St Kilda Pier glowing at sunset—one of Melbourne’s best views. Photo by Gavin Guan.
How and When to Get to St Kilda
Before you head to St Kilda, keep in mind that this suburb is particularly popular on the weekends and during the summer months. If you are used to living in the Northern Hemisphere, keep in mind that the hottest summer months are November, December, and January in that region.
It is a useful idea to come early if you need to secure a good parking spot, especially on the days of the Esplanade Market, as it can become quite crowded. However, do not worry too much about it: everything is walkable, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace.
1. St Kilda Beach
This is both the most obvious but also most beautiful attraction: St Kilda Beach is the perfect spot to either start your day with the sunrise or (and!) end it by watching the sunset. The long beach promenade invites its visitors to swim or sunbathe on the soft beige sandbank. But St Kilda Beach is not just for water lovers: the modern promenade invites us for a leisurely stroll or active run along the open ocean – that’s up to you.
If you are a dog lover, brace yourself: St Kilda offers a dog beach where you can either have the zoomies with your dog or simply sit and watch doggies run into the water and enjoy themselves. Who knows, maybe you will be lucky and witness a dog rocking a pair of sunglasses.
2. Luna Park
This historical theme park is a real iconic landmark for St Kilda and a popular photo spot. The very prominent entrance of a gigantic laughing face is an iconic image of Melbourne’s South Eastern region. Luna Park offers classic roller coasters and entertainment for theme park lovers. Especially, the “Scenic Railway” is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world – a true highlight.
3. St Kilda Pier
The necessary follow-up to a blissful stroll on St Kilda Beach is a mandatory visit to St Kilda Pier, with a breathtaking view over the ocean and the city on the other side. Naturally, the pier is a very popular place for the sunset to relax and take nice pics to look at on colder days. The famous blue and white striped beach hut is a popular photo destination often found on postcards available at the Esplanade Market. Please note: the old pier was under renovation and reopened in December 2024.
4. Acland Street
Acland Street is the shopping heart of St Kilda. Acland Street buzzes with cafés, bakeries, and vibrant restaurants. Especially the traditional cakes and pastries in the famous Acland Street Bakery are a must for every St Kilda visitor. It is also an ideal spot for people-watching and strolling through the little boutiques and bookshops.
5. Hotel Esplanade
Hotel Esplanade, or the “Espy,” is a long-established and famous institution for Melbourne live music. It is a cultural icon, and besides the music events, it serves up drinks and delicious food.
Many Australian music legends have had gigs at the Espy, which hosts an average of 50 DJ sets or pub events each week. Very close to the Esplanade, it offers a great opportunity to sit and have a beer while enjoying the atmosphere of the building and the beautiful view over the ocean. On weekends, the Esplanade kitchen offers all-day breakfast.
Read More: Escape to the Best Beaches in Sydney, Australia
6. Esplanade Market
The Esplanade Market is a very popular arts and crafts market, which opens every Sunday along – the name is very telling – the Esplanade. It is the go-to place in St Kilda to buy unique souvenirs, artwork, or other products like bags, jewelry, or cosmetics. The market offers a unique atmosphere and is ideal for a chilled walk and a small shopping break. There are also food stalls where you can grab a little Sunday snack.
7. St Kilda Palais Theatre
A must-see and must-photograph landmark is the Palais Theatre, which has been a prominent landmark since its founding in 1914. Originally, the theatre was known as the Palais de Danse, but after the first World War, it was changed into a theatre. In the 1920s, the theatre was also under American ownership and an important part of Melbourne’s amusement quarter.
Today, you will find many shows, concerts, and events offering a broad range of entertainment to Melbournian visitors and guests. The interiors are also very beautiful and preserved in a 1920s vibe. With its rich history and splendid vibey atmosphere, it offers a great experience.
8. St Kilda Marina and Point Ormond Lookout
St Kilda Marina is a haven for yacht and boat enthusiasts. It offers a great view over the city and also – again here! – a nice spot for taking a walk. Most of the above-mentioned sights are within close range of the Marina. Here, you will also have an amazing view over the city. Having lunch in one of the nearby restaurants is also an option.
And the very best view over the city (promised!) is to be found at Point Ormond Lookout. A green walking trail leads you to a grassy hill where you can sit and enjoy the view with a beverage of your choice. A famous flat white would be the most Australian option.
9. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
The St Kilda Botanical Gardens offer a green oasis in the middle of the lively suburb. A perfect green spot for a relaxing walk or having a picnic with family or friends. As early as 1859, the construction of the garden began and it is a wonderful place to escape the city’s on and about. The park offers spots and benches to sit and relax in the middle of the beautiful plants, flowers, and trees.
Read More: Terrific Tasmania: Scenery, Art and Unusual Wildlife
10. Cafés and Local Shops
Melbourne’s renowned café culture really thrives in St Kilda. St Kilda offers a lot of stylish cafés, where you can enjoy your Aussie “breakki” or just grab a flat white on the go. I can especially recommend “Wedge St Kilda” and “Monarch Cakes” for their cozy atmosphere and delicious food. A big bonus is that you will find a multitude of independent shops and boutiques around the corner, offering a wide range of Australian souvenirs to take home with you.
Browse the best accommodations in St Kilda
Before You Go
- Weather: St Kilda can become quite hot during the summer months (November to January). Be prepared for some warmth and absolutely bring your sunscreen! But St Kilda’s weather can also be quite unpredictable. Even if it rains, the area is easy to explore on foot as St Kilda is quite compact.
- Transportation: St Kilda is very walkable, so a car is not a necessity. However, if you prefer to take public transport, you can surely rely on the Melbourne tram system for reaching St Kilda from the CBD. Renting a bike to ride along the promenade is also a fun experience.
- Currency: Australia’s currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted and the most common way to pay in St Kilda and Australia in general. Don’t worry about the Esplanade Market: You can also pay by credit card at the stalls.
- Safety: St Kilda is generally very safe. Just make sure to be mindful of your belongings, and it might be safer – like in most areas of the world – to avoid the beach and pier areas late at night when fewer people are around.
St Kilda offers an exciting blend of nature, entertainment, and culture. And the best part of it is that everything is within walking distance, so that you can explore St Kilda without stress or high costs for public transport and totally at your own pace.
No matter whether you want to relax by the beach, see historical landmarks, or just enjoy the Melbourne charm, this suburb offers something to everyone. So, do not miss out on St Kilda and plan your trip to Melbourne today.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Author Bio: Vanessa Hagenschulte is a passionate traveller with a background in literature and linguistics. Currently pursuing her doctorate, she is travelling to different countries, regions, and cultures. And – of course – writing about them.
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
Go World Travel Magazine is a digital magazine for world travelers. Our editorial content is produced by a dedicated team of travel journalists who know the regions they cover. We cover travel in more than 90 countries.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,’script’,
‘
fbq(‘init’, ‘508388611737401’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
