After a five-year hiatus, Melbourne’s beloved little penguin colony is back on display for locals and visitors to enjoy. The free Penguin Viewing Experience at St Kilda Pier officially opened on 29 October 2025, featuring a purpose-built 150-metre elevated viewing platform that brings visitors closer than ever to these charming creatures.
The reopening marks the completion of a significant chapter in St Kilda’s coastal transformation and offers a rare opportunity to observe urban wildlife in their natural habitat, just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.
A New Era for St Kilda Pier
The viewing experience is part of a $53 million St Kilda Pier upgrade delivered by the Victorian Government, which also includes a curved walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and community space near the historic St Kilda Pier Kiosk.
For anyone who’s visited the pier recently, the changes are dramatic. The new infrastructure not only enhances the penguin viewing experience but also transforms the entire waterfront into a world-class coastal destination. The elevated platform features accessible entry, seating, and panoramic views over the breakwater where the penguins nest each evening.
How the Viewing Experience Works
The experience includes one-hour viewing sessions that run nightly, with two free sessions each evening – one at sunset when you can watch the little penguins begin their journey home from the water to their burrows, and a second session after dark when the breakwater fills with the chatter of penguins settling in for the night.
The program is operated by Phillip Island Nature Parks, a conservation organisation renowned globally for its decades of expertise in penguin protection. Their trained rangers and volunteers will be on hand during viewing sessions to share insights about the colony’s behaviour and the conservation efforts keeping these adorable locals safe.
Earthcare St Kilda, the volunteer group that has helped keep the colony safe for over 30 years, will continue to play a crucial role in monitoring the penguins’ health and well-being.
Booking is Essential
While the experience is entirely free, online bookings are essential to avoid missing out, particularly during busy seasons like spring and summer. With viewing sessions capped at 150 people to better protect the penguins, popular time slots are expected to fill up quickly.
Session times vary depending on sunset, so it’s worth checking the Phillip Island Nature Parks website regularly for the most up-to-date schedules. You can book your spot at penguins.org.au.
A Growing Colony
The penguin colony at St Kilda has grown remarkably since its discovery, expanding from just 57 recorded penguins in 1986 to more than 1,400 today. The breakwater provides an ideal habitat for these little penguins, also known as fairy penguins, offering shelter and protection from predators.
The colony’s growth is a testament to the dedicated conservation efforts of Earthcare St Kilda and the careful management of public access that has been implemented over the years. Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos noted that “the free penguin experience at St Kilda will bring families up close to these iconic animals and draw in thousands of visitors to our city each year”.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The little penguins are most active around sunset and after dark. During the day, they’re out in Port Phillip Bay feeding on small fish. As dusk approaches, they return to their rocky homes along the breakwater, waddling between the rocks in what has become an iconic Melbourne sight.
The colony was given several months to settle into its rejuvenated habitat before the public returned, ensuring the penguins are comfortable with the renewed visitor activity. This thoughtful approach prioritises the welfare of the birds while still allowing the public to enjoy this unique wildlife encounter.
Visitors should note that flash photography, loud noises, and bright lights are prohibited during viewing sessions. These rules help ensure the penguins aren’t disturbed as they go about their evening routines.
Getting There
St Kilda Pier is easily accessible by public transport. Trams 12, 16, and 96 stop at St Kilda Pier and can be caught from Melbourne CBD. Alternatively, you can take a train to Balaclava station and hop on the number 16 tram. The 606 bus between Elsternwick Station and Fisherman’s Bend also stops at St Kilda Pier.
For those driving, limited paid parking is available next to the St Kilda Sea Baths and along main roads, though public transport is recommended, especially during peak viewing times.
More Than Just Penguins
While the penguin viewing experience is undoubtedly the main attraction, St Kilda Pier and its surrounds offer plenty to explore before or after your penguin encounter. The historic St Kilda Pier Kiosk, rebuilt in accordance with the original 1904 plans after a fire in 2003, offers food and beverages seven days a week.
Nearby Catani Gardens, St Kilda’s beaches, and iconic Luna Park make for a full day out. The revitalised pier also features improved facilities for windsports, with a shared zone west of the pier for kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
A Conservation Success Story
The reopening of the penguin viewing experience represents more than just a tourist attraction – it’s a conservation success story playing out in the heart of urban Melbourne. The fact that a thriving penguin colony exists just a short tram ride from the CBD is remarkable, and the new viewing platform ensures this unique wildlife experience can be shared sustainably for generations to come.
The collaboration between government, conservation experts, and community volunteers demonstrates what’s possible when wildlife protection is prioritised alongside public access. The elevated platform keeps visitors away from nesting areas while still providing excellent views, striking that crucial balance between education and conservation.
Planning Your Visit
With the warmer months approaching, now is an ideal time to experience St Kilda’s little penguins. The extended daylight hours of summer mean the first viewing session starts later, giving you more time to explore St Kilda before the penguins come home.
Remember to dress warmly – even on mild days, the pier can be breezy in the evening. Comfortable shoes are also recommended as you’ll be standing for most of the one-hour session.
For families, this is an affordable and educational outing that teaches children about urban wildlife and conservation. The fact that it’s completely free makes it accessible to everyone, which is particularly welcome in the current cost-of-living climate.
The return of public penguin viewing at St Kilda Pier is a win for locals and tourists alike. It restores one of Melbourne’s most beloved wildlife experiences while ensuring the little penguins remain protected and thriving. Book your spot soon – these waddling residents are ready for their close-up.
For more information and to secure your free tickets, visit penguins.org.au.
