St Kilda Marina Melbourne
Melbourne's premier marina offering boat services, waterfront dining, and a gateway to Port Phillip Bay, plus charming penguin encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance to see penguins
St Kilda Marina Melbourne
Best Time
Best chance to see penguins
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Melbourne's premier marina offering boat services, waterfront dining, and a gateway to Port Phillip Bay, plus charming penguin encounters.
"A premier docking place with a serene feel, close to vibrant streets and offering unique wildlife encounters."
🐧 Penguin Viewing Etiquette
Be quiet and patient at dusk for the best chance to see the little penguins on St Kilda Pier.
🌅 Sunset Strolls
The newly renovated St Kilda Pier is perfect for evening walks with beautiful bay panoramas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St Kilda Pier Penguins
St Kilda Pier
Witness adorable little penguins waddling ashore at dusk. A magical wildlife encounter right in the city!
Newly Renovated St Kilda Pier
St Kilda Pier
Enjoy stunning bay views and sunset vistas from the modern, reopened St Kilda Pier.
St Kilda Marina
St Kilda Marina
A premier docking facility with a serene atmosphere, offering boat services and waterfront dining.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Penguin Spotting & Pier Perks
Marina Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐧 Penguin Viewing Etiquette
Be quiet and patient at dusk for the best chance to see the little penguins on St Kilda Pier.
🌅 Sunset Strolls
The newly renovated St Kilda Pier is perfect for evening walks with beautiful bay panoramas.
⚓ Marina Services
St Kilda Marina offers boat storage, fuel, and is home to waterfront restaurants.
🛍️ Sunday Market Finds
Explore unique stalls and tasty eats at the St Kilda Market on the Upper Esplanade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐧 Penguin Viewing Etiquette
Be quiet and patient at dusk for the best chance to see the little penguins on St Kilda Pier.
🌅 Sunset Strolls
The newly renovated St Kilda Pier is perfect for evening walks with beautiful bay panoramas.
⚓ Marina Services
St Kilda Marina offers boat storage, fuel, and is home to waterfront restaurants.
🛍️ Sunday Market Finds
Explore unique stalls and tasty eats at the St Kilda Market on the Upper Esplanade.
🌊 Bay Swimming
Consider swimming from St Kilda to Elwood for a refreshing bay experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St Kilda Marina is praised for its premier docking facilities and convenient access to Port Phillip Bay, with many appreciating the serene atmosphere and waterfront dining options. Visitors enjoy the chance to see penguins at the nearby pier and the lively Sunday market. Some reviews note the area can be windy, and a few mention less desirable elements in certain parts of St Kilda.
"Lots of nice boats fairly windy on the day I went but still a nice spot to go for a walk."
Filming Australia
"This is StKilda Marina, a famous docking place for the wealthy. In close vicinity to Brighton, Elwood & Albert Park there is a serene feel to this area. They also have skydiving pickup point here & they land on grass up the road next to the beach. Riva restaurant is here & right next to a park, nice place to hang out"
Rob the Nomad
"St Kilda Marina
St Kilda Marina is Melbourne’s premier marina facility situated only eight kilometres from the thriving C.B.D and only a five minute stroll to cosmopolitan Acland and Fitzroy streets.
The marina is the only marina to boast instant water access, also offering the convenience of close to boat parking right in the hub of bustling St Kilda.
The marina offers a variety of services including Marina berthing and undercover dry storage, rack storage, trailer and jetski storage. St Kilda Marina offers 24 hour marina fuel and easy access to Port Phillip Bay.
St Kilda Marina also boasts two fantastic restaurants – Riviera Beachclub and The Great Provider."
Karin S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach St Kilda Marina from the Melbourne CBD by taking trams 16 or 96, which run frequently. Driving is also an option with parking available nearby.
Yes, St Kilda Marina is well-served by public transport. Trams 16 and 96 stop close by, making it convenient to access from the city.
There is parking available near St Kilda Marina, though it can get busy, especially on weekends.
While it's a bit of a walk, you can stroll from the Melbourne CBD to St Kilda Marina, enjoying the coastal path. It's approximately 8 kilometers.
The best way to reach St Kilda Pier is via tram 16 or 96. It's a short walk from the tram stop to the pier itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St Kilda Pier is free. You can walk along it and enjoy the views and wildlife spotting without any admission fee.
Visiting the public areas of St Kilda Marina is free. However, services like boat storage, berthing, and dining at the restaurants will incur costs.
St Kilda Pier is generally accessible at all hours, though it's most popular and safest to visit during daylight and early evening.
The St Kilda Sunday Market on the Upper Esplanade is free to enter. You only pay for any purchases you make from the stalls.
Yes, you can access the public areas of the marina, including the promenade and restaurants, even if you don't own a boat.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time to see the little penguins is at dusk, as they return to shore after a day of fishing. Patience is key!
At St Kilda Marina, you can enjoy waterfront dining, admire the boats, use the boat ramp, or simply take a scenic walk.
Absolutely! St Kilda Pier offers beautiful sunset views and a charming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for date nights.
The St Kilda Sunday Market features a variety of unique stalls selling crafts, food, and more, set against a beachside backdrop.
While generally safe, be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. Some TikToks mention areas with homeless individuals or drug use further from the main tourist spots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, St Kilda Marina is home to restaurants like Riviera Beachclub and The Great Provider. Nearby Acland Street also offers a wide array of dining options.
You can find various cuisines at the restaurants located at St Kilda Marina, often with waterfront views.
Beyond the marina restaurants, St Kilda offers diverse eateries, including fish and chips shops like Northern Soul Chip Shop, which are popular.
Yes, St Kilda is known for its cafes, and you can find excellent coffee and inventive pastries, particularly around Acland Street.
The St Kilda Sunday Market is a great place to find various tasty street food options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the boats, the marina architecture, and the sunset over Port Phillip Bay. The pier offers great vantage points.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing St Kilda Pier and the surrounding bay. Dusk is also magical for penguin shots.
Yes, you can photograph the penguins, but it's crucial to do so respectfully without flash or disturbing them.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check with local authorities and ensure you comply with CASA guidelines before flying.
Photography in St Kilda often focuses on the pier, the bay, street art, and the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of St Kilda Pier and its Penguins
Many visitors are drawn to the pier specifically for the penguin encounters. It's a reminder of the natural beauty that exists even within a bustling city. The pier's reopening after renovations has made it an even more appealing destination, blending modern aesthetics with natural wonders. It's a place where you can enjoy a peaceful walk, capture stunning photos, and witness a truly special natural phenomenon.
St Kilda Marina: A Hub for Boating and Beyond
Beyond its core boating services, St Kilda Marina is also a destination for dining and leisure. It hosts restaurants like Riviera Beachclub and The Great Provider, offering waterfront dining experiences. The marina's serene atmosphere, coupled with its proximity to vibrant areas like Acland and Fitzroy streets, makes it a pleasant place to visit, whether you're a boat owner or simply looking for a scenic spot by the water.
Exploring St Kilda's Vibrant Atmosphere
The area also boasts a rich culinary scene, from classic fish and chips at places like Northern Soul Chip Shop to inventive pastries and cakes found in the numerous cafes along Acland Street. While some visitors describe parts of St Kilda with a more gritty urban feel or even a 'brutal' winter vibe, the overall consensus points to a dynamic and engaging destination with plenty to offer, from wildlife encounters to bustling markets and diverse dining.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit