
St Kilda Sea Baths
Oceanfront complex with a heated saltwater pool, spa, and restaurants, offering stunning bay views and penguin encounters nearby.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Penguin viewing magic

St Kilda Sea Baths
Best Time
Penguin viewing magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oceanfront complex with a heated saltwater pool, spa, and restaurants, offering stunning bay views and penguin encounters nearby.
"Swim in the sea, see penguins, and enjoy great food with breathtaking bay views."

🐧 Penguin Viewing Tips
Arrive before sunset for best penguin sightings on St Kilda Pier. Bring warm clothes!
🏊♀️ Saltwater Swim Experience
Enjoy the unique heated saltwater pool with bay views. Great for a relaxing swim.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St Kilda Pier Penguins
St Kilda Pier
Witness adorable penguins waddling home at sunset. A magical wildlife encounter with city skyline views.
Heated Saltwater Pool
St Kilda Sea Baths
Swim in a 25-meter heated saltwater pool directly from the sea, offering stunning bay vistas.
Captain Baxter's Brunch Club
Captain Baxter, St Kilda Sea Baths
Indulge in a bottomless brunch with share plates and cocktails against a beachside backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Penguin Spotting
Pool Access & Value Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐧 Penguin Viewing Tips
Arrive before sunset for best penguin sightings on St Kilda Pier. Bring warm clothes!
🏊♀️ Saltwater Swim Experience
Enjoy the unique heated saltwater pool with bay views. Great for a relaxing swim.
🍽️ Brunch with a View
Captain Baxter offers a popular bottomless brunch with stunning seaside vistas. Book ahead!
🧘♀️ Rooftop Yoga
Join community yoga sessions on the rooftop for a unique wellness experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐧 Penguin Viewing Tips
Arrive before sunset for best penguin sightings on St Kilda Pier. Bring warm clothes!
🏊♀️ Saltwater Swim Experience
Enjoy the unique heated saltwater pool with bay views. Great for a relaxing swim.
🍽️ Brunch with a View
Captain Baxter offers a popular bottomless brunch with stunning seaside vistas. Book ahead!
🧘♀️ Rooftop Yoga
Join community yoga sessions on the rooftop for a unique wellness experience.
⚠️ Lost Property Caution
Be mindful of personal items; lost suits were reportedly discarded by cleaning staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique heated saltwater pool and magnificent bay views at St Kilda Sea Baths. The adjacent pier is a hit for penguin spotting at sunset. However, some find the entry price steep compared to other facilities, and caution is advised regarding lost personal items.
"St Kilda Sea Baths is a unique swimming pool where you can experience the pleasure of bathing in salt water that has been derived directly from the sea and heated to a soothing temperature - Right by the ocean! They have a heated 25-meter seawater pool, hydrotherapy spa pool, unisex aromatherapy steam room and a lounge area offering magnificent views of the bay. - Hamish John Appleby // APPLEBY PHOTOGRAPHY"
Hamish John Appleby
"Went to watch the Tiny penguins come home for the night from the pier. Very good viewing platform newly opened. Arrive before sunset, but don't be surprised if your phone camera doesn't do what you see justice. Bring something warm to wear after summer. It gets chilly. Great views over the Melbourne city skyline."
Dave Pinniger
"Lovely pool. Both me and my partner lost suits there and couldn’t recover them the next day. Turns out the cleaning staff just throw them out. Be careful not to leave anything behind!"
Laura Nicholson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Kilda Sea Baths are easily accessible by public transport. Tram routes 16 and 96 stop nearby. Driving is also an option, with parking available at the adjacent car park, though it can be busy.
Yes, there is an adjacent car park. However, it can get crowded, especially during peak times and events. Consider public transport or ride-sharing if possible.
Absolutely! St Kilda is a popular cycling and walking destination. There are paths along the foreshore, and you can cycle from other parts of Melbourne.
Taking Tram 16 or 96 from the Melbourne CBD is a direct and convenient way to reach St Kilda Sea Baths. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
For a scenic approach, consider cycling or walking along the bayside path from areas like Elwood or Brighton. The views of the bay and city skyline are beautiful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially for different facilities like the pool, spa, and restaurants. It's best to check the official St Kilda Sea Baths website for the most up-to-date information on hours for each area.
Entry prices can vary. While some reviews mention it's 'not cheap' and 'more than double' other facilities, they offer a unique saltwater experience. Check their website for current admission fees and any multi-pass options.
For general pool entry, booking in advance might not always be necessary, but it's recommended during busy periods or for specific events. For popular dining options like Captain Baxter's brunch, advance booking is highly advised.
Multi-pass swims are sometimes offered, which can be cost-effective for frequent visitors. However, be aware of potential expiry dates on these passes.
