St Kilda Pier

St Kilda Pier is one of Melbourne's most beloved and recognisable landmarks, stretching out into Port Phillip Bay from the famous seaside suburb of St Kilda. A classic bayside promenade, it offers lovely views back to the city skyline and out across the water — a quintessential Melbourne spot for a stroll, especially at sunset.

The appeal goes beyond the views: the rocky breakwater at the end of the pier is home to a much-loved colony of little penguins, which return at dusk and can sometimes be spotted among the rocks — a genuinely special, free wildlife experience right by the city. With the historic kiosk, the beach and the St Kilda foreshore close by, it's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or evening.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 4,700 reviews, it's a firm favourite. The pier is free and open, but it gets busy at sunset and on warm weekends, and the penguins are wild animals best viewed responsibly — without lights or flash — so it's worth being mindful of the guidelines, and taking a jacket, as it can be breezy out over the bay.