A few of Melbourne's most recognisable monuments may be found here, however the neighbourhood as a whole is popular not only because of its proximity to these attractions but also because of the unique vibe it exudes.
There's a lot to keep you busy for a few nights, with scenic beauty of Port Philip Bay, clean, safe beaches, palm trees for kilometres, lively restaurants and nightlife, and a few of Melbourne's top shows.
All the best places to see and things to do in St. Kilda are detailed here.
FAQs About St Kilda
St Kilda is renowned for its expansive view of Port Phillip, safe sandy beach, palm-lined boardwalk, huge range of beach activities, big skies, gorgeous sunsets, parks and gardens, great restaurants, bars and cafés, fabulous old buildings, and its colourful past and present.
Weather permitting, if you are in the Hebrides, St Kilda is worth visiting. The deserted village, the birds, views, and scenery are perfect for a day outdoors, walking and enjoying!
There is no accommodation available for overnight stays on St Kilda. The National Trust do run a small campsite with very basic facilities. If you stay overnight on the Island, you have to buy two return tickets that double the voyage's cost out there.
With the recent sale of the Gatwick and other residential developments, St Kilda has seen a move towards gentrification in the past few years." a spokesperson for the group said.
The absence of trees on St. Kilda seems to be more natural, though, and, when the school in the village was opened, and teachers first came over from the mainland, none of the children knew what a tree was when shown a photo of one.
How To Get To St Kilda
Trams may take you directly to Melbourne's CBD from St. Kilda, which is located on the city's outskirts.
From St Street, Collin Street, or Victoria Street, you can catch trams 16, 96, and 12 to reach St. Kilda. About every ten minutes between 5:30am and 1:00 a.m., trams run.
Simply said, you can get from one place to another in St. Kilda by foot. The alternative is to use a bicycle rental service.
Bike-Sharing in Melbourne Please return your bike to a dedicated cycle station when you are through using it for the day. Bicycle rental facilities can be found on Fitzroy and Cleve streets, close to Luna Park, and elsewhere in the St. Kilda region.
The Main Streets
Fitzroy Street, its main thoroughfare, is where you will find the majority of St. Kilda's greatest bars, cafes, & restaurants providing food from all over the world.
The plethora of eateries on Acland Street that serve delicious and on-trend breakfast foods also contributes to the street's popularity.
Participate in the Usage Village Walking Tour to learn more about this area's rich history. You'll get to take a leisurely stroll all along city's most famous streets, marina, and landmarks as part of the tour.
Things To Do In St Kilda
You really must have these whether you'll be there for an hour, a week, or a month. St. Kilda Attractions Should Not Be Missed (and Won't Cost an Arm and a Leg)
Take A Stroll On Your Own.
St. Kilda is best explored on foot. The main tourist strips of Fitzroy Street and Acland Street are connected by the semicircular sweep of the Esplanade, and a leisurely stroll down any residential street can reveal innumerable architectural beauties (where you can locate most of the historic beachfront landmarks). If you like to have a plan instead than merely wandering, the Municipality of Port O'neill's website has wonderful self-guided guided tours in Port Phillip that you can download. About four kilometres in length, the St. Germain Foreshore Walk provides excellent background on local sites.
Take A Stroll Along St. Kilda Pier.
This section of Melbourne will not be visited.
without taking a walk on the world-famous St. Kilda Pier. This gorgeous hair has been lengthened and styled in a variety of ways over the years, making it just a photographer's delight (and a source of terrible hair days when the wind is blowing). The kiosk, located in the very back of the shop, is a coincidence even though it appears natural to place it there. The nearly century-old structure burned down in 2003. In any case, it's a faithful copy.
The pier provides a wide variety of entertainment options. Take a ferry to Melbourne and Williamstown, where you may recline with your limbs flailing off the side while taking in the stunning cityscape, fish, get an ice cream from of the kiosk, and ogle at the nautical hardware just at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.
This St. Kilda Pier has reached its end of its usefulness and will soon be torn down in favour of a newer, more up-to-date building.
Please Meet The Inhabitant Tiny Penguins
While many of Melbs's visitors head to Phillip Island,
After dark, spend time with region's mini-celebrities at the world-famous Penguin March without leaving town. A group of little penguins make their home on the breakwater of St. Kilda Pier, and visitors are welcome to observe them up close. Just don't go completely guinea pig crazy. Please hold off on eating, drinking, touching, using flashlights, and taking flash photos (a flash can stun the birds and cause them to desert their chicks, and no selfie is worth that). Instead, advisors from the non-profit Earthcare St. Kilda are present nightly to ensure the safety of everyone.
