Earthcare St Kilda

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-07-17 17:10 - 18:50 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the St Kilda Breakwater as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

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 trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways.

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Parks Victoria for providing access to the breakwater, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on Parks Victoria land, we are required to share your registration details with Parks Victoria after the event to meet their insurance and land‑access requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 29th June
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

On-Beach Marine Conservation Event
2026-07-18 12:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Brighton Beach opposite surf lifesaving club (norther end of bathing boxes)
This collaborative event with Ecocentre and Earthcare will investigate the diversity of molluscs by conducting a shoreline shell survey and will include discussion of the returning northern pacific seastars (NPS) and their potential impact on these intertidal communities.
What are Northern Pacific Seastars?
First reported in 1995 by a fisherman in Pont Cook, the Northern Pacific Seastar was thought to have originated in Japan, travelling to Port Phillip Bay via ballast water. They are a declared pest species in Victoria.Though a short lived species, a female NPS can produce up to 20 million eggs, making them a very rapid breeding speceis that can easily displace native species. They are voracious general predators, feeding on molluscs, crabs, barnacles, ascidians, sea squirts and algae. This, along with their mobility and tendency to swarm increases the risk of them displacing and overwhelming native populations.We will discuss the biology of Northern Pacific Seastars, how to tell the difference between them and our native species and how removal events can have a positive impact.Open to citizen scientists of all ages!

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-07-20 17:10 - 19:10, 2026-07-22 17:10 - 19:10, 2026-07-24 17:10 - 19:10 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Information
Location: End of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 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 an excellent view of the penguins in the water as they 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

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron for providing access to the marina, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on RMYS property, your registration details may be shared with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in the event of an emergency or incident to confirm who accessed their site.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 6th July
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-07-20 17:10 - 19:10, 2026-07-22 17:10 - 19:10, 2026-07-24 17:10 - 19:10 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the St Kilda Breakwater as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

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 trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways.

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Parks Victoria for providing access to the breakwater, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on Parks Victoria land, we are required to share your registration details with Parks Victoria after the event to meet their insurance and land‑access requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
Bird Flu Protocols
In response to recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, we are introducing additional biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread during our events. It is a requirement that all participants on the breakwater team adhere to these protocols. If you would like a copy of these protocols prior to your session, please email research@earthcarestkilda.org.au.
As a part of these measures, if any dead wildlife is observed on the breakwater, the session will be immediately cancelled. Additionally, if H5 bird flu is detected in Victoria, we will immediately suspend all citizen‑scientist participation on the Breakwater Team.

REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, 6th July
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

National Tree Day - Albert Park
2026-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
Join Earthcare and Ecocentre for Community Planting Days 2026 – National Tree Day!
When: Sunday 26th July starting at 10am
Where: Canterbury Road Urban Forest, at the intersection of Wright St and Canterbury Rd, just near Melbourne Sports Aquatic Centre tram stop. An exact location will be included in your confirmation email
What to bring: water, enclosed footwear, weather-appropriate clothes
Who: Everyone welcome! Families, children, and good doggos on leads all welcome.
Come together and help us make a lasting difference — one native plant at a time 🌿
Earthcare and Ecocentre are hosting six community planting days in winter 2026. We’re inviting the local community to join us, roll up their sleeves and plant native plants that will provide habitat for native animals, help keep our cities cooler, and beautify our local area.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or have never held a shovel, all are welcome — just bring your enthusiasm and we’ll take care of the rest. Let’s grow something beautiful, together 🌱
Register HERE

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-07-27 17:15 - 19:15, 2026-07-29 17:15 - 19:15 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the St Kilda Breakwater as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

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 trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways.

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Parks Victoria for providing access to the breakwater, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on Parks Victoria land, we are required to share your registration details with Parks Victoria after the event to meet their insurance and land‑access requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
Bird Flu Protocols
In response to recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, we are introducing additional biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread during our events. It is a requirement that all participants on the breakwater team adhere to these protocols. If you would like a copy of these protocols prior to your session, please email research@earthcarestkilda.org.au.
As a part of these measures, if any dead wildlife is observed on the breakwater, the session will be immediately cancelled. Additionally, if H5 bird flu is detected in Victoria, we will immediately suspend all citizen‑scientist participation on the Breakwater Team.

REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, Monday 13th July
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-07-27 17:15 - 19:15, 2026-07-29 17:15 - 19:15, 2026-07-31 17:15 - 19:15 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Information
Location: End of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 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 an excellent view of the penguins in the water as they 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

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron for providing access to the marina, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on RMYS property, your registration details may be shared with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in the event of an emergency or incident to confirm who accessed their site.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm, Monday 13th July
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-07-31 17:15 - 19:15, 2026-08-14 17:20 - 19:20 (Australia/Sydney)
ALL BREAKWATER TEAM ACTIVITIES CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
H5 bird flu is a highly contagious virus that affects wild birds, particularly seabirds and waterfowl. While the risk to human health is very low, people can unintentionally move the virus between wildlife populations through contact with bird faeces or other contaminated materials. To reduce the risk of spreading the disease between penguins and other seabirds, we’ve made the decision to immediately suspend citizen scientist participation on the breakwater team, until further notice.

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
What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the St Kilda Breakwater as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

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 trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways.

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Parks Victoria for providing access to the breakwater, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on Parks Victoria land, we are required to share your registration details with Parks Victoria after the event to meet their insurance and land‑access requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
Bird Flu Protocols
In response to recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, we are introducing additional biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread during our events. It is a requirement that all participants on the breakwater team adhere to these protocols. If you would like a copy of these protocols prior to your session, please email research@earthcarestkilda.org.au.
As a part of these measures, if any dead wildlife is observed on the breakwater, the session will be immediately cancelled. Additionally, if H5 bird flu is detected in Victoria, we will immediately suspend all citizen‑scientist participation on the Breakwater Team.

Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Northern Pacific Seastar Event - Mentone
2026-08-01 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney)
REGISTER HERE
The Northern Pacific Seastars (NPS) are back in the shallows, and we are ready ⭐️
Join us for a hands-on event tackling one of Port Phillip Bay’s most persistent marine pests.
WHAT ARE NORTHERN PACIFIC SEASTARS?
The Northern Pacific Seastar is one of the most significant marine pests in Port Phillip Bay, where it threatens native biodiversity and shellfish populations. Capable of producing up to 20 million eggs each breeding season, it spreads rapidly and feeds on a wide range of molluscs, crabs, barnacles, sea squirts, and other marine invertebrates. Its high reproductive rate, broad diet and tendency to form dense populations allow it to outcompete native species and alter the bay’s marine ecosystems.
HOW WE HELP:
Earthcare volunteers regularly remove Northern Pacific Seastars from sites along the eastern shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, from Port Melbourne to Mornington. Volunteers work in water and land teams to locate, remove and dispose of seastars, reducing local populations and limiting their impact on the bay’s marine ecosystems. When NPS numbers are low in the bay, our marine volunteers pivot to other tasks such as Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp) clean-ups and general marine litter removal.
If you would like to receive regular updates on our marine conservation events, become a member and join our Facebook community.
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Saturday 1 August from 10am-12pm
Where: Mentone Beach in front of the Mentone Surf Life Saving Club, Beach Road (opposite Kitchener Street). Just look for our blue flags!!
Who: Open to citizen scientists of all ages! Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What to bring:

snorkel crew (snorkel gear + appropriate wetsuit)
dive crew (all dive gear + Open Water Qual (at a minimum))
beach crew (water + everything you need to be sunsmart)

REGISTER HERE

Breakwater Clean-Up
2026-08-02 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
ALL BREAKWATER CLEANUP ACTIVITIES CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
H5 bird flu is a highly contagious virus that affects wild birds, particularly seabirds and waterfowl. While the risk to human health is very low, people can unintentionally move the virus between wildlife populations through contact with bird faeces or other contaminated materials. To reduce the risk of spreading the disease between penguins and other seabirds, we’ve made the decision to immediately suspend all breakwater cleanup activities, until further notice.
If you would like to still be involved we will be running Beach Clean Up activities instead. You can register for this Sunday’s beach clean up HERE

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.
👉 Register HERE
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Registration is ESSENTIAL: No registration means no entry to the breakwater on the day. Once registered via the link you will receive a confirmation email that includes important information.
Time: 10am – 12pm
Age limits: Participants must be 8 years or older (under‑16s MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Price: All our events are free. If someone offers to sell you a ticket please decline and report.
All equipment is provided.
========================================
Bird Flu Update
In response to recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, we are introducing additional biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread during our events. It is a requirement that all participants on the breakwater team adhere to these protocols. If you would like a copy of these protocols prior to your session, please email research@earthcarestkilda.org.au.
As a part of these measures, if any dead wildlife is observed on the breakwater, the session will be immediately cancelled. Additionally, if H5 bird flu is detected in Victoria, we will immediately suspend all breakwater clean up activities.
========================================
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.

St Kilda Beach Cleanup
2026-08-02 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Join us for a meaningful day of conservation as we help clean up St Kilda beach!

Registration: REGISTER HERE. Once registered via the link you will receive a confirmation email that includes the exact meeting point, time, and other important information.
Time: 10am – 12pm
Age limits: Participants must be 5 years or older (under‑16s MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Price: All our events are free. If someone offers to sell you a ticket please decline and report.
All equipment is provided.
Meeting Location: Start of St Kilda Pier. Look for the Earthcare Flags.

========================================
Bird Flu Update
In response to recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, we are introducing additional biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread during our events. It is a requirement that all participants on the breakwater team adhere to these protocols. If you would like a copy of these protocols prior to your session, please email research@earthcarestkilda.org.au.
As a part of these measures, if any dead wildlife is observed on the breakwater, the session will be immediately cancelled. Additionally, if H5 bird flu is detected in Victoria, we will immediately suspend all breakwater clean up activities.
========================================
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.

