Waddle this way, Melbourne. After a long hiatus and a multimillion-dollar pier makeover, St Kilda’s most adorable residents are ready for their close-up – and for the first time, visitors can enjoy the experience from a brand new, purpose-built viewing platform, completely free of charge.
From Wednesday, October 29, you will be able to book in for the new Penguin Viewing Experience at St Kilda Pier, getting a front-row seat to the nightly parade of Melbourne’s much-loved little penguins. The experience marks a major milestone in the Victorian Government’s $53 million St Kilda Pier upgrade, which also delivered a striking new curved walkway, extra seating, upgraded facilities and a revamped community space near the iconic St Kilda Pier Kiosk.
Run by the team behind Phillip Island Nature Parks, the world-renowned conservation group with decades of penguin-protecting experience, the new set-up blends education, sustainability and a heavy dose of cuteness. Visitors to the pier will get the opportunity to stroll along a 150-metre elevated platform, complete with accessible entry points, shaded seating and panoramic views over the penguin colony’s rocky home. Trained rangers and volunteers will be on hand to share insights into the colony’s behaviour and the broader conservation efforts keeping these adorable locals safe.
Volunteer group Earthcare St Kilda – who’ve been keeping careful watch over the colony for almost four decades – will continue their role, helping ensure the penguins’ wellbeing while visitors enjoy the show. “We’re thrilled to be able to carry on that legacy and share the joy they bring to people from around the world,” says Earthcare St Kilda president Lana Austin.
After a much-needed settling-in period (the penguins have had the pier to themselves during construction), the new experience will let humans back in on the action – in a way that’s sustainable, educational and penguin-friendly. Bookings are essential, particularly during busy months like spring and summer, but the experience itself is completely free.
“This free penguin experience will bring families up close to these iconic animals and draw in thousands of visitors to our city each year,” says Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos. Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor adds: “It provides a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Melbourne.”
The Penguin Viewing Experience at St Kilda Pier opens on Wednesday, October 29. Tickets have already sold out until March, but cancellations are expected, so it's worth keeping an eye on the website. You can learn more and book over here.
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