Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-02-06 20:15 - 21:45 (Australia/Melbourne)
Join us in counting little penguins in St Kilda and learn from dedicated volunteers all about the colony! As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two dedicated teams – each made up of five citizen scientists and one team leader. You will help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (group of penguins in the water) as they return home. This non-intrusive study is designed to collect valuable data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends over time. Your observations will directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm 12th January

What’s Involved:

Be part of a team of citizen scientists observing penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater and St Kilda Marina
Manually count penguin rafts as the penguins return home from feeding at sea
Help collect long-term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends
Contribute to the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Get the chance to see and learn about a unique colony of Little Penguins

Program details:

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with the season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater & RMYS Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Details:
Location: End of the last finger of the RMYS St Kilda Marina

You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader

Requirements:

No experience needed
Must be aged 18 years or older

Registrations open 5pm 12th January
REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-02-06 20:15 - 21:45
Join us in counting little penguins in St Kilda and learn from dedicated volunteers all about the colony! As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two dedicated teams – each made up of five citizen scientists and one team leader. You will help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (group of penguins in the water) as they return home. This non-intrusive study is designed to collect valuable data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends over time. Your observations will directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm 12th January

What’s Involved:

Be part of a team of citizen scientists observing penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater and St Kilda Marina
Manually count penguin rafts as the penguins return home from feeding at sea
Help collect long-term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends
Contribute to the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Get the chance to see and learn about a unique colony of Little Penguins

Program details:

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with the season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (if you have them).

Site details:
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

The breakwater is an uneven surface, so sturdy, closed toe shoes are essential
One of the highlights of this location is that, after the counts are done, you’ll walk back through the breakwater colony, experiencing the penguins up-close as they return to their burrows.

Requirements:

No experience needed
Must be aged 8 years or older (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Working with Children’s check (if over the age of 18)
To join this team you will need to create a Park Connect account and register for the relevant activity

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda and Park Connect are ESSENTIAL.
Registrations open 5pm 12th January
If you have any questions please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE

Breakwater Clean-Up
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a meaningful day of conservation as we help clean up the habitat of our beloved St Kilda Little Penguin colony!
Removing rubbish is crucial – plastic waste can be ingested by penguins causing serious health issues, while debris used in nest-building can prevent proper insulation, leaving eggs dangerously cold and wet.
========================================
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: ESSENTIAL – click the link below. No registration means no entry to the breakwater on the day. Once registered via the link you will receive a confirmation email that includes the exact meeting point, time, and other important information.
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞: All our events are free. If someone offers to sell you a ticket please decline and report.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫: Please wear enclosed non-slip footwear and dress according to the weather. It is often windy and cool on the breakwater.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐩r𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞: Gloves, vests and all cleaning equipment.
========================================
𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑢𝑏𝑏𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑟, 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑠. 𝑇𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑛, 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒.

Register HERE

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-02-09 20:15 - 21:45, 2026-02-11 20:15 - 21:45, 2026-02-13 20:15 - 21:45
Join us in counting little penguins in St Kilda and learn from dedicated volunteers all about the colony! As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two dedicated teams – each made up of five citizen scientists and one team leader. You will help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (group of penguins in the water) as they return home. This non-intrusive study is designed to collect valuable data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends over time. Your observations will directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm 19th January
What’s Involved:

Be part of a team of citizen scientists observing penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater and St Kilda Marina
Manually count penguin rafts as the penguins return home from feeding at sea
Help collect long-term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends
Contribute to the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Get the chance to see and learn about a unique colony of Little Penguins

Program details:

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with the season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (if you have them).

Site details:
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

The breakwater is an uneven surface, so sturdy, closed toe shoes are essential
One of the highlights of this location is that, after the counts are done, you’ll walk back through the breakwater colony, experiencing the penguins up-close as they return to their burrows.

Requirements:

No experience needed
Must be aged 8 years or older (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Working with Children’s check (if over the age of 18)
To join this team you will need to create a Park Connect account and register for the relevant activity

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda and Park Connect are ESSENTIAL.
Registrations open 5pm 19th January
If you have any questions please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-02-09 20:15 - 21:45, 2026-02-11 20:15 - 21:45, 2026-02-13 20:15 - 21:45
Join us in counting little penguins in St Kilda and learn from dedicated volunteers all about the colony! As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two dedicated teams – each made up of five citizen scientists and one team leader. You will help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (group of penguins in the water) as they return home. This non-intrusive study is designed to collect valuable data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends over time. Your observations will directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm 19th January
What’s Involved:

Be part of a team of citizen scientists observing penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater and St Kilda Marina
Manually count penguin rafts as the penguins return home from feeding at sea
Help collect long-term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends
Contribute to the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Get the chance to see and learn about a unique colony of Little Penguins

Program details:

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with the season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater & RMYS Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Details:
Location: End of the last finger of the RMYS St Kilda Marina

You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader

Requirements:

No experience needed
Must be aged 18 years or older

Registrations open 5pm 19th January
REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-02-16 20:05 - 21:30, 2026-02-18 20:05 - 21:30, 2026-02-20 20:05 - 21:30
Join us in counting little penguins in St Kilda and learn from dedicated volunteers all about the colony! As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two dedicated teams – each made up of five citizen scientists and one team leader. You will help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (group of penguins in the water) as they return home. This non-intrusive study is designed to collect valuable data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends over time. Your observations will directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm 26th January
What’s Involved:

Be part of a team of citizen scientists observing penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater and St Kilda Marina
Manually count penguin rafts as the penguins return home from feeding at sea
Help collect long-term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends
Contribute to the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Get the chance to see and learn about a unique colony of Little Penguins

Program details:

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with the season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater & RMYS Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Details:
Location: End of the last finger of the RMYS St Kilda Marina

You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader

Requirements:

No experience needed
Must be aged 18 years or older

Registrations open 5pm 26th January
REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-02-16 20:05 - 21:30, 2026-02-18 20:05 - 21:30, 2026-02-20 20:05 - 21:30
Join us in counting little penguins in St Kilda and learn from dedicated volunteers all about the colony! As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two dedicated teams – each made up of five citizen scientists and one team leader. You will help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (group of penguins in the water) as they return home. This non-intrusive study is designed to collect valuable data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends over time. Your observations will directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm 26th January

What’s Involved:

Be part of a team of citizen scientists observing penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater and St Kilda Marina
Manually count penguin rafts as the penguins return home from feeding at sea
Help collect long-term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends
Contribute to the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Get the chance to see and learn about a unique colony of Little Penguins

Program details:

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with the season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (if you have them).

Site details:
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

The breakwater is an uneven surface, so sturdy, closed toe shoes are essential
One of the highlights of this location is that, after the counts are done, you’ll walk back through the breakwater colony, experiencing the penguins up-close as they return to their burrows.

Requirements:

No experience needed
Must be aged 8 years or older (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Working with Children’s check (if over the age of 18)
To join this team you will need to create a Park Connect account and register for the relevant activity

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda and Park Connect are ESSENTIAL.
Registrations open 5pm 26th January
If you have any questions please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE

On-Beach Marine Conservation
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00
Brighton Beach BioBlitz – EarthCare St Kilda
Join us for a community BioBlitz at Brighton Beach! We’ll be spending time recording the plants, animals, and other wildlife we find along this stretch of coastline — and every observation counts.
Brighton Beach is one of the areas we’re committed to caring for long-term, so building a clear picture of what lives here is essential. These records will help us track changes over time and measure the real impact of our conservation work on the local environment.
No experience needed — just curiosity! Come along, explore the beach with us, and help us tell the story of Brighton Beach’s wildlife.
========================================
Program details:

Time: 10 – 12pm. A safety and project briefing will be given at 10, so please try to arrive on time!
Meeting spot: Brighton Beach, opposite Wellington St.
What’s provided: Dive bags if required, some dive flags available, safety briefing, tea and coffee. Unfortunately, we do not have snorkel kit to loan.
What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, water. If you plan to snorkel please bring your snorkel kit, wetsuit, etc.
Who: Everyone welcome, but under. Please check if the beach is a dog friendly beach before bringing your furry children.

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Adverse weather/water quality: Our snorkel events do not go ahead on days with high wind, rain, and/or when the EPA water quality for the event location is Poor. In the event of forecast adverse weather we will cancel the event via email, and make the announcement on social media 24hrs before the event.
REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-02-23 19:50 - 21:30, 2026-02-25 19:50 - 21:30, 2026-02-27 19:50 - 21:30
Join us in counting Little Penguins in St Kilda and learn from our dedicated volunteers about this unique colony!
As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two small teams – each made up of five participants and one team leader. You’ll help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (a group of penguins in the water) as they return home at sunset. This non‑intrusive study collects valuable long‑term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends. Your observations directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 2nd February

What’s Involved

Observe penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater
Manually count penguin rafts as they return from feeding at sea
Contribute to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Enjoy the chance to see and learn about these incredible birds up close

Program details

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).

Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

The St Kilda Breakwater has uneven and sometimes unstable surfaces, so sturdy, closed‑toe shoes with good grip are essential.
The area is exposed to wind and changing weather conditions, especially around sunset
During the return walk after the count, you will be walking through an active Little Penguin colony. This section of the breakwater is dimly lit, and you may encounter:

– Penguins crossing the path or resting beside the rocks
– Trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways
– Occasional wet or slippery patches from waves or penguin activity

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Working with Children’s check required for participants aged 18+
To join this team you will need to have/create a Park Connect account

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda and a Park Connect account are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
👉 REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-02-23 19:50 - 21:30
Join us in counting Little Penguins in St Kilda and learn from our dedicated volunteers about this unique colony!
As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two small teams – each made up of five participants and one team leader. You’ll help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (a group of penguins in the water) as they return home at sunset. This non‑intrusive study collects valuable long‑term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends. Your observations directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 2nd February

What’s Involved

Observe penguins from the RMYS Marina
Manually count penguin rafts as they return from feeding at sea
Contribute to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Enjoy the chance to see and learn about these incredible birds up close

Program details

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with season)
Where: RMYS Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).

Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
👉 REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-02-25 19:50 - 21:30, 2026-02-27 19:50 - 21:30
Join us in counting Little Penguins in St Kilda and learn from our dedicated volunteers about this unique colony!
As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two small teams – each made up of five participants and one team leader. You’ll help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (a group of penguins in the water) as they return home at sunset. This non‑intrusive study collects valuable long‑term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends. Your observations directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 2nd February

What’s Involved

Observe penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater
Manually count penguin rafts as they return from feeding at sea
Contribute to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Enjoy the chance to see and learn about these incredible birds up close

Program details

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with season)
Where: RMYS Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).

Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
👉 REGISTER HERE

Breakwater Clean-Up
2026-03-01 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a meaningful day of conservation as we help clean up the habitat of our beloved St Kilda Little Penguin colony!
Removing rubbish is crucial – plastic waste can be ingested by penguins causing serious health issues, while debris used in nest-building can prevent proper insulation, leaving chicks and eggs dangerously cold and wet.
========================================
Program details:

Time: 10 – 12pm
What’s provided: Gloves, Rubbish Bags & Litter Pickers
What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes, water bottle, and a hat

Requirements:

Registration is ESSENTIAL – no registration means no access to the breakwater on the day. Once registered via the link you will receive a confirmation email that includes the exact meeting point, time, and other important information.
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Working with Children’s check required for participants aged 18+
To join this team you will need to have/create a Park Connect account

All our events are free. If someone offers to sell you a ticket please decline and report.
========================================
𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑢𝑏𝑏𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑟, 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑠. 𝑇𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑛, 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒.
👉 REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-03-02 19:45 - 21:30, 2026-03-04 19:45 - 21:30, 2026-03-06 19:45 - 21:30
Join us in counting Little Penguins in St Kilda and learn from our dedicated volunteers about this unique colony!
As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two small teams – each made up of five participants and one team leader. You’ll help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (a group of penguins in the water) as they return home at sunset. This non‑intrusive study collects valuable long‑term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends. Your observations directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 16th February

What’s Involved

Observe penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater
Manually count penguin rafts as they return from feeding at sea
Contribute to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Enjoy the chance to see and learn about these incredible birds up close

Program details

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with season)
Where: St Kilda Breakwater
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).

Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

The St Kilda Breakwater has uneven and sometimes unstable surfaces, so sturdy, closed‑toe shoes with good grip are essential.
The area is exposed to wind and changing weather conditions, especially around sunset
During the return walk after the count, you will be walking through an active Little Penguin colony. This section of the breakwater is dimly lit, and you may encounter:

– Penguins crossing the path or resting beside the rocks
– Trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways
– Occasional wet or slippery patches from waves or penguin activity

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Working with Children’s check required for participants aged 18+
To join this team you will need to have/create a Park Connect account

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda and a Park Connect account are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
👉 REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-03-02 19:45 - 21:30, 2026-03-04 19:45 - 21:30, 2026-03-06 19:45 - 21:30
Join us in counting Little Penguins in St Kilda and learn from our dedicated volunteers about this unique colony!
As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two small teams – each made up of five participants and one team leader. You’ll help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (a group of penguins in the water) as they return home at sunset. This non‑intrusive study collects valuable long‑term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends. Your observations directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 16th February

What’s Involved

Observe penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater
Manually count penguin rafts as they return from feeding at sea
Contribute to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Enjoy the chance to see and learn about these incredible birds up close

Program details

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with season)
Where: RMYS Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).

Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
👉 REGISTER HERE

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-03-09 19:30 - 21:15
Join us in counting Little Penguins in St Kilda and learn from our dedicated volunteers about this unique colony!
As a citizen scientist, you’ll join one of two small teams – each made up of five participants and one team leader. You’ll help manually count the number of penguins in each raft (a group of penguins in the water) as they return home at sunset. This non‑intrusive study collects valuable long‑term data on penguin arrival patterns and population trends. Your observations directly contribute to protecting and understanding the Little Penguin colony in St Kilda.
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 23rd February

What’s Involved

Observe penguins from the St Kilda Breakwater
Manually count penguin rafts as they return from feeding at sea
Contribute to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony
Enjoy the chance to see and learn about these incredible birds up close

Program details

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Start Time: Begins 15 minutes before sunset (exact time varies with season)
Where: RMYS Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, water, binoculars (optional but helpful).

Site Information
Location: End of the St Kilda Breakwater

You’ll be stationed on a floating platform surrounded by water. The platform may move slightly due to its floating nature
From this position, you’ll get to watch the penguins swim in from the bay and make their way to the breakwater to nest.
You will also be able to spot penguins on the breakwater using a red light torch provided by your team leader

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
If you have any questions, please contact tia@earthcarestkilda.org.au
👉 REGISTER HERE
