St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

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St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

Offering panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip, St Kilda Pier and Breakwater is a popular destination for a stroll and fishing. While on the pier enjoy a snack from the heritage kiosk or try to spot the penguins and rakali (native water rats) from the breakwater.

St Kilda Pier dates back to the mid 1800’s as an early working jetty. The breakwater was later constructed for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, as a safe harbour for sailing events. You may notice the start tower at the end of the Breakwater, still in use to this day.

The St Kilda Ferry departs from St Kilda Pier at the lower-landing near the start of the pier. The popular ferry travels between St Kilda Pier, Gem Pier in Williamstown, and Station Pier in Port Melbourne. Bookings are recommended. The ferry timetable can be found at www.stkildaferry.com.au

As piers and jetties are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at St Kilda Pier and Breakwater is a safe and enjoyable one. Jumping and diving off the pier and other structures is prohibited for public safety, due to shallow areas and often unexpected submerged objects.

Things to do

 

Little Penguins

The St Kilda Breakwater is home to a colony of Little Penguins. Just before dusk, you can view the colony coming ashore from the promenade on the St Kilda Breakwater.
A couple walks along St Kilda Pier

The Kiosk at St Kilda Pier

The Kiosk, also known as Parer’s Pavilion, is at the heart and centre of St Kilda Pier, offering food and beverages 7 days a week. Sadly, the historic Kiosk burnt down on 11 September 2003, but the newly built kiosk was constructed in accordance with the original plans from 1904. The building has been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register since 1984. Expressions of interest are now open for St Kilda Pier kiosk. The kiosk operation will contribute to and enhance the unique and engaging experience offered to visitors of the St Kilda Pier precinct.
Boats moored in Port Phillip in front of Melbourne's skyline.

Boating and St Kilda Harbour

West of the Pier is a shared windsports zone for kiteboarding, paddle boarding and windsurfing. St Kilda Harbour is a vibrant place offering great experiences for tourists, local residents and recreational boaters.
A mother and daughter linger at the end of a pier on the Mallacoota Inlet

Piers and jetties

Stroll along coastal piers and jetties or cast a line and fish at popular catchment areas in Port Phillip and Western Port.

St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Little Penguins

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

Trams 12, 16 and 96 stop at St Kilda Pier and these routes can be caught from Melbourne CBD . Alternatively, a train to Balaclava station and a short trip on the number 16 tram will get you there. The 606 bus, between Elsternwick Station and Fisherman's Bend (Port Melbourne), also stops at St Kilda Pier. Visit Public Transport Victoria for more information. St Kilda Pier is found immediately off Jacka Boulevard and The Esplanade, St Kilda. Limited paid parking is available next to the Seabaths, or along main roads.

When to go

Bustling harbour activity with boats and plenty of sailing events.

Need to know

St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Major Works and Marine Exclusion Zone

    A major project is underway to rebuild the 1970s St Kilda Pier. The old pier will remain open for pedestrians for most of the project however there is an on water marine exclusion zone around the project worksite. Vessels and swimmers must not enter the marine exclusion zone. 

    There is currently no access to the Kiosk or St Kilda Pier Breakwater and penguin viewing area. 

    For more information on the project please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects

    Attachments: St Kilda Demolition Works Set Aside 2024 (626KB)

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