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-08-03 17:15 - 19:15, 2026-08-05 17:15 - 19:15, 2026-08-10 17:20 - 19:20, 2026-08-12 17:20 - 19:20 (Australia/Sydney)
ALL BREAKWATER TEAM ACTIVITIES CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
H5 bird flu is a highly contagious virus that affects wild birds, particularly seabirds and waterfowl. While the risk to human health is very low, people can unintentionally move the virus between wildlife populations through contact with bird faeces or other contaminated materials. To reduce the risk of spreading the disease between penguins and other seabirds, we’ve made the decision to immediately suspend citizen scientist participation on the breakwater team, until further notice.

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.
What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the St Kilda Breakwater as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

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 trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways.

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Parks Victoria for providing access to the breakwater, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on Parks Victoria land, we are required to share your registration details with Parks Victoria after the event to meet their insurance and land‑access requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
Bird Flu Protocols
In response to recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, we are introducing additional biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread during our events. It is a requirement that all participants on the breakwater team adhere to these protocols. If you would like a copy of these protocols prior to your session, please email research@earthcarestkilda.org.au.
As a part of these measures, if any dead wildlife is observed on the breakwater, the session will be immediately cancelled. Additionally, if H5 bird flu is detected in Victoria, we will immediately suspend all citizen‑scientist participation on the Breakwater Team.

Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-08-03 17:15 - 19:15 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Information
Location: End of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 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 an excellent view of the penguins in the water as they 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

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron for providing access to the marina, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on RMYS property, your registration details may be shared with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in the event of an emergency or incident to confirm who accessed their site.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
CLOSED FOR PRIVATE BOOKING
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-08-05 17:15 - 19:15, 2026-08-07 17:15 - 19:15 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Information
Location: End of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 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 an excellent view of the penguins in the water as they 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

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron for providing access to the marina, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on RMYS property, your registration details may be shared with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in the event of an emergency or incident to confirm who accessed their site.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm Monday 20th July
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present

Raft Count - Breakwater Team
2026-08-07 17:15 - 19:15 (Australia/Sydney)
ALL BREAKWATER TEAM ACTIVITIES CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
H5 bird flu is a highly contagious virus that affects wild birds, particularly seabirds and waterfowl. While the risk to human health is very low, people can unintentionally move the virus between wildlife populations through contact with bird faeces or other contaminated materials. To reduce the risk of spreading the disease between penguins and other seabirds, we’ve made the decision to immediately suspend citizen scientist participation on the breakwater team, until further notice.

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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the St Kilda Breakwater as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

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 trip hazards such as unstable rocks, branches, and narrow walkways.

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Parks Victoria for providing access to the breakwater, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Participants must be 8+ years (participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on Parks Victoria land, we are required to share your registration details with Parks Victoria after the event to meet their insurance and land‑access requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
Bird Flu Protocols
In response to recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, we are introducing additional biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread during our events. It is a requirement that all participants on the breakwater team adhere to these protocols. If you would like a copy of these protocols prior to your session, please email research@earthcarestkilda.org.au.
As a part of these measures, if any dead wildlife is observed on the breakwater, the session will be immediately cancelled. Additionally, if H5 bird flu is detected in Victoria, we will immediately suspend all citizen‑scientist participation on the Breakwater Team.

REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm Monday 20th July
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Tree planting - Elwood
2026-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
Join Earthcare and Ecocentre for Community Planting Days 2026
When: Saturday 8th August, starting at 10am
Where: M.O. Moran, Elwood. We will be planting in between the dog-fenced area and the OTR petrol station. Best access is via Dickens St carpark. An exact location will be included in your confirmation email
What to bring: water, enclosed footwear, weather-appropriate clothes
Who: Everyone welcome! Families, children, and good doggos on leads all welcome.
Come together and help us make a lasting difference — one native plant at a time 🌿
Earthcare and Ecocentre are hosting six community planting days in winter 2026. We’re inviting the local community to join us, roll up their sleeves and plant native plants that will provide habitat for native animals, help keep our cities cooler, and beautify our local area.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or have never held a shovel, all are welcome — just bring your enthusiasm and we’ll take care of the rest. Let’s grow something beautiful, together 🌱
Register HERE

Raft Count - Marina Team
2026-08-10 17:20 - 19:20, 2026-08-12 17:20 - 19:20 (Australia/Sydney)
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.

What’s Involved

Manually count penguin rafts (groups of penguins in the water) from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina as they arrive at sunset
Contribute valuable data to long‑term monitoring of arrival patterns and population trends
Support the conservation of Melbourne’s unique Little Penguin colony through hands‑on citizen science
Experience these remarkable birds up close while learning from trained Earthcare volunteers

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: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina
What to bring: warm clothes, closed toe shoes, water, binoculars (optional).

Site Information
Location: End of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 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 an excellent view of the penguins in the water as they 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

Earthcare St Kilda gratefully acknowledges the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron for providing access to the marina, enabling this important citizen science program to take place.

Requirements

No experience needed
Must be 18 years or older

Registrations through Earthcare St Kilda are ESSENTIAL.
As this event takes place on RMYS property, your registration details may be shared with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in the event of an emergency or incident to confirm who accessed their site.
If you have any questions, please contact research@earthcarestkilda.org.au
REGISTER HERE
Registrations open 5pm Monday 27th July
Earthcare St Kilda acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where this program takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present
