The St Kilda Breakwater is home to a colony of Little Penguins. The isolation of the breakwater is an ideal location for them to live. Just before dusk, you can view the colony coming ashore from the promenade on the St Kilda Breakwater. A viewing platform is accessible at the head of the pier, however, it can be very busy at times. We recommend visiting during weeknights to reduce traffic and for the protection of the penguins.
We hope you enjoy your visit, but please remember for the penguins health and safety:
- No handling or feeding of the penguins.
- No flash photography of the penguins or any torches shone on the penguins without a red filter over the front.
- Dogs and cats are prohibited past the entry gate into the penguin viewing area. Assistance dogs are the exception.
- Accessing, climbing or sitting on the rocks is prohibited.
- Entering and staying in the area past the fence on the breakwater is prohibited.
- No littering. Please take your rubbish with you.
- Keep at least 3 metres away from penguins moving around the viewing area.
Parks Victoria works closely with Earthcare St Kilda in the protection and management of the Little Penguins. Interested volunteers can find out more at www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au.
The Little Penguin and Rakali are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it is prohibited to interfere with the animals or their habitat.
If there is a wildlife emergency, please contact the Zoos Victoria Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678.
Things to do
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
Boating and St Kilda Harbour
The Kiosk at St Kilda Pier

Piers and jetties
How to get there
Little Penguins
When you're there
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
Little Penguins
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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St Kilda Pier and Breakwater (St Kilda Pier and Breakwater, Local Port of Port Phillip)
St Kilda Pier outer public berths temporarily closed
The outer public berths at St Kilda Pier are temporarily closed from Saturday 17th December 2022, awaiting some minor repairs to the floating pontoon. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Work is underway to rebuild the iconic St Kilda Pier. This is a significant project so some closures and disruptions apply
The St Kilda Pier redevelopment is a significant project, so disruptions, noise and closures are expected.The penguin viewing area and Pier Breakwater are closed. Penguin viewing will reopen following completion of the St Kilda Pier Redevelopment project.To keep up to date with the latest project information and impacts please sign up to the project mailing list via parks.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-region/st-kilda-pier-redevelopment
Similar experiences
Wildlife viewing
