Explore
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
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 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 are permitted on the pier structure but must be kept on a lead at all times. Dogs and other pets are prohibited from the breakwater.
- Alcohol possession and consumption is prohibited on St Kilda Pier and Breakwater.
Nearby attractions
St Kilda is a lot more than just a pier! The 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. Rakali are known to eat marine life such as fish and crustaceans. Like all Australian wildlife, you should not attempt to touch or handle Rakali and keep a reasonable distance away.
When to go
Bustling harbour activity with boats and plenty of sailing events.
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)
Penguin Viewing Sessions Unavailable
Please be advised that tickets to Penguin Viewing Sessions at St Kilda Breakwater Penguin Colony are no longer available.
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.
As per the Port Management (Local Ports) Regulations 2015, areas of St Kilda Breakwater have set aside regulations to restrict dogs and cats. Please refer to the Regulation Areas Set Aside in St Kilda Pier and Breakwater document.
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.
