Victorian families and visitors can enjoy a free and up-close experience with Melbourne's iconic little penguins from the new purpose-built viewing platform on St Kilda Pier.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopolous last week opened bookings for the free Penguin Viewing Experience on St Kilda Pier open for visitors from October 29.

The experience will be run by Phillip Island Nature Parks and with its decades of penguin conservation efforts, they will be able to guide and educate visitors about the penguin colony while ensuring the penguin's wellbeing.

"Penguin protection is at the core of what we do on Phillip Island, and we're excited to extend our experience to the St Kilda Penguin colony," said Phillip Island Nature Parks CEO Catherine Basterfield.

Phillip Island Nature Parks said it has been sharing expertise on little penguins and tourism operations with the project team throughout the St Kilda Pier re-development.

The experience will feature a 150-metre elevated platform with accessible entry, seating and prime views over the penguin colony.

Volunteer group Earthcare St Kilda, which has helped keep the colony safe for more than 30 years, will continue to play a role in the penguin experience by helping look after the health and wellbeing of the penguins.

The viewing experience opens after a settling-in period for the colony, giving the penguins time to adjust to activity on the new pier following a long break from visitors.

The experience will be free, but online bookings will be essential to avoid missing out during busy seasons like spring and summer.

The $53 million St Kilda Pier upgrade was funded by the State Government, which includes a curved walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and community space near the St Kilda Pier Kiosk.

For more information and to book your ticket to see the St Kilda penguins, visit penguins.org.au