Entry typically includes access to the heated 25-meter seawater pool. Additional facilities like the hydrotherapy spa, steam room, and lounge areas may have separate charges or be part of specific packages.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the heated saltwater pool, relax in the hydrotherapy spa and steam room, enjoy bay views from the lounge, and dine at the onsite restaurants. The nearby pier is also popular for penguin viewing.
Yes, the 25-meter seawater pool at St Kilda Sea Baths is heated to a comfortable temperature, making it enjoyable for swimming year-round.
While not directly at the baths, the St Kilda Pier, adjacent to the Sea Baths, is a well-known spot to see Little Penguins returning at sunset.
Yes, South Pacific Health Club at the Sea Baths offers various classes, and community yoga sessions are held on the rooftop.
The Sea Baths offer magnificent views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne city skyline, especially from the lounge areas and rooftop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Captain Baxter is a popular restaurant and bar within the complex, known for its bottomless brunch and Italian pizzas, offering great sunset views.
Captain Baxter is a popular venue for events, including music events and exclusive lunches, often featuring DJs and a vibrant atmosphere.
While Captain Baxter offers full dining, other cafes and eateries are available in the wider St Kilda area for casual coffee and snacks.
Captain Baxter's share-style brunch menu often includes a variety of dishes that can cater to different dietary needs, but it's best to inquire directly about specific vegetarian or vegan options.
The restaurants, particularly Captain Baxter, offer a dynamic atmosphere with beachside views, making them ideal for enjoying sunsets and lively weekend events.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the bay, the Melbourne skyline, the pier, and the penguins at sunset. The architecture of the Sea Baths themselves also makes for interesting photos.
Yes, you can photograph the penguins on St Kilda Pier. However, be aware that phone cameras might not capture the detail as well as you'd hope, and it's best to focus on the experience.
Bioluminescent algae have been spotted in St Kilda waters, offering a rare and magical photography opportunity. Check local conditions and be prepared for low-light photography.
Sunset is ideal for capturing the penguins and the city skyline. Golden hour light also enhances the beauty of the bay and the Sea Baths architecture.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, for commercial photography or drone usage, specific permits and permissions may be required. Always check signage and local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Sea Baths themselves are more geared towards adults and fitness, the wider St Kilda foreshore offers playgrounds and open spaces for kids to run around. Dining options like Captain Baxter can accommodate families, though it's worth checking their menu for kid-friendly choices. Remember to bring warm clothing for the pier visit, especially after dark.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, you can still enjoy the St Kilda area on a budget. Walking along the beach, exploring St Kilda Pier to see the penguins (free!), and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Esplanade are all excellent, cost-free activities. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the bay instead of dining at the more upscale restaurants.
couples
For a special date, consider booking Captain Baxter's bottomless brunch, which combines delicious food, free-flowing cocktails, and a picturesque beachside backdrop. Enjoying the sunset from the restaurant or the pier after a relaxing swim can create a memorable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Evolution of St Kilda Sea Baths
The baths have always been a place for recreation and wellness. From early public bathing to the modern facilities offering spa treatments and fitness classes, the core purpose of providing a refreshing and rejuvenating experience by the sea remains. The integration of a heated saltwater pool directly sourced from the ocean is a key feature that connects the modern baths to their historical roots.
Today, the St Kilda Sea Baths complex is more than just a swimming pool; it's a vibrant hub that includes dining, fitness, and wellness services. It continues to be a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a unique seaside experience, blending historical significance with contemporary amenities.
Wildlife Encounters: Penguins and Bioluminescence
Beyond the penguins, St Kilda has occasionally been graced by the magical phenomenon of bioluminescent algae. These microscopic organisms can light up the water with an ethereal glow, creating a truly breathtaking sight. While sightings are not guaranteed and depend on specific environmental conditions, they offer a rare and unforgettable natural display for those lucky enough to witness it.
When visiting for wildlife viewing, it's crucial to be respectful of the animals and their habitat. Maintain a safe distance, avoid using flash photography, and follow any guidelines provided by local authorities or park rangers to ensure the well-being of the wildlife.
Fitness and Wellness at the Baths
Beyond traditional gym activities, the Sea Baths also host unique wellness events. Rooftop yoga sessions offer a serene environment to practice, with stunning bay views enhancing the experience. These classes foster a sense of community and well-being, making the Sea Baths a holistic destination for health-conscious visitors.
For those seeking relaxation and recovery, the hydrotherapy spa pool and aromatherapy steam room provide therapeutic benefits. These facilities are designed to soothe muscles, reduce stress, and promote overall relaxation, complementing the active pursuits available at the baths.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit