More than a million people have already made their way to the new St Kilda Pier, turning the redeveloped waterfront into one of Melbourne’s busiest public attractions within months of reopening.
Since opening in December 2024, more than 1.2 million locals and tourists have visited the pier, with an average of about 95,000 people each month. March 2025 proved the busiest period so far, underlining the pier’s rapid return to prominence as a place for recreation, sightseeing and tourism.
The milestone was marked this week by Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos, who pointed to the pier’s appeal for families and visitors keen to experience the bay and its wildlife.
“It is great to get families up close to see the penguins in their habitat and draw in thousands of visitors to this iconic part of our city each year,” he said.
At 450 metres long, the St Kilda Pier redevelopment stands among the largest pier upgrades undertaken in Victoria. The design includes a curved walkway, tiered seating and open sightlines across Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline, features that have helped make it a popular destination for walkers and visitors looking for uninterrupted views.
The project also delivered a new community space near the heritage-listed St Kilda Pier Kiosk, along with a low landing at the foreshore to support the continued operation of ferry and tour services. These elements were intended to balance public access with the needs of operators who rely on the pier for daily activity.
A key drawcard has been the purpose-built penguin viewing platform, which offers free access to observe Melbourne’s little penguins in their natural habitat. Since opening in October 2025, more than 16,000 people have visited the platform. The elevated 150-metre walkway provides accessible entry, seating and clear views of the colony, while online bookings are required during busy periods to manage demand.
Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne said the scale and design of the redevelopment had played a central role in attracting such strong visitor numbers.
A key drawcard has been the purpose-built penguin viewing platform, which offers free access to observe Melbourne’s little penguins in their natural habitat
“We’ve delivered one of the biggest pier redevelopments in Victoria’s history at St Kilda. It’s attracted locals and tourists to this beautiful part of the city through its unique architectural design, and gorgeous city views,” she said.
The St Kilda project forms part of a broader investment of more than $150 million by the Labor Government in piers and jetties across Victoria. Recent works have included rebuilding and critical upgrades at Dromana, Mornington, Flinders and St Leonards, aimed at maintaining ageing infrastructure while supporting coastal communities.
Local ports and piers are estimated to contribute more than $900 million each year to Victoria’s economy through tourism, marine activity and industries such as commercial fishing, supporting jobs and businesses along the coast.
For the Albert Park electorate, the pier’s renewed popularity has had a direct impact on local trade and foot traffic. Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor said the visitor milestone reflected the pier’s enduring place in Melbourne life.
“It’s no surprise St Kilda pier has reached this milestone—cementing it as one of Melbourne’s most treasured landmarks,” she said.
“The pier has made St Kilda an even more attractive destination for visitors from across the state, nation and overseas. It’s also brought about so much more for our local businesses.”
As warmer months approach again, the steady flow of visitors suggests the St Kilda Pier has quickly re-established itself as a focal point for the city’s waterfront, blending public space, tourism and everyday use in a way that continues to draw people back to the bay.
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