This seaside suburban village is home to Melbourne’s favorite beach, an iconic amusement park and a street lined with pastry shops.
St. Kilda Beach is in the suburb of St. Kilda, located along the shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, south of Melbourne’s city center. The suburb has a village feel and blends bohemian culture with old European traditions. Discover its relaxing beach, graceful architecture, great shopping and dining, and one of Australia’s most iconic amusement parks.
If you are visiting in summer, be sure to pack your swimming costume. St. Kilda’s waters are mostly wave-free, making them a safe place for the whole family to enjoy. If you don’t feel like getting wet, take a stroll along St. Kilda Pier, which extends far out into the bay and features a pretty pavilion and kiosk at the end. The pier provides great photo opportunities back to the beach and Melbourne skyline. Keep an eye out for the wild fairy penguins that have a colony along the breakwater.
Take a ride on one of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters at St. Kilda’s Luna Park, a much-loved beachside amusement park that first opened in 1912. It’s impossible to miss the park’s iconic entry: the face of “Mr Moon” whose giant smile has been welcoming generations of fun-lovers.
Follow your nose to Acland Street and sample the cakes, pastries and bagels from the many European-style bakeries. On the surrounding streets there are small bars, boutiques and vintage clothing shops. To experience the St. Kilda community at its best, time your visit for a Sunday and head to the open-air market that takes place on the Esplanade.
Nearby Fitzroy Street is the best place to spend the evening. Here you’ll find bars as well as cuisine for all budgets, from fine dining to takeout fish and chips. St. Kilda is a center for popular music too. Rock the night away at Esplanade Hotel, fondly known as “The Espy” and a favourite venue for local and touring bands.
St. Kilda Beach is easily accessible from the city center by tram and the trip takes around 25 minutes. If you are driving, there is metered street parking or many pay parking garages.
It’s always wise to check the weather forecast before visiting St. Kilda Beach as it can bear the brunt of cold, strong coastal winds.