Don't visit Melbourne without seeing penguins! Here's your complete viewing guide.

Surprise! You can see wild penguins right in Melbourne's city center, and it's completely free! Head to St Kilda Beach for an evening stroll, a stunning sunset, and the adorable penguin parade—all in one go! 🐧Where to see the St Kilda penguins? From around March to November, little penguins swim back from the sea each evening, waddling into their "homes" nestled among the rocks of the breakwater. You'll find them at the end of St Kilda Pier. Just follow the breakwater walkway to the end. There's a wooden boardwalk and fence, so you can easily see them up close without any climbing! 🚆Getting there: Take tram 96 directly from the city center. It's about a 10-minute walk to the pier. Penguin Spotting Guide 🕰️ Best viewing time: The 30 minutes after sunset is prime penguin-watching time (arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot). 🌅 Bonus activities: Enjoy the afternoon sunbathing or sipping coffee at St Kilda Beach, then stroll along the pier for the sunset and wait for the penguins to return. The perfect evening! 📸 Photography tips: No flash photography❌. Bring a red-light flashlight to protect the penguins' eyesight while still getting a good view! 🐧 Penguins are tinier than you might think! Adults are only about 30cm tall and incredibly cute. Watching them clumsily waddle back from the sea is guaranteed to brighten your year💙. ✅Handy tips for you: ✔️ It's free! But don't cross the fence or touch the penguins! ✔️ Dress warmly and be prepared for wind: It can get chilly by the sea in the evening, even in summer. ✔️ Check the sunset time in advance: Around 5:30 pm in winter and 8 pm in summer. Miss it, and you'll miss the penguins. 🐧For a more spectacular show, check out these spots: 🔹 Phillip Island One of Australia's best and most impressive penguin viewing locations! Every evening, hordes of little blue penguins return from their "day jobs" at sea, creating a heartwarming penguin parade🐧. There are official viewing platforms, boardwalks, telescopes, and guided tours. Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially for holidays! It's about a 2-hour drive from Melbourne, or you can join a tour. We highly recommend arriving before sunset to catch the beautiful seaside view. 🔹 Nobbies Centre Located on the western tip of Phillip Island, Nobbies Centre offers stunning ocean views and a relaxing boardwalk along the cliffs. While not the main penguin arrival spot, you can still see some penguins quietly climbing back along the rocks in the evening. It's a truly wild experience, and you can also spot seals on Seal Rocks—two animal encounters in one! 🔹 Mornington Peninsula Coast If you have time and prefer a less crowded experience, try your luck along the coastal trails of the Mornington Peninsula. There are no designated penguin viewing areas here; it's all about chance encounters. But that's what makes it so special. Sometimes, you'll see them quietly waddling up from the sea, giving you a glimpse into their everyday lives! St Kilda is perfect for a quick visit, allowing you to see penguins without sacrificing city exploration. Phillip Island offers a grand spectacle and a chance to explore the entire island. Nobbies Centre boasts breathtaking scenery, ideal for couples looking for picturesque photo opportunities. Wherever you go, remember no flash photography, no touching the penguins, and no crossing the barriers. These are wild creatures and deserve our respect! For more Melbourne tips, search "Melbourne Local Guide"~.