Parks Victoria has reopened the St Kilda Pier Breakwater so that visitors can once again watch penguins on parade.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio said the Breakwater had been closed to visitors since last year but was now open for three scheduled viewings each evening as a tourist attraction under the eyes of roaming Penguin Rangers to ensure COVIDSafe arrangements.
“The St Kilda Pier Breakwater is home to up to 1,400 Little Penguins and has become one of Melbourne’s most popular tourist hotspots, previously drawing crowds of up to 3,000 people a night,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“The five new Penguin Rangers and three scheduled viewings, limited to 30 people per viewing based on current COVIDSafe arrangements, means the attraction can once again resume safely,” she said.
Ms D’Ambrosio said tours to see the penguin colony were free, but tickets must be pre-booked on the Parks Victoria website.
She said the Breakwater was originally built as a sailing harbour for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the colony of Little Penguins moved in once the athletes departed.
“I’m thrilled that St Kilda’s cutest residents will once again be open for visitors with the help of Parks Victoria rangers and Earthcare volunteers, they deserve an adoring (and respectful) audience,” she said.
Further information on the penguin parade, including how to book tickets, can be accessed at this PS News link.
