When Is the Best Time
The little penguins at St Kilda Pier — also known as fairy penguins — can be seen year-round, just south of Melbourne’s city centre in the coastal suburb of St Kilda. Most return from the sea after sunset, waddling ashore in the evening after a long day of foraging. Watching the world’s smallest penguin hop between rocks, call to each other, and disappear into their burrows is a truly magical experience.
To spot them reliably, timing and season matter. Thanks to my local friend Rik, a true Melburnian, I’ve visited multiple times and learned when and where to go. His tips inspired me to write and regularly update this guide — so you can enjoy the same unforgettable encounter with these charming coastal residents.
The best times to watch penguins in this unique onshore colony are during the main breeding and feeding season and the moulting season from October to April. Google Maps location entrance gate to the penguin pier.
Best Penguin Viewing Besides St. Kilda
Finally, you are able to spot the penguins at St. Kilda again. Luckily, the penguins are much better protected now means you do not get that close than before the redevelopment of the pier. A better location is Phillip Island now, where the little blue penguin population is hitting records. In October 2023, 5440 penguins were seen in one evening in just 50 minutes. Experts think the reason for these records is the food availability caused by "La Nina". Because of the wetter conditions, there are plenty of sardines and anchovies. It is an almost two hours drive south of St. Kilda or book a guided tour via GetYourGuide at no extra cost with the free cancellation options.
Penguin Viewing at St Kilda – What’s Changed Since the Pier Reopened
Each evening after sunset, the little penguins return from the sea to their nests tucked between the rocks at St Kilda Breakwater. It’s a charming ritual — but since the pier’s redevelopment, public access to the viewing area now closes at 6 pm, before most penguins arrive.
To witness their adorable waddle ashore, visitors now need to join a penguin sunset cruise, which offers offshore views of the colony during their return. After resting overnight, the penguins head back to sea before sunrise — typically 9 to 12 hours later.
Reopened in December 2024 - The New Look of the Pier
If you want to see the entire new construction you should book a table at the Cantonese restaurant Mya Tiger upstairs at the Esplanade Hotel. That's one of my friend's favourite places.
The new pier looks fantastic with a seating area to view the incoming penguins; restrooms are available now. The pier is made of hardwood timber from Queensland with elements similar to the old one from 1853 to reflect the maritime heritage.
Since spring 2021, there were building works at St. Kilda Beach to extend and modernize the pier by about 450 meters, creating better access for ferry, kayak, and paddleboard activities. The new curved platform leads above the sea and looks like it is floating so that you can watch the penguins arriving from the sea and waddling to their burrows but until 6 pm only. This construction was cost-intensive, with AUD 53 million/32 million Euro.
New pictures and information by my friend Rik from December 2024 and January 2025. Check out the attached new information board 2025 about St. Kilda Pier and Marina.
Is There an Entrance Fee requested for St. Kilda Penguins?
While there were recent talks of introducing a paid entry for penguin viewing, strong community resistance — led by locals and Earthcare St Kilda — ensured the experience remains free. For now, visitors can still enjoy this charming wildlife encounter without a ticket.
For many residents, the pier is an opportunity to get out of the city for a bit. The penguins are simply part of it; cutting off their rights outrages many. For sure, the visitor number will increase to the newly built pier.
Definitely this new curved pier will protect the penguins way better. This beautiful birds were harmed frequently, but with the new pier, the burrows are no longer accessible to visitors. The most important is penguin conservation for the future.
My tip for a memorable visit:
Late afternoons at St Kilda can be surprisingly rewarding. In summer, you might spot penguins even before sunset — and the golden light makes for stunning photos.
Why Are Penguins at St. Kilda Pier?
The rocky breakwater at St Kilda Pier was originally constructed for the 1956 Olympic Games. In the 1970s, the first little penguins — also known as fairy penguins — began nesting there, drawn by the sheltered environment and absence of predators. Over time, more followed, and today the colony has grown to around 1,400 individuals, making it one of the few wild penguin colonies thriving within a major city.
