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Watch St Kilda’s penguins up close thanks to a new elevated boardwalk

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Prime viewing opportunities of these adorable birds are now possible thanks to a new elevated viewing platform.

We’d argue the best (and cutest) thing to do in Melbourne is go penguin spotting. No matter the weather, you can spot adorable little penguins every night on the shores of this coastal suburb, and now, you can view their playful selves for free from the newly upgraded Penguin Viewing Experience. 

a little penguin on the rocks at St Kilda
True to its name, the little penguin is the smallest penguin in the world.

Standing at just 30 centimetres tall, these sweet birds have lived on the St Kilda breakwater since the 1970s as the rocks created perfect nesting sites for them. The adorable penguin parade occurs each evening at sunset when a colony of around 1400 little penguins emerge from the ocean after a busy day of hunting and waddle up the rocks to feed their chicks the catch of the day. 

The natural phenomenon draws in kids, animal lovers and tourists alike, with the renovated 150-metre elevated boardwalk providing accessible, close-up views of the penguin colony as well as views across Port Phillip Bay. 

The new Penguin Viewing Experience boardwalk
The new boardwalk features warm lighting.

Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor shared her delight at the opening. “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."

The opening marks a major milestone in the Victorian Government’s $53 million St Kilda Pier upgrade, which includes the curved walkway, warm lighting that is penguin-friendly, tiered seating, revamped community spaces and upgraded amenities near the kiosk.

The new Penguin Viewing Experience boardwalk
The project is part of the Victorian Government’s $53 million St Kilda Pier upgrade.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos highlighted that the new experience is set to boost visitation to the city. “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."

We can confirm that the birds are well looked after, being protected by Earthcare St Kilda, a volunteer group working with Parks Victoria, and Penguin Rangers patrol. The colony was allowed time to adjust to the changes and get comfortable with the new experience before it was opened to the public.

Little penguins on the rocks at St Kilda
The birds are protected by Earthcare St Kilda

Earthcare St Kilda president Lana Austin shared their dedication to the well-being of the penguins. “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." 

There are two different one-hour viewing sessions for visitors: a dusk viewing to see the penguins return from the sea, and a nighttime viewing when the penguins are active and settling into their burrows. 

Each session is run by knowledgeable guides who know everything there is to know about little penguins and who can answer any questions you have. Visitors are encouraged to respect the penguins by avoiding flash photography and loud noises and to keep to designated viewing areas. Bookings are essential and can be made up to six months in advance.

Make an evening out of it by booking a table at one of St Kildas best restaurants. 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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Off-grid stays and farm-to-plate dining: discover the ultimate guide to Denmark, WA

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Trade early morning phone alarms and city chaos for bucolic serenity and gastronomic delights.

    Peaceful birdsong and coastal winds meet rolling green hills and turquoise waters; there’s no better place to start your day than in Western Australia’s Denmark. This picturesque coastal town, a 4.5-hour drive from Perth along the pristine Rainbow Coast, offers bucolic bliss in spades.

    A hidden retreat lies just a 10-minute drive from the town centre, inviting guests to slow down and connect with nature. At Heyscape Denmark, the ultimate refuge from the rat race and the perfect setting for a rural escape await.

    Whether it’s for a refreshing weekend away or a regenerative week-long sojourn, this idyllic pocket of the world will leave you feeling anew.

    Where to stay

    women on front deck at inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
    Make the most of outdoor baths. (Credit: Jarrad Seng)

    Located on the 880-acre Raintree Estate, Heyscape Denmark is an award-winning, off-grid cabin retreat ideal for anyone craving time in nature while also enjoying sustainable, luxury comfort. Just 15 are sensitively embedded in the rural environment, ensuring privacy and the perfect setting to switch off. Choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom or 4-person cabins. Four-legged friends can also join in on the fun with pet-friendly cabins available.

    inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
    Check in, to check out.

    The modern accommodations are well-appointed with queen beds dressed in lush linen and pillows; a bathroom with a warm shower, flushable toilet and botanical shampoo and conditioner; and an indoor kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee maker. Outside, find timber decks with seating to spot resident kangaroos from, Heston Blumenthal barbecues for whipping up delicious meals using local produce, and outdoor baths to soak up incredible nighttime skies – Denmark’s lack of light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping Great Southern Ocean, William Bay National Park and Karri tree views.

    Wellness is at the forefront of Heyscape Denmark with thoughtful touches including Note to Self prompts, gratitude cards and a botanical sleep spray ready to help you unwind. And for the ultimate weekend of R&R, two-bedroom cabins are fitted with saunas.

    Where to eat

    Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience
    Catch your own freshwater crayfish, then have a chef prepare it for you.

    The Great Southern region’s Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soils make for some of the most incredible produce in the world – and a stay at Heyscape Denmark lets you sample the very best of it. The estate farms over 200 black Angus cattle, marron – a freshwater crayfish endemic to the South-West of Western Australia –, hemp and French black truffle.

    Just steps from these cabins sits the estate’s paddock-to-plate restaurant, The Dam. Featuring lofty jarrah ceilings, polished concrete and expansive windows revealing calming dam views, it’s a stunning spot for lunch or dinner, alongside an outdoor playground to keep little ones happy and busy.

    Acclaimed chef Jason Jujnovich utilises ingredients from Raintree Estate’s regenerative farm in his hyper-local, Modern Australian menu. Seasonally changing dishes include the likes of wagyu beef lasagna and pistachio crumbed chicken cotoletta. Or join in for pizza night on a Friday, where the mushroom and truffle pizza is an easy winner.

    Meals are designed to be paired with sips from the property’s innovative Cannabis Botanical Distillery, which concocts house-made hemp spirits and seltzers using ingredients grown onsite. Taste unique drops such as the Sativa Gin with warm citrus and pepper notes and the Pineapple Passion seltzer.

    Another stand-out gastronomic offering is Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience, which lets you hand-catch freshwater crayfish from the property’s pristine dams and have them prepared and cooked to perfection for you by chefs. Those wanting to enjoy a meal from the comfort of their cabin can fire up the barbecue and grill their fresh catch or order a gourmet dinner box with mouthwatering wagyu steak and antipasti against golden peaceful sunset views.

    Things to do

    Lights Beach denmark western australia
    Spend a day enjoying the idyllic Lights Beach. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    There’s no shortage of things to do in Denmark, and basing yourself at Heyscape Denmark puts you within easy access to it all. Nature lovers are spoiled with unbeatable spots for swimming and snorkelling, plus coastal hiking trails at William Bay National Park – a protected coastal reserve with approximately 1734 hectares of stunning landscapes ready to be explored.

    Hire an e-bike from the property and cycle just 15 minutes to the unbelievably clear waters and white sands of Greens Pools, a naturally sheltered beach. Or the idyllic Lights Beach, which features three beaches, dunes, natural wading pool and scenic walking trails. Keen surfers should turn their attention to Ocean Beach with its world-class surf breaks.

    aerial Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
    Wander the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Stroll past towering Karri and giant Red Tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The 600-metre walkway rises 40 metres above the ancient forest floor and meanders through the hardwood trees, endemic exclusively to the Great Southern region.

    Denmark is also a haven for creatives, and Butter Factory Studios is a must-stop on any itinerary. The contemporary art gallery, working artist studio and gift shop are housed within a historic building where workshops and exhibitions support and showcase creators from the region.

    With the winning trifecta of delicious food, a pristine environment, and secluded accommodation, Denmark proves to be the ultimate destination for relaxation.

    Book your Denmark adventure today at heyscape.com.au.