Every night of the year, visitors to St. Kilda Pier will be treated to the sight of these cute little critters. If you take a walk down there in the evening, you may observe the colony swimming or waddling around their nests. Visit the end of the pier a few minutes before sunset to soak in the gorgeous light that marks the end of another day in Melbourne.
Despite its close proximity to Melbourne, St. Kilda is home to over a thousand of the adorable little birds. Visit at dusk to observe these cute penguins float up to the beach and excavate nesting tunnels beneath or behind the rocks.
Learn about the neighbourhood and watch penguins in action as you go along pier behind Little Blue Cafe in St. Kilda Beach.
The natural habitat of penguins should be respected at all times. Please refrain from making any sudden moves or use a flash if you want to capture images of the penguins. As a matter of course, you shouldn't get too close to the penguins; a safe distance with at least 3 metres should be kept at all times.
Attempting to view penguins during the wintertime can be a dreary, cold ordeal. Even if it's not raining, these waves can still be dangerously high, so be prepared.
Laughter In Luna Park
Everyone who visits St. Kilda should spend some time at the Luna Park theme park. Tourists have been drawn to the park's signature Moorish-style towers, which have framed Mr. Moon's gummy grin for nearly a century and have become an indelible part of the park's visual identity. Vintage and contemporary rides and attractions are available at Luna Park, such as the Great Scenic Railway (the world's oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster) and the Carousel (listed just on Victorian & National Heritage Registers).
One can visit Melbourne's own own amusement park in St. Kilda. For nearly a century, visitors to Luna Park have been greeted by the park's iconic mouth entrance.
The Great Scenic Railway, the oldest wood roller coaster in the world, may be found here. The Grand Scenic Railway is unique among roller coasters since it has a permanent brakeman who controls the motion of the trains.
Family-friendly amusement attractions and other fun things to do.
As one of Melbourne's most iconic tourist attractions, a day at Luna Park is a must for any visitor. Luna Park's cheap AUD $2 admission price helps maintain the park's longstanding heritage. Individual ride tickets can be purchased after park entry, with rates for adults starting at AUD 10.95. An all-day pass that allows you to ride as much as you like costs AUD 49.95 for an adult.
Guests of St. Kilda have been flocking to this landmark since the park's inception more than a century ago. For only $5, you may explore Luna Park and make an informed decision about whether or not to spend more money on rides. If you're an adrenaline fanatic on a budget and would want to purchase "unlimited ride passes," you may do so by going to the website. Located on the water's edge, it should be seen for all adults.
Kilda Esplanade Sunday Market
Every Sunday, from the beginning of a Esplanade all the way to Luna Park, you may visit the St. Kilda Esplanade Market, Melbourne's greatest well-known and bustling market. The market is a fun place to stroll about and look at the numerous trinkets, souvenirs, and local pieces of art that are for sale.
Its Esplanade Market is available every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, October to April, and May through September.
This upscale arts and crafts fair is open every Sunday from 10 Am until 4 PM, so there's something for everyone. It's a great Sunday activity because it's both culturally enriching and close to St. Kilda Beach.
Visit The St Kilda Sea Baths In The afternoon.
St. Kilda's Sea Baths are an iconic local landmark. Offering the best beachfront location, it features numerous restaurants, bars, coffee shops, a health club, a swimming pool, a day hot tub, a bike shop, as well as a stand up boogie board as well as kit store.
The centrepiece of the Sea Baths is undoubtedly the seawater pool, which uses water piped in from the ocean and heated to a comfortable temperature. The 25-meter lap pool, aquatic therapy spa, aromatherapy sauna, and lounge are all available to guests as means of relaxation.
With Lentils, You Can Make Almost Anything
It was the strangest dinner ever had! Even though vegetarian fare tends to run high in price, the taste of the dishes served at this "pay as you feel" eatery is never compromised. There are no fixed pricing on the menu; rather, you provide a donation in lieu of payment. This ingenious plan ensures that people of all socioeconomic backgrounds can enjoy a pleasant dining experience and be treated with respect, regardless of their ability to pay. Progress has been made by humans to previously unimaginable levels.
