After a couple of years of construction, the popular St Kilda Pier has reopened to the public. The 450-metre-long pier now has a safer and more accessible space for the public, as well as improved views of St Kilda and the Melbourne skyline. This $53 million makeover includes a new curved walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets and a new community space near the St Kilda Pier Kiosk. It also offers better protection for the beloved Little Penguins.
While the pier is now open, demolition of the old pier is also underway. There might be some temporary works or detours around the area, particularly if you’re walking along Bay Trail. The removal of the old pier is expected to take up to six months. Meanwhile, the St Kilda Kiosk and penguin viewing area will reopen shortly.
St Kilda Pier
This iconic part of Melbourne dates all the way back to the mid 1800s, when it was an early working jetty. Take a stroll along the curved walkway, watch the boats bobbing on the glistening water and enjoy fabulous views of the city skyline.
The heritage kiosk has been carefully maintained, and is expected to welcome a new operator in the near future.
On the foreshore, you’ll find a new low landing, which will make it easier for ferry and tour operators to welcome passengers. Set sail on the St Kilda Ferry and travel to Port Melbourne or Williamstown, or embark on a sunset penguin cruise.
What about the little penguins?
The St Kilda Breakwater is home to a colony of Little Penguins, and is the closest place for you to see wild penguins near the CBD. Roughly 1400 penguins call this corner of Melbourne home. At the moment the Breakwater and the penguin viewing area are closed as part of the redevelopment. If you are lucky enough to see a penguin, please keep a respectful distance of at least three metres. Don’t feed them, touch them or use flash photography in front of them.
There’s no word yet on when the penguin viewing area will open. Keep an eye here for updates.
If you’d like to read and learn more about the redevelopment process, click here.