How Long Do Little Penguins Live?
The average lifespan of little penguins is about seven years, but individuals at St Kilda often live longer. The colony benefits from a safer habitat: seals and sharks, common predators elsewhere, are rarely seen in the port. In addition, the surrounding waters offer an abundant supply of small fish, supporting both their diet and breeding success.
My Top Tour Tips for Melbourne
Melbourne is a fascinating city, the second most popular in Australia and worth spending a few days in. I like the vibrant city life, the parks, and the lovely residents.
Penguin Seasons & Life Cycle at St Kilda Pier
Little penguins — also known as fairy penguins — can be seen at St Kilda Pier throughout the year, but their numbers and behavior vary with the seasons. Understanding their life cycle helps you plan the best time to visit and know what to expect.
Moulting (January–April)
Moulting is a critical phase that lasts around three weeks. Penguins shed their old feathers and grow fresh, shimmering blue plumage. During this time, they stay on land — often perched on rocks or tucked into burrows — as they cannot swim until their new feathers are fully developed.
⚠️ Note: Penguins with white feathers during this phase are often in poor health and unlikely to survive. It’s a sign of stress caused by the demanding moulting process. Sightings may be slightly reduced during January and February, as penguins prepare for moulting by feeding at sea.
Feeding Up (May–July)
From late autumn into winter, most penguins head out to sea for several weeks to feed intensively and gain weight before the breeding season. Their diet mainly consists of anchovies and pilchards, which are abundant in the waters around St Kilda.
💤 Fun fact: Penguins can nap while floating in the water — a clever adaptation for long feeding journeys. Sightings are lowest in May, June, and July, as many penguins are away from the colony.
Nesting & Breeding (June–November)
Some penguins begin building nests between the rocks as early as June or July, laying eggs about a month later. The peak breeding season runs from August to November, when the colony is most active. Timing is crucial — eggs laid too late may result in chicks that don’t survive the colder months. Once moulting begins, parents can no longer feed their young, making early breeding essential.
Chick Raising (August–March)
After an incubation period of 33–37 days, chicks are raised from August through March, though sightings in February are already rare. Parents forage daily for fish and return to feed their chicks in the nest. At 7–11 weeks, the chicks are ready to leave the colony and head out to sea. They’ll remain at sea for at least a year, often longer, before returning — if they survive the challenges of the open ocean.
📸 Tip: If you're hoping to see chicks, plan your visit for November or December, when the young are most visible near their burrows.
Why Stay in St Kilda?
St Kilda isn’t just about penguins — it’s the perfect base for exploring Melbourne. You’re close to the city centre, the beach, and the pier, all within walking distance. I recommend staying at least three nights to enjoy the area fully and catch the penguins at different times.
🛏️ Tip: Book your accommodation early, especially in peak season. By booking via my site, you're directly supporting independent travel writing. It allows me to keep publishing authentic, first-hand content at no cost to readers. Thank you!
My Tips for Melbourne
The Beach Boxes of Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is a popular site for good reason. The picturesque bathing boxes and the beach are awesome spots to relax and enjoy the sea and the sunset.
Everything you need to know in my Brighton Beach Boxes Guide.
Sweet Stops Near St Kilda Pier – Acland Street’s Famous Cake Shops
After watching the penguins waddle home at sunset, treat yourself to something sweet just 1 km from the pier — a 15-minute walk to Acland Street, Melbourne’s legendary cake and café strip. This area is known for its historic European-style bakeries, lush parks, and beachside charm.
One standout is Monarch Cakes, baking since the 1930s. Their rich chocolate Kugelhopf, made from a traditional Central European recipe, is a local favourite. Another must-try is the apple crumble from Le Bon Cake Shop, a top pick among visitors and locals alike.