The St. Kilda Botanical Gardens
Our St. Kilda Botanic Gardens are indeed a wonderful destination to visit any time of year, as they are open daily from morning till evening. There is a secret gem tucked away between the commotion of St. Kilda Road as well as the peace and quiet of St. Kilda. In this area, you can find glasshouses, grassy measures of central tendency, and a plethora of different kinds of fauna. Perfect! Consider what it might be like to be a native for a day by getting a six-pack, an rug, then spending the day in the sun.
Great Shows At The Palais Theatre
Since its opening in 1927, this deco picture palaces has been a staple of St. Kilda's cultural scene. With a maximum capacity of 2,896, it is the largest theatre in all of Australia.
One can see over a hundred different concerts, plays, comedies, operas, ballets, films, and community events in a year at the Palais Theatre.
Acland Street
Acland Street has some of the best restaurants and bars in the area. Visitors & locals alike like the cosmopolitan village of St. Kilda for its infectious energy and delicious baked pastries. Acland Street is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick meal.
Albert Park
This 2.25-kilometer-long natural wonder features a lovely lake filled with native species and is ideal for a leisurely evening stroll. Several ovals and sports facilities, as well as the Melbourne World Championship Circuit and a public golf course. There is also a five-kilometer walking circuit all around lake. Everyone may find what they're looking for here, whether it's a quiet place to set up a grill and have a picnic or a place to go sailing.
The biggest summer festival in Australia is happening right here, and it's free! Once a year, for one week, St. Kilda hosts a showcase of Australia's finest performers on stage. The festivities, which included extreme sports, fine arts, comedy, dancing classes, family activities, and workshops, drew in the neighbourhood of 400 thousand people. You shouldn't miss this opportunity!
The Esplanade comes alive every year in Feb for the biannual St. Kilda Fest, which showcases some of Australia's best performers and incorporates a wide variety of performances, carnival rides, street musicians, markets, and food stalls.
The annual calendar is normally announced in January, and submissions from any band, event, or production are accepted year-round.
known as "Melbourne's best playground" If you want to experience being "by sea" with out heat, St. Kilda Boulevard is indeed the place to go. An ever-present buzz of activity, many people outside at at all times of the day and night. Walkers, joggers, & rollerbladers populate the beaches, while kiteboarders, kayakers, and swimmers take use of the waterways. Day or night, the sights of Melbourne's skyline are stunning from St. Kilda Pier.
Esplanade Bike Rentals
A simple and fast way to see all of St. Kilda or its environs! You must return the bike to a separate docking station after 30 minutes of borrowing it. Even though it may not seem like it, docking stations are available in many different locations. All of the membership plans are excellent values, ranging from $2.90 per day to $8 per week. It beats taking the tram in terms of health benefits and financial savings. Winner!
West Beach Bathers Pavilion
Since its opening in the 1920s, the historic West Coast Bathers Pavilion has been a favourite spot for both visitors and locals looking to enjoy a day at the sand and surf.
It's probable that this beach club, with its stunning seaside setting, superb coffee, and beachside dining, is the only one of its sort in Melbourne. Don't forget to pay us a visit during the hotter seasons to soak up some rays while enjoying a refreshing beverage.
Watch A Film At The Historic Astor Theatre
Originally opening in the 1930s, the Astor Theatre retains all of the art deco glamour of its heydey. They play both new and old films, and they offer both standalone screenings or film festivals.
Open for service Monday through Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to late and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays).
Those Interested In Art Should Pay A Visit To The Yarramunua Gallery.
You may view wonderful examples of Aboriginal art at Stanley Yarramunua's gallery, which would be run solely by the community it serves. Learn about the techniques used to create works of Aboriginal art & admire some breathtaking examples.
Eat Cake
Acland Street in St. Kilda has been famous for its European pastry stores for quite some time.
After World War II broke out in Europe, many European Jews fled to Melbourne's south-east suburbs, where the first cake business on Acland Street, Monarch Cakes, opened its doors in 1934. Rapidly following after them came a large group of others. The few remaining bakeries and cafes along the strip provide an important link to the area's rich history, but they are all but gone now (and Monarch still bakes its Polish cheesecake using an original recipe).
In addition, a visit to Glick's doughnut shop in Balaclava is definitely worth the time it takes to take tram number 16 from Usage Street to Carlisle Avenue (past the gorgeous St. Kilda Town Hall). The group's founder, a Polish Jewish man named Mendel Glick, passed away that year.
