St Kilda Penguins (St Kilda)
The St Kilda Breakwater is home to a colony of approximately 1,400 Little Penguins, making it one of Melbourne's most remarkable wildlife attractions. Visitors can watch these tiny penguins returning from Port Phillip Bay to their nests among the breakwater rocks after sunset.
Little Penguins are the smallest penguins in the world and spend much of the day at sea feeding before returning to their burrows after dark.
A new 150-metre elevated penguin viewing boardwalk opened in October 2025 as part of the St Kilda Pier redevelopment. The purpose-built platform provides views of the penguin colony while protecting the birds and their nesting habitat.
The St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience is operated by Phillip Island Nature Parks. Knowledgeable guides provide information about the penguins, their behaviour and conservation.
Penguin Viewing Experience
There are two guided viewing sessions each evening:
- Session 1 - Approximately 30 minutes after sunset, when penguins begin returning from the water
- Session 2 - Approximately 90 minutes after sunset, when visitors can observe penguins settling into their burrows and interacting around the breakwater
Penguins are wild animals, so sightings and the number of penguins visible can vary from night to night.
Important Information
- Advance bookings are essential, even though admission is free
- Tickets are released each Tuesday from 10am AEST for the following week's sessions
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before the session time shown on your ticket
- Flash photography, bright lights and phone torches are prohibited
- Remain on designated paths and viewing platforms
- Do not climb onto the breakwater rocks
- Do not touch, feed or approach the penguins
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Bring warm clothing as the pier can become cold and windy, even during summer
- Sessions may be cancelled during extreme weather conditions
How to Get There:
The penguin viewing platform is located approximately 450 metres along St Kilda Pier, at the end of the pier beside the breakwater.
Tram routes 12, 16 and 96 stop near St Kilda Pier. Limited paid parking is available along the St Kilda foreshore.
Opening Hours:
Penguin viewing sessions operate nightly throughout the year, with times varying according to sunset.
Session 1 starts approximately 30 minutes after sunset and Session 2 approximately 90 minutes after sunset.
See the St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience website for session times, availability and bookings.
Cost:
Free admission, but advance bookings are compulsory.
Book through the Phillip Island Nature Parks website.
Review:
It seems amazing that there is a penguin colony in the middle of Melbourne, but I have confirmed it with my own eyes. The number of penguins which you get a chance to see varies each night. On my visit, only a small number of penguins returned to the nesting area accessible to visitors.
During my original visit, people gathered along the old breakwater viewing area waiting expectantly for the penguins to arrive. As darkness fell, rangers helped visitors spot penguins among the rocks and provided fascinating information about the colony.
The viewing arrangements have since changed significantly. The old breakwater access has been replaced by a purpose-built elevated boardwalk, with timed viewing sessions and limited visitor numbers. These changes should provide a more organised experience while reducing disturbance to the penguins.
Penguins generally return after sunset, so this can still be a challenging activity for young children who may become tired or impatient waiting for sightings. Warm clothing is essential, and sightings are never guaranteed.
On the way back to the car, we saw lots of huge possums in Catani Gardens.
Note: One important change from our original review: Visitors must no longer walk onto the rocks or use their own red-light torches. Viewing is restricted to the designated platform, and all personal torches are prohibited.
Photos:
Location
St Kilda Pier, Pier Road, St Kilda 3182 View Map
Web Links
→ St Kilda Penguins (Parks Victoria)
→ Park note - St Kilda Pier - wildlife on the breakwater (PDF File)
→ Park note - St Kilda Pier (PDF File)
→ St Kilda penguins on Facebook
