Calmer waters at St Kilda Pier
Aerial view of St Kilda pier
Safe Transport Victoria has approved new waterway rules around St Kilda Pier to seek improved safety for swimmers and other water users. The updated rules realign the no‑boating zone to match the new pier layout and strengthen safety by prohibiting boating and personal water crafts (e.g. jet skis) use in front of the terraced seating area and underneath the pier, after community consultation in late 2025.
The changes introduce new rules in and around St Kilda Harbour and Pier, including:
- Updated 5-knot speed restriction zones in and around the harbour and adjacent waters
- Larger and clearer areas where boats and personal watercrafts (i.e. jet skis) are not allowed, particularly around the pier, marina and shoreline.
- Adjustments to align exclusion zones with the new pier and harbour configuration, supporting safer separation of vessels and swimmers
These updates are a positive step for one of Melbourne’s busiest waterfront destinations.
Map of changes at St Kilda Pier, Engage Victoria: Proposed waterway rule changes at St Kilda and Altona Piers | Engage Victoria
Council has strongly advocated for safety improvements at St Kilda Pier. Council have made a formal submission to the Victorian Government through its Engage Victoria process, written directly to the Minister for Environment and Outdoor Recreation, and undertaken media engagement to raise community concerns. Council has especially supported changes that keep high‑risk watercraft like jet skis further away from swimmers, responding to ongoing safety concerns near the shore.
This is a welcomed first step towards creating a safer St Kilda foreshore. Council has also called for the personal watercraft exclusion zone to be extended to 200 metres along the length of the foreshore to further protect vulnerable swimmers from the high-powered vessels. Council has especially supported changes that keep high‑risk watercraft like jet skis further away from swimmers, responding to ongoing incidents and safety concerns near the shore.
Overall, these measures aim to make the area safter and more enjoyable for all users of this highly frequented coastal area – locals and visitors alike. The updated zone aims to reduce potential conflicts and accidents between different water users and supports a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone visiting the pier and surrounding waters. Moving forward, greater State enforcement and licencing improvements for public safety will be an important factor to the success of the rule changes.
Next steps are now underway. Parks Victoria are installing new permanent signage to clearly mark the updated zones. Boating zone maps and new vessel operating and zoning rules will be updated to reflect the changes.