Taking The Time To Enjoy Nature
Strolling through the lovely St. Kilda Botanic Gardens is a great way to burn off those flaky goodies. During the week, you may enjoy all 6.4 hectares of this Melbourne hidden gem with only a few ducks and an odd gardener for company. Founded in the 19th century, the Victoria Botanic Gardens are the only two suburban botanical garden in Victoria (the other is in Williamstown). Examples include being able to enter through ornate wrought-iron gates between the hours of dawn and twilight.
Discover St. Kilda's Cafe Scene
You've probably worked up an appetite after all that sight-seeing, and St. Kilda, as might be expected, offers plenty of excellent cafes where you can rest and refuel. Stop by the magnificent Fitzrovia on Fitzroy Street, where cutting-edge cuisine is expertly combined with old-world charm and boho bric-a-brac. Get in touch with Fitzrovia about their picnic hampers if you haven't already taken a trip to the gardens or the shore. They include utensils, plates, glasses, napkins, and sparkling water in addition to the five-course tasting menu. The only thing missing is the bubbles. The perfect definition of a picnic!
Conclusion
St. Kilda is a well-known attraction for visitors to Melbourne. The location is outside the central business district but is easily accessible by tram. Some of the highlights are the beautiful scenery of Port Phillip Bay, the seemingly endless palm trees, and the lively atmosphere at the many restaurants and bars. The St. Kilda Foreshore Walk spans about four kilometres and features signs describing several points of interest. There is a penguin colony on the pier's breakwater, and visitors are welcome to observe them.
At all times, there are people there to keep an eye on the penguins as they go about their evening strolls. Respect the penguins' natural habitat at all times. Over the past nearly a century, visitors to Luna Park have been greeted with the park's unique Moorish-style entrance. The Great Scenic Railway, the oldest wooden roller coaster in the world, is also the only roller coaster of its type to be operated by a standing brakeman. Every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you may visit the Esplanade Market.
A 25-meter lap pool, spa, steam room with aromatherapy, and lounge are all part of the Sea Baths' amenities. There are no fixed pricing on the menu; instead, you make a donation of any amount that feels appropriate at the time of ordering. Albert Park, located in St. Kilda, is a 2.25-kilometer-long natural marvel that features the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, a public golf course, a 5-kilometer walking circuit around the lake, and a variety of ovals and sports facilities. If you are in search of excellent eateries and watering holes, look no farther than Acland Street. The sunset and nighttime views from St. Kilda Pier are some of the best in Melbourne.
Built in the 1930s, the Astor Theatre is a wonderful example of classic cinema architecture. Aboriginal people own and run the gallery at Yarramunua. One of Melbourne's best-kept secrets is the St. Kilda Botanic Gardens. Monarch Cakes, located on Acland Street, was the first cake business to operate in the area in 1934, thanks to the emigration of European Jews from Nazi-occupied Europe. Mendel Glick, a Polish Holocaust survivor, created Glick's Bagels.
Content Summary
- It is the home to some of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks, but its unique personality is what really draws both locals and tourists alike.
- Beautiful scenery of Port Phillip Bay, clean, safe beaches, palm trees for miles, lively restaurants and nightlife, and some of Melbourne's most exciting attractions will keep you busy for days.
- All the best places to see and things to do in St. Kilda are detailed here.
- Transportation To St. Kilda St. Kilda is situated in Melbourne's city centre, with easy access via tram to the CBD.
- You can walk to most places in St. Kilda.
- St. Kilda has bike stations on Fitzroy and Cleve streets, as well as outside Luna Park.
- Participate in the Acland Village Walking Tour to learn more about this area's rich history.
- You'll get to take a leisurely stroll through the city's most well-known neighbourhoods, marina, and landmarks as part of the trip.
- Whether you're staying for a few hours, a few weeks, or a few months, you'll need these.
- Get Outside and Explore by Yourself St. Kilda is best explored on foot.
- About four kilometres in length, the St. Kilda Foreshore Walk provides excellent background on local sites.
- Stroll Along the St. Kilda Pier Strolling down St. Kilda Pier is a must for any visitor to this area of Melbourne.
- The building, which had stood for nearly a century, was destroyed by fire in 2003.
- Enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and relaxation options at the pier.
- Because of its advanced age, the St. Kilda Pier will soon be removed and rebuilt with a more up-to-date structure.
