Every evening when the sun sinks low on the horizon and its rays bounce off the sea's surface to cast a thousand sparkles across your vision, an event little known to many Melbourians takes place at the end of the
St Kilda Pier. It's a mixed affair; here you'll find penguin suits congregating amongst parkers and warm jumpers, as the
little penguin colony or Eudyptula Minor come home to nest.
In regards to the weather, I would love to say it is this canvas that you will stroll into as you make your way along the length of the famous heritage listed Pier and around the restaurant to the man made water break. Realistically it's Melbourne and the old saying 'four seasons in one day' hasn't been coined for nothing. Visit the
Bureau of Meteorology for an up to date weather report. At the breakwater, walk along the gravel and then descend down the wooden stairs with other tourists to watch the nightly penguin parade.
These penguins are cute – for starters, they are the smallest in the world. Seeing them come out of the sea and toddle onto dry land, makes for hums of 'ohhhhs' and 'arrrrs' to softly and
quickly ripple across the small crowds that gather, followed by the sound of cameras clicking. You can be certain to see a penguin or two with nearly 100 penguins calling the breakwater home.
Important
Parks and wildlife ask visitors to respect the penguins and their nests by refraining from using camera flashes or bringing glass onto the wooden platform. Interferences from humans is one of the top three risks to these protected species. So let's enjoy them now and for the future.
Walking back along the pier to the St Kilda foreshore, another great photo opportunity awaits as the city becomes a giant land of twinkling lights.
Make an evening of it
Arriving a little earlier or staying later? St Kilda has a lot to offer in way of walks, running and bicycle paths along the foreshore,
restaurants, parks,
bars, a
weekend market and a
fun park. You can also do a spot of fishing off the pier.
Tip: Search under 'St Kilda' in
Weekend Notes for ideas.
For more information and interesting little penguin facts head to
Park Notes St Kilda Pier ,
Parks Victoria or contact 13 19 63.
Take: As well as your camera, a warm jacket as it can be pretty breezy out on the breakwater any time of year.
How to get there: Refer to
Parks Victoria for directions and tram numbers.
