St Kilda is a lively bayside suburb known for its blend of culture, history and entertainment. From its famous beach and pier to its vibrant eateries and cultural attractions, St Kilda offers a variety of activities for locals and visitors alike. Given it’s only 6km south of Melbourne’s CBD, it’s the perfect place to escape the city and spend the day. Here’s a guide i’ve put together on the best things to do in St Kilda!
Activities in St Kilda
1. St Kilda Beach and Pier
St Kilda Beach is one of Melbourne’s most iconic seaside destinations. The long stretch of sandy beach is ideal for a walk, swim or sunbathe! It’s a large beach, but gets crowded in the summer given how close it is to the city. There are also several piers to walk out on and enjoy scenic views of the city and beach behind! The main pier, dating back to the 1850s, is currently closed for repairs. But once open, provides a scenic walk with the best views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline. If you visit during the evening, there’s a chance to spot the small colony of Little Penguins at the breakwater.
St Kilda beach is also a great place to come in the evenings and watch the sunset. You can bring your own food (not alcohol) and enjoy the changing skies as the sun goes down. I particularly enjoy doing this in the summer months where it’s still really warm in the evenings.
As with many public beaches and parks in Melbourne, St Kilda Beach has many BBQ facilities that you can enjoy for free! I love this aspect of Melbourne and how people are always respectful in how they look after these facilities. I recommend picking up some BBQ foods and enjoying some food on the beach. Just be sure to wash up properly after so other people can enjoy the BBQs too!
2. Luna Park
Opened in 1912, Luna Park is an historic amusement park in St Kilda that offers a variety of rides and attractions. As with Sydney’s Luna Park, it has an iconic, large “smiling” (creepy) face, entrance. Whether it’s a family outing or a nostalgic trip, Luna Park provides a great day out for fun, classic rides. Luna Park is also home to the Scenic Railway, one of the world’s oldest operating roller coasters! For more information on Luna Park and tickets, check out their official site.
3. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
The St Kilda Botanical Gardens are a peaceful retreat from the busy streets. Established in the 19th century, the gardens feature a range of native and exotic plants, a picturesque rose garden and a pond. It’s a quiet place to take a stroll or have a picnic, and there’s also a greenhouse with a variety of tropical plants. If you’re a fan of parks, I’d also highly recommend visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens nearby – my absolute favourite!
4. St Kilda Esplanade Market
Held every Sunday along the Esplanade, the St Kilda Esplanade Market is an excellent place to browse stalls selling handmade arts, crafts, jewellery and food. With over 140 stalls, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here! There’s often live music too, and with it’s close proximity to the beach, it’s a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike! Read more information on the St Kilsa Esplanade Market.
5. Acland Street
Acland Street is one of St Kilda’s most famous streets and is known for its European-style cake shops, cafes and boutiques. It’s great for grabbing a coffee, browsing through shops, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere. I like Acland Street because it feels quite different to anywhere else in Melbourne. Lined with Palm Trees and loads of on-street seating, it’s a great place to enjoy a sunny afternoon with friends. I would say it gets quite rowdy during weekend evenings!
6. Fitzroy Street
Fitzroy Street is another notable street in St Kilda worth checking out. It’s a vibrant street that is lined with a number of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Fitzroy Street is also home to the legendary Esplanade Hotel. Locally known as The Espy, The Esplanade Hotel is a historic spot for Melbourne’s music scene! Be sure to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying some drinks with some live music here. St Kilda is quite known for being a place where lots of Brits and Irish have settled, so it’s no surprise that there are several Irish pubs to enjoy in the area. Fitzroy Street is home to a number of them!
Eateries in St Kilda
There are so many great cafes, restaurants, pubs and brunch spots to check out in the area. Here are just a few to consider;
1. Cafes and Brunch Spots
St Kilda is known for its thriving café culture, offering a range of breakfast and brunch options:
- Monk Bodhi Dharma: A popular spot for vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, as well as its excellent coffee.
- Galleon Café: A classic St Kilda café known for its casual, retro vibe and hearty breakfast menu.
- Rococo: A well-known eatery offering a range of Italian dishes, including excellent pizzas and pastas, located on Acland Street.
2. Cake Shops on Acland Street
Acland Street is famous for its cake shops, offering a selection of continental-style cakes and pastries. Some long-standing institutions include:
- Monarch Cakes: Known for its traditional European-style baked goods, especially the famous Polish baked cheesecake.
- Le Bon Cake Shop: Offers a great selection of cakes, tarts and pastries with a French influence!
3. Pubs and Restaurants
For more formal dining options, St Kilda offers a range of international cuisines:
- The Lion & Wombat: A great pub with brilliant Sunday Roast lunch and mulled wine in the winter. My favourite eatery in the area!
- Lady Of St Kilda: Lovely Mediterranean food with outdoor seating and a vegan menu too.
- Donovans: A longstanding beachfront restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine with a focus on seafood and seasonal produce.
- Ichi Ni Izakaya: A popular spot for Japanese food, with a wide range of sushi, sashimi, and izakaya-style dishes. Located on The Esplanade, you’ll also be treated to views of the beach.
Other Highlights:
1. St Kilda Festival
One of Melbourne’s largest free music festivals, the St Kilda Festival is held annually in February. The event features live performances across multiple stages, showcasing local Australian artists, as well as food stalls and family-friendly activities. I love St Kilda Fest as the streets and beachfront are taken over with a fun and lively celebration of music and the city. It does get quite crowded but I recommend going if you’re in the area in February. We ended our night in the infamous Espy! Check out their site more information on upcoming festivals.
2. The Palais Theatre
The Palais Theatre is a historic venue, originally built in 1927, that hosts a range of concerts, comedy shows and theatrical performances throughout the year. It remains one of Melbourne’s most significant cultural landmarks. Check out their site for what’s on, upcoming shows and to buy tickets.
Getting to St Kilda
St Kilda is easily accessible from Melbourne’s CBD via public transport. The best way is to take the tram:
- Tram 96 from Bourke Street will take you directly to St Kilda Beach.
- Tram 16 from Swanston Street also travels through St Kilda, including Acland Street and the surrounding areas.
Driving is another option, but parking can be limited in the busier parts of St Kilda, particularly near the beach. There is a big car park near Luna Park and along the beach. However, on sunny weekend days it’s really hard to get a spot here. Walking and cycling are popular ways to get around once you arrive, as many of the attractions are close together.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit St Kilda?
St Kilda can be visited year-round! I would say October-March are the best months to visit for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities – but as a Brit, October in Melbourne feels like summer! I would avoid visiting during winter (June to August) if you’re looking to sit on the beach. Saying that, you’ll find people walking along the beach year-round.
Is St Kilda suitable for families?
Yes, with attractions like Luna Park, the St Kilda Beach, and the Botanical Gardens, it’s a family-friendly destination.
Are there any free activities in St Kilda?
There are several free activities to enjoy here; including walks along the beach, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens, and the Esplanade Market.
Can I swim at St Kilda Beach?
Yes, the Beach is safe for swimming, with designated swimming areas and lifeguards during peak periods. The water can be cold!!
How far is St Kilda from Melbourne’s city centre?
St Kilda is approximately 6km from Melbourne city centre and the tram takes around 20-30 minutes.
Other great day trips in Melbourne include Williamstown, Arthurs Seat, Port Nepean and the Great Ocean Road.
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