- A colony of little penguins makes its home on the breakwater at St. Kilda Pier, and visitors are welcome to observe them up up and personal.
- But don't go completely penguin crazy.
- Nightly throughout the year, visitors to St. Kilda Pier can watch these cute tiny critters.
- Visit the end of the pier a few hours before sunset to soak in the gorgeous light that marks the end of another day in Melbourne.
- Learn about the area and view active penguins by taking a stroll along the pier behind the Little Blue Cafe on St. Kilda Beach.
- Advice: Treat the natural habitat of penguins with the utmost care and consideration at all times.
- Please don't make any sudden moves or use a flash if you plan on taking images of the penguins.
- Attempting to view penguins during the winter can be a dreary, cold ordeal.
- Only two examples of the antique and modern rides and attractions offered at Luna Park are the Great Scenic Railway (the world's oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster) and the Carousel (listed on the Victorian and National Heritage Registers).
- Thrill seekers can visit Melbourne's own own amusement park in St. Kilda.
- The Great Scenic Railway is the oldest wooden roller coaster still operating today.
- An iconic Melbourne experience, a day at Luna Park is filled with fun and games for the whole family.
- For only $5, you may explore Luna Park and make an informed decision about whether or not to spend more money on rides.
- The Kilda Esplanade Market is a weekly event. On Sundays, you may stroll all the way from the Esplanade's commencement to Luna Park to see Melbourne's most well-known market: the St. Kilda Esplanade Market.
- Come To The St. Kilda In The Afternoon And Have Some Fun Sea Bathing Among the many attractions of St. Kilda, the Sea Baths stand out.
- It offers the best beachfront location and is stocked with a wide array of amenities, including numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, a fitness centre, a saltwater pool, a day spa, a bike shop, and a stand up paddleboard and kit store.
- Vegan and vegetarian restaurants tend to be pricey, but at this "pay what you feel" eatery, the quality of the food is not compromised in order to accommodate the pricing structure.
- Tucked down between the clamour of St. Kilda Road and the peace of St. Kilda itself is a little-known treasure.
- Immerse yourself in the culture for a day by bringing a six-pack, a mat, and enjoying the afternoon in the sun like a local.
- Great Shows Can Be Seen at the Palais Theatre. Located in the heart of St. Kilda, this art deco movie theatre has been a community staple since its opening in 1927.
- We're in Albert Park This 2.25-kilometer-long natural wonder features a lovely lake filled with native species and is ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
- Festival of Kilda The biggest summer festival in Australia is happening right here, and it's free!
- Once a year, for one week, St. Kilda hosts a showcase of Australia's finest performers on stage.
- "Melbourne's best playground," as it has been called. If you're searching for a day "by the sea" without the heat, St. Kilda Beach is the place to go.
- The sunset and nighttime views from St. Kilda Pier are some of the best in Melbourne.
- Rent Bikes on the Esplanade Rapid and simple way to see all of St. Kilda and its environs!
- Pavilion for Sunbathers on the West Side of the Beach Established in the 1920s, the West Beach Bathers Pavilion has served as a gathering place for beachgoers from all over the world and the local community ever since.
- Watch a Film in a Classic Venue at the Astor Theatre The Astor Theatre is an absolutely stunning old movie theatre that dates back to the 1930s and has all of its original art deco glamour.
- The Yarramunua Gallery is a must-see for all art lovers. See amazing examples of Aboriginal art at Stan Yarramunua's gallery, which is run solely by the community it serves.
- Thanks to the inflow of European Jews escaping the war in Europe to Melbourne's south-east suburbs, the first cake business on Acland Street, Monarch Cakes, opened in 1934.
- Few bakeries and cafes along the strip are still open, but they represent an important part of the area's history (and Monarch still bakes its Polish cheesecake using an original recipe).
- In addition, a trip to Glick's bagel shop in Balaclava is definitely worth the time it takes to take tram number 16 from Acland Street to Carlisle Street (past the gorgeous St. Kilda Town Hall).
- Relaxing and Enjoying the Outdoors Strolling through the lovely St. Kilda Botanic Gardens is a great way to burn off those scrumptious baked goods.
- The Victoria Botanic Gardens are one of only two suburban botanic gardens in the city, and their layout hasn't changed much since they were established in the 19th century.
- St. Kilda's Cafe Culture: a Visit After a long day of sightseeing, you'll no doubt be ready to relax and refuel in one of St. Kilda's many high-quality cafes.