Victorian families and visitors will enjoy a free and up-close experience with Melbourne's iconic little penguins from the new purpose-built viewing platform on St Kilda Pier, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopolous today opened bookings for the free Penguin Viewing Experience on St Kilda Pier which will be open for visitors from 29 October.
The experience will be run by Phillip Island Nature Parks and with its decades of penguin conservation efforts, they will be able to guide and educate visitors about the penguin colony while ensuring the penguin's wellbeing.
The experience will feature a 150-metre elevated platform with accessible entry, seating and prime views over the penguin colony.
Volunteer group Earthcare St Kilda, which has helped keep the colony safe for more than 30 years, will continue to play a role in the penguin experience by helping look after the health and wellbeing of the penguins.
The viewing experience opens after a settling-in period for the colony, giving the penguins time to adjust to activity on the new pier following a long break from visitors.
The experience will be free, but online bookings will be essential to avoid missing out during busy seasons like spring and summer.
The St Kilda Pier upgrade was delivered thanks to a $53 million investment from the Labor Government, which includes a curved walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and community space near the St Kilda Pier Kiosk.
For more information and to book your ticket to see the St Kilda penguins, visit penguins.org.au.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"The free penguin experience at St Kilda will bring families up close to these iconic animals and draw in thousands of visitors to our city each year."
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
"We are thrilled to welcome back family and friends to visit our penguin colony right in the heart of St Kilda. It provides a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Melbourne."
As stated by Phillip Island Nature Parks CEO Catherine Basterfield
"Penguin protection is at the core of what we do on Phillip Island, and we're excited to extend our experience to the St Kilda Penguin colony."
As stated by Earthcare St Kilda president Lana Austin
"Earthcare St Kilda has been watching over this special colony of little penguins for almost 40 years, and we're thrilled to be able to carry on that legacy and share the joy they bring to people from around the world."
