Boating and St Kilda Harbour

Yachts sit idle, anchored in a protected harbour; the city of Melbourne is in the background, with towering skyscrapers sitting behind the buildings on the foreshore.

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Boating and St Kilda Harbour

St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

Enjoy kiteboarding, paddle boarding and windsurfing in the a shared windsports zone to the west of the Pier, outlined by yellow special mark buoys and protected by the Breakwater. Recreational boaters should navigate carefully in this area and maintain a speed of 5 knots or less. To the east of the Pier is a Swimming only area. For more information about the different zones check our boating and swimming zones page.

Temporary berthing is found at the centre lower-landing for 30 minutes pick-up and drop-off only. The floating-pontoon toward the end of the pier and marina entrance has 48-hour unmanned casual berthing to the south, 4-hour unmanned casual berthing on the north, and 30-minute pick-up and drop-off on the eastern length of the arm.

The St Kilda Harbour precinct is home to the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS). The harbour is a vibrant, recreational boating destination that provides a great experience for tourists, local residents and recreational boaters alike. There are no re-fuelling facilities available at the harbour, with the nearest re-fuelling available at St Kilda Marina, just south of the harbour. The marina section of the harbour is privately leased and managed by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, however, there is public pedestrian access during office hours. For berthing and marina enquiries, visit their website are www.rmys.com.au. The swing moorings are also managed by the RMYS (under authorisation by Parks Victoria), so please contact them for further information.

Things to do

 
Sunset on St Kilda Pier with views of the CBD in the background.

St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

St Kilda Pier and the Breakwater offers panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, and is a popular destination for a stroll and fishing.

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.
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.
Two teenage girls take part in a sailing race on Port Philip Bay in a small boat called Inkspot.

Boating and sailing

Take to the waves of Port Phillip and see Victoria's coast from the water or sail inland lakes and rivers by boat or charter.

How to get there

Boating and St Kilda Harbour

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.
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.

When To Go

Bustling harbour activity with boats and plenty of sailing events.

Need to know

Boating and St Kilda Harbour

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.

 

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. 

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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