St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience
Discover nature's little wonders on Melbourne’s doorstep
As night falls over the bay, witness St Kilda’s little penguins making their way home to burrows nestled among the rocks of the breakwater. Just minutes from the CBD, the St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience is a fun and unforgettable way for the whole family to observe wild penguins thriving in an urban environment.
Phillip Island Nature Parks is proud to support the success of this experience by providing an inclusive and welcoming space for all visitors to connect with nature beneath the stars.
Bookings are essential
Tickets are limited, book your free ticket online here before your visit. Please check the session time stated on your ticket for your arrival time. If you arrive late it may result in your ticket being forfeited. A text reminder will be sent on the day of your visit.
Tickets are now released weekly every Tuesday from 10 am AEST and book out quickly, please check back for availability and any cancelled tickets made available.
Plans changed? We understand plans can change, to manage or cancel your booking, please click here.
Pre-booking is essential as tickets are limited.
Please check session time stated on your ticket. If you arrive late, it may result in your ticket being forfeited.
ST KILDA PENGUIN VIEWING EXPERIENCE
The dedicated viewing platform overlooks vital habitat for this penguin colony. You will experience the little penguins as well as stunning views of Port Phillip Bay (Naarrm).
Join our knowledgeable guides at St Kilda breakwater to hear fascinating stories and insights about the little penguins that call this unique city habitat home.
Session 1:
Session 1 offers a memorable opportunity for visitors to experience St Kilda’s little penguin colony as the day turns to night. Around 30 minutes after sunset, with the final glow fading over Port Phillip Bay (Naarrm), the little penguins begin to emerge from the water, making their way home to burrows nestled among the rocks. It’s a truly special time of night to witness these seabirds returning home beneath the darkening sky.
Session 2:
Session 2 takes place later in the evening, around 1 hour and 30 minutes after sunset, when the colony is alive with night-time activity. As full darkness settles over Port Phillip Bay (Naarrm), visitors can observe the little penguins settling in for the night and interacting in their natural habitat
Plans changed? We understand plans can change, to manage or cancel your booking, please click here.
St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience address:
Located 450 metres along St Kilda Pier, at the pier's end
Pier Rd, St Kilda, Victoria, 3182
How do I get there?
By public transport:
Tram 12 from Collins Street, tram 16 from Swanston Street and tram 96 from Bourke Street stop at St Kilda Pier. Visit Yarra Trams website for timetables and routes.
Visit Public Transport Victoria website to plan your journey.
By car:
St Kilda Pier is situated approximately 25 minutes from the Melbourne CBD. Please note that paid parking along the St Kilda foreshore is limited.
We offer an accessible and inclusive experience throughout the St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience.
Constructed by Parks Victoria, the new pier design opened to the public in December 2024 including a fully accessible walkway and unisex accessible toilet facilities available in the pavilion at the entry area of the penguin viewing platform.
Visitors with Assistance animals
Phillip Island Nature Parks welcomes visitors who use assistance animals certified by a registered authority. Assistance animals must remain on designated paths and be restrained by a harness or lead.
Earthcare St Kilda was formed in 1989 by a group of local volunteers, with the purpose of researching and protecting the little penguin colony that call the St Kilda breakwater home. Since then, Earthcare St Kilda has evolved to include a range of environmental programs focused on marine conservation, community education, and protecting the habitat for local wildlife.
Earthcare St Kilda values your support, to help them continue to research and protect the St Kilda little penguin colony, please donate here.
Learn more about St Kilda’s little penguins before your visit and discover their fascinating behaviours, unique adaptations, and how to view them responsibly here.
What should I bring for my visit?
If you own binoculars, bring them along to help spot little penguin rafts that may be forming at sunset. We suggest you bring warm clothes, as even after a hot day, St Kilda Pier can become cool and windy. A rug to sit on the seats may also be handy.
If rain is forecast, please bring a raincoat or poncho, umbrellas are unadvisable.
Do I need to book my ticket?
Tickets are limited, so we recommend securing your ticket online here before your visit.
Do I need to print my ticket?
Phillip Island Nature Parks is committed to sustainability and does not require you to print your ticket. Please present your booking confirmation and e-ticket on your phone or tablet to staff on site for entry.
Please note your ticket confirmation contains the session details and other important information about your visit.
How do I manage or cancel my booking?
We understand plans can change, to manage or cancel your booking, please click here.
My ticket is for session 1, can I come at a different time? What time should I arrive?
To ensure everyone has a smooth experience, please arrive at or before the session time indicated on your ticket. We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early.
Ticket is valid only for the date and session time stated on your ticket.
What time are the nightly sessions?
The sessions commence approximately 30 minutes after sunset. The exact time will change according to the sunset times. Please refer to your ticket for session time.
How long does each session run for?
Each session is approximately one hour long, from viewing platform entry to exit.
Is the St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience suitable for children?
The St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience is suitable for all ages.
Is St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience an all-weather event?
At St Kilda you can see penguins all year round, regardless of the weather. The St Kilda Penguin Viewing Experience is an all-weather event, please come prepared with appropriate protection for sun, windy and/or cold conditions.
Please note that sessions may be cancelled in extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
Are there food and drink options available?
There are many restaurants, bars and cafes in St Kilda where you can dine prior to or after your session.
Takeaway food or drink is not permitted on the penguin viewing platform during the experience operating hours.
Rubbish bins are not provided on the pier, and all litter must be taken away with you.
Alcohol possession and consumption is prohibited on St Kilda Pier.
Are restrooms available on site?
Yes, there are two public toilets, including one fully accessible, located in the pavilion at the entry area of the penguin viewing platform.
Am I able to take photos and videos?
Penguins have sensitive eyes, and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you ensure that the flash on your camera or device is switched off before you enter the platform. Torches are prohibited.
Is there disabled access?
The new pier design constructed by Parks Victoria includes a disability compliant walkway. For more information about accessibility at the St Kilda penguin viewing platform, please check the Accessibility section on this page.
Are pets/dogs allowed?
Animals are not permitted on the penguin viewing platform. We welcome visitors with a guide, hearing and registered assistance dog or a companion animal required for medical reasons, please see the Accessibility section on this page for more information.
