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Introduction
An icon of St Kilda beach and surrounding area is the historic St Kilda Pier and Kiosk. The pier was built in the 1850's and the kiosk originally known as Parer's Pavilion was built in 1904.
Following a fire that destroyed the original kiosk in September 2003, the existing kiosk was re-opened in March 2006. Using the original plans and with the help of features such as the iron lacework that survived the fire an accurate reconstruction was possible.
The pier offers stunning views of Port Philip Bay and the Melbourne skyline and is a popular destination for fishing, strolling and cycling. At the end of the pier is a breakwater and penguins can be found in this area.
There is also a ferry service to and from Williamstown and Southbank.
Opening hours for the kiosk is 8am until dusk daily.
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| Kiosk, St Kilda Pier - shortly after sunrise. Photo by Andrew Brown |
Special Photographic Features and Notes
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| Early morning view down the pier. Photo by Andew Brown |
As with most locations, early morning and evening provide the best conditions for photography and St Kilda pier offers year round opportunities from foggy winter mornings to warm summer evenings. The popularity of the pier also offers plenty of prospects for people shots.
The foreshore offers vantage points from either side of the pier down towards the kiosk, breakwater and marina. Heading down the pier, at about half way mark, you’ll find a couple of shelters which offer some great opportunities to frame your shots in a variety of ways. At the end of the pier is the kiosk.
Continue past the kiosk and along the breakwater for a short distance for panoramic views across the bay and watch the colour of the sky change with the setting sun.
The pier also branches off to the right here at the kiosk towards the marina and St Kilda harbour. From here you can look back to views of St Kilda and The Esplanade (and the rising sun in the morning) or through the yacht masts towards the city skyline.
The Esplanade (just over the nearby footbridge) offers a fantastic high vantage point to take in the pier, kiosk and its surrounds, particularly at sunset. Luna Park is just a short stroll further along The Esplanade for something different.
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| Kiosk at dusk with city skyline behind. Photo by Andrew Brown |
Night Photography
St Kilda Pier offers many opportunities for the low light and night photographer. Along the length of the pier are lamps offering selective lighting or collectively they will highlight the length and features of the pier. The kiosk itself is lit until after closing time. The illuminated Melbourne skyline can be seen from the pier as can the St Kilda foreshore including The Esplanade Hotel and Luna Park.
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| Shortly after sunset. St Kilda pier is a popular place on a warm summer evening. Photo by Andrew Brown |
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| Silhouette - Luna Park and Palais Theatre at sunrise. Photo by Andrew Brown |
Special Equipment
Sun hat and sun screen is a must. Carry a tripod for low light photography and multiple exposure shooting. A circular-polarizing filter for other times of the day would also be very useful.
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| Marina and city skyline. Photo by Andrew Brown |
Getting There
St Kilda is located about 5 Kms from Melbourne CBD. The pier is accessed from Pier Road which is at the end of Fitzroy Street near The Esplanade and Jacka Boulevard.
Take the Number 96 tram from the city, which travels down Fitzroy Street and around along The Esplanade.
Car parking is also available in the vicinity of the foreshore.
Brent Pearson
Invite as author
Another cracking guide Andrew
Brent