🕗 Opening hours: Most cake shops are open daily from 8 am to 10 pm — perfect for an evening treat after your penguin encounter. Google Maps Location
Yarra Bend Park – Melbourne’s Wildest Sunset Show
Just a short drive from Melbourne’s city centre, Yarra Bend Park offers one of the city’s most unique and free wildlife experiences. Thousands of grey-headed flying foxes — Australia’s native fruit bats — roost in the riverside trees, hanging upside down in noisy, clustered colonies.
This is a permanent colony that swells to over 50,000 bats in summer, making it the largest in Victoria. During the day, they rest in the canopy. But as sunset approaches, they take to the sky in dramatic waves, soaring across Melbourne to forage for fruit and nectar. It’s a spectacular daily event and a must-see for nature lovers, photographers, and curious travelers.
📍 Want to know the best viewing spots and seasonal tips? Check out my dedicated article on Yarra Bend Park and the fruit bats for insider advice and conservation insights.
Grand Hotel Melbourne (fairly close)
This is my top tip if you want to stay in the real heart of Melbourne. You could walk to St. Kilda, although this takes over an hour. With public transport in less than 30 minutes Google Maps. Friends spent here an entire week. They told me the location can't be beaten! The accommodation is amazing, the staff accommodating and comfortable, spotless rooms. You can walk almost everywhere from here! It is Heritage listed and was formerly the Victorian Railways Administrative Office built-in 1893. In 1997 after a total renovation, it was transformed into the impressive 5-star Grand Hotel and Grand Central Apartments.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
St. Kilda breakwater became a Fairy Penguin colony in the 1970s. The rock breakwater was built for the Olympic Games in 1956. Now it is home to roughly 1.400 penguins, and the wild colony is still growing.
Most of the St. Kilda pier is fenced to protect the penguins; only a small part was accessible. Unfortunately, in March 2016, some were brutally attacked and left dead by young people. Volunteers and rangers were at St. Kilda each night to protect the penguins and to answer all visitor questions.
Protect the Penguins
- No flash photography
- No other flashlight, no smartphone light, red light only
- No selfie sticks near the rocks
- Do not get touch or feed the penguins
- No yelling, music or loud noise
- No dogs
- No littering
- No walking on the rocks
St Kilda Facts
- There are St Kilda Earthcare volunteers who will manage crowds and answer questions.
- St Kilda is one of only two penguin colonies on our planet located on a human-made structure.
- For the penguins, St Kilda breakwater is a substitute for an island, where they normally nest.
Earthcare of St Kilda was formed as a group of volunteers to protect this unique penguin colony. It would be a tremendous help to donate to the upkeep of the penguin team of St Kilda. The donation pole is on the left-hand side of the pier. It's opposite the far end of the kiosk.
Due to the repeated disturbance of the little penguins, the public viewing area was fenced since July 2017. You are still able to watch them. Please let these penguins live in their natural habitat. If they get always disturbed, they will disappear one day.
8 Fairy Penguin Facts
- Maximum size 40 cm and weight one kg.
- They live on average 6-7 years.
- Typically diving between 10-30 meters to catch small fish, squid, or krill.
- Some return year-round to their burrow, but most of them stay at sea in autumn and winter.
- In the breeding season, the parents share the 33-37 days period of egg incubation.
- After hatching, the parents leave their chick unguarded to catch fish during the day.
- When the chicks are about 5 weeks old, they wait outside the burrow to get fed at night.
- Another 2-3 weeks later, they will leave the nest and their parents forever to move to the sea.
About My Penguin Photos — And Why Credit Matters
All penguin photos in this guide were taken by me during my travels to Melbourne. I’ve spent time on-site, researched thoroughly, and regularly update this article with insights from my local friend Rik, who lives just around the corner from St Kilda Pier.
If you’d like to use any of my images, please contact me first. I’m happy to grant permission — but I expect to be asked and credited properly. Unfortunately, hundreds of my photos have been used worldwide without consent or attribution, and I’ve had to take action against image theft more than once.
Why mention this here? Because the internet has changed. Today, many fake travel websites rewrite authentic content using AI and publish stolen photos to appear legitimate. If you want to learn how to spot these sites and protect original creators, read my article: 👉
