. While there are many paid attractions in St Kilda, simply enjoying the pier, the beach, and the sunset offers a rich experience without spending a lot of money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Little Penguins of St Kilda
Visitors can observe these penguins returning from their ocean foraging trips around dusk. The thermal properties of the rocks help keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and respectful viewing is paramount. Avoid loud noises, flash photography, and getting too close to their burrows to ensure their well-being.
While the breakwater is their natural habitat, the St Kilda Pier renovation has aimed to enhance viewing opportunities. However, it's important to note that access to the final section of the pier, which is essential for penguin viewing, has been restricted in the evenings to allow the penguins to adjust to human presence. Always check the latest information on viewing times and access before your visit.
St Kilda Pier: A Revitalized Icon
During the day, the pier is a fantastic place to soak up the sun, watch boats, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of St Kilda. The renovated structure provides a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment compared to its previous iteration. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a relaxing escape within the city.
However, the renovation's impact on penguin viewing has been a point of discussion. While the pier's design is intended to facilitate this, evening access restrictions have been implemented to aid the penguins' acclimatization. This means that while the pier is open, the prime time for penguin sightings might coincide with periods of restricted access, a detail that visitors should be aware of.
Beyond the Penguins: St Kilda's Charm
The suburb itself is known for its eclectic mix of Victorian architecture, bohemian vibe, and lively atmosphere. Acland Street is famous for its cake shops and European-style cafes, making it a delightful place to indulge your sweet tooth. For those seeking a bit more excitement, the Luna Park amusement park, with its iconic entrance, is also a short walk from the pier.
St Kilda's beaches are also popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The foreshore is a great place for cycling or simply relaxing by the water. Whether you're interested in wildlife, shopping, dining, or just enjoying the coastal scenery, St Kilda provides a diverse and engaging experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit