Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about the little penguins at St Kilda. For the full visitor guide, see penguin viewing at St Kilda Breakwater.
What kind of penguins live at St Kilda?
They’re little penguins (Eudyptula minor), the smallest penguin species in the world. Adults stand roughly 30cm tall and weigh about 1kg, and they used to be known as fairy penguins. Little penguins aren’t an Antarctic species: they live along the temperate coasts of southern Australia and New Zealand.
How many penguins live at St Kilda?
The colony numbers around 1,400 little penguins. It has grown a long way since around 100 individuals were identified on the breakwater in 1989.
Why are there penguins at St Kilda?
Nobody planned it. The St Kilda breakwater, a rubble-stone rock wall, was built in 1955 as part of an upgrade to St Kilda Pier. Penguins found that the gaps between the rocks made safe nest sites close to good fishing in Port Phillip Bay, and the first nesting at the breakwater was documented in 1974. Read the full story on our history page.
How can I see the St Kilda penguins?
From the viewing boardwalk at the end of St Kilda Pier, during free, ticketed evening sessions run by Phillip Island Nature Parks. There are two one-hour sessions each night, one at sunset and one after dark, and each is limited to 150 people. Bookings are essential, and the boardwalk closes each night after the sessions.
Is it free?
Yes. The viewing sessions are free, but you do need to book a ticket in advance.
What time do the penguins come ashore?
After sunset. The penguins spend the whole day feeding at sea and come back to the breakwater under cover of darkness. Sunset moves through the year and the session times move with it, so check the times for the night you want when you book.
When is the best time of year to visit?
The penguins come home every night, so you can visit year-round. Spring and early summer are the busiest time on the breakwater: eggs are laid from August to early November and chicks hatch between September and December. In summer, adults also moult for about two weeks, staying ashore without feeding until their new feathers grow in.
Can I take photos?
Yes, without flash. Flash photography, torches and other bright lights are prohibited because they disturb the penguins. Non-flash photos are fine, though the light is very low.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on St Kilda Pier on a lead, but dogs and cats are banned from the breakwater at all times. Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks. If you’re coming to a viewing session with an assistance dog, check with Phillip Island Nature Parks when you book.
Can I fish near the penguins?
Fishing is allowed on St Kilda Pier but banned on the breakwater. If you fish from the pier, take all your line, hooks and bait bags home, because lost line can entangle and kill penguins. Our entanglement guide shows what it does to them.
How do I get there?
Trams 12, 16 and 96 stop at St Kilda Pier and run from the Melbourne CBD. Parking is limited: there’s paid parking next to the St Kilda Sea Baths and along the main roads.
Is the viewing area accessible?
The rebuilt pier has a wider, disability-compliant walkway, and the penguins are watched from an elevated boardwalk, so there’s no need to climb onto the rocks. If you have specific access needs, mention them to Phillip Island Nature Parks when you book.
Who looks after the penguins?
Parks Victoria manages St Kilda Pier and the breakwater, and Phillip Island Nature Parks runs the public viewing sessions. The colony has been studied continuously since 1986, and volunteers still carry out population counts, weighing and banding.
What should I do if I find an injured or entangled penguin?
Don’t try to catch or handle it. Call the Zoos Victoria Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678. For other native wildlife, Wildlife Victoria’s 24/7 line is (03) 8400 7300. Our entanglement guide has more detail.
How can I help the colony?
Take your rubbish home, never use flash, keep dogs on a lead and off the breakwater, and pick up stray fishing line when it’s safe to. Our How Can I Help? page lists more ways to support the penguins.
