Explore
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
Offering panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, St Kilda Pier and the Breakwater is a popular destination for a stroll and fishing. St Kilda Pier has nearby barbecues, picnic and playground facilities, or you can enjoy a snack from the restored heritage kiosk.
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.
Visitors should be aware we do not provide bins on the pier or breakwater and all litter must be taken home. Additionally, jumping and diving off the pier and other structures is prohibited for public safety, due to shallow areas and often unexpected submerged objects. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Alcohol possession and consumption is prohibited on St Kilda Pier and Breakwater.
Things to do
Penguin viewing sessions
Little Penguins
The Kiosk at St Kilda Pier
Boating and St Kilda Harbour
Piers and jetties
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours in the area
Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.
If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.
Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.
How to get there
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
When you're there
We hope you enjoy your visit, so please remember:
- Rubbish bins and receptacles are not provided on the pier or breakwater and all litter must be taken with you.
- Jumping and diving off the pier and other structures is prohibited for public safety, due to shallow areas and often, unexpected submerged objects.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
- Alcohol possession and consumption is prohibited on St Kilda Pier and Breakwater.
Nearby attractions
St Kilda is a lot more than just a pier! Nearby Catani Gardens or the Botanical Gardens are unique and special places, and St Kilda's beaches are usually quick to fill up over the warmer months. Albert Park is also nearby, offering a beautiful lake, walks, golfing, and other recreational activities.
Nearby Fitzroy Street has a wealth of food and shopping choices to discover. Famous Luna Park is right around the corner, offering a day of fun for families and individuals with rides and a carnival-like atmosphere!
Rakali
During your visit, you may be fortunate enough to spot a Rakali! The Rakali is a native water rat, found at some piers, jetties and other structures along the coastline of Port Phillip and our waterways. They appear at all times of the day, but are very shy creatures and are usually tucked into the dark corners of structures and flora. The Rakali are known to eat various marine life, such as fish and crustaceans. Like all Australian wildlife, you should not attempt to touch or handle the Rakali and keep a reasonable distance away.
Need to know
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
St Kilda Inner Lower Landing Partial Closure
The St Kilda Inner Lower Landing has been partially closed for public safety.
There is a temporary fence around the western end of the landing. Access is still available on the eastern end of the landing via the ramp. -
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater (St Kilda Pier and Breakwater)
Restriction of Access by Public and Dogs to Breakwater and Rocks
A set-aside determination is in place to restrict public access to the breakwater beyond the gate and the rocks of the breakwater, any dog or cat from the breakwater. Public must remain on all formed paths and boardwalksAttachments: RD signed_StKildaBreakwater_SetAside_101218 (278KB)
How we keep it special
Parks Victoria is the local port manager of Port Phillip, but a number of government departments and agencies share responsibility for our bays, rivers and ports.
Find out how we all look after this special place, including information about boating and swimming zones, moorings and berths, notices to mariners and more, from our Water management section.
St Kilda Pier Redevelopment Project
Parks Victoria in partnership with the Department of Transport is delivering an exciting rebuild of the iconic St Kilda Pier.
