St Kilda Travel Guide

Explore the best of St Kilda, Melbourne with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover top attractions, hiking routes, food scene, and travel tips for St Kilda today.


Introduction to St Kilda

St Kilda is a vibrant and eclectic suburb located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Renowned for its stunning beach, picturesque gardens, fascinating history, and thriving arts and culture scene, this peninsula is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Melbourne. With a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, St Kilda offers endless opportunities for exploration, education, and adventure. In this guide, we’ll help you discover all there is to know about St Kilda, from the finest local restaurants and bars to the most jaw-dropping outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in St Kilda

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or an avid outdoor adventurer, there’s something for everyone in St Kilda. Here are some of the top attractions you need to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Luna Park: Built in 1912, this historic amusement park boasts carnival rides, a spooky ghost train, and a giant mouth entrance.
  • St Kilda Pier: Home to both a breakwater and the St Kilda Pier Kiosk, this iconic landmark is perfect for fishing, sightseeing, and taking leisurely walks.
  • St Kilda Botanical Gardens: These gorgeous gardens offer spectacular scenery, fragrant plants, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

Natural Attractions of St Kilda: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Esplanade Market: A lively market that sells locally made arts and crafts every Sunday all year round.
  • Palais Theatre: This stunning theatre is a must-visit for theatre fans, art enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.
  • Acland Street: Visit this street for a taste of St Kilda’s famous European cakes and lively atmosphere.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St Kilda

Take in the stunning views of St Kilda by hiking or biking through this gorgeous suburb. Lace up your sneakers and explore these top hiking and biking trails:

  • St Kilda Foreshore trail: 5.1km of breathtaking scenery, with snaking paths, the beach and pier
  • Hiking around the St Kilda Beach to Luna Park: Enjoy the ocean air while seeing some of the iconic landmarks of St. Kilda

Best Things to Do in St Kilda: Activities and Tours

  • Melbourne Water St Kilda Sea Baths: Enjoy the sights while doing aquatic sports or soak in the hot tub pool with amazing beach view.
  • Bike Tours: See the tourist spots around St. Kilda with quicker pace, all while cycling with the beautiful weather and breeze of the ocean.
  • Penguins at St Kilda Pier: Watch a cute flock of penguins returning to their nests after a day at the sea. A nature lover’s delight!

Week-Long Itinerary for St Kilda

Here’s a week-long itinerary that will help you make the most of your visit to St Kilda:

Day 1 Explore the historic buildings and landmarks of Fitzroy Street, before strolling down to St Kilda Beach for a leisurely walk and some beach time.
Day 2 Visit the iconic Luna Park amusement park and take in the stunning views of Port Phillip Bay from the top of the Great Scenic Railway.
Day 3 Spend the day exploring the vibrant art galleries and street art installations that St Kilda is known for.
Day 4 Take a relaxing stroll through the St Kilda Botanical Gardens and picnic on the lush lawns.
Day 5 Go on a scenic bike tour along the St Kilda Foreshore trail and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
Day 6 Head to Acland Street to sample some of the best European cakes and pastries that Melbourne has to offer.
Day 7 End your trip by taking in a show at the stunning Palais Theatre, one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in St Kilda.

Food and Drink Scene of St Kilda

St Kilda is known for its vibrant and diverse food scene, with options ranging from classic Australian fare to ethnic and fusion cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Australian Meat Pie: A classic Australian dish that’s perfect for a quick and filling lunch.
  • Fish and Chips: The quintessential beachside dish that’s best enjoyed while soaking up the sun.
  • Nachos: A delicious and hearty dish served with plenty of cheese and toppings.

Local Beverages

  • Coffee: Melbourne is known for their coffee culture, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of top-quality cafes in St Kilda.
  • Craft Beer: St Kilda is home to some of Melbourne’s best breweries, with a variety of local and imported beers to choose from.
  • Wine: Melbourne is also a hub for wine lovers, so be sure to sample some of the local wines while you’re in St Kilda.

Where to Stay in St Kilda: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St Kilda offers plenty of options for accommodation, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a more affordable hostel. Here are some of the top places to stay:

  • The Prince Hotel: A stylish and luxurious hotel located right on the beachfront.
  • Base Backpackers: A popular hostel in the heart of St Kilda, perfect for budget travellers.
  • Sixty Two on Grey: A chic guesthouse located in a historic building on Grey Street, close to all the action.

What to Buy in St Kilda: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

St Kilda is a great place to shop for souvenirs and unique local products. Here are some of the best places to do some shopping:

  • The Esplanade Market: A popular weekly market that sells handmade arts and crafts from local artisans.
  • Acland Street: This bustling shopping street is filled with boutique stores, specialty shops, and artisanal food markets.
  • Luna Park Gift Shop: Stop by the gift shop at Luna Park for a fun souvenir to remember your trip to St Kilda.

Local Culture and Customs of St Kilda

St Kilda is a diverse and eclectic community with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, and to show sensitivity towards the different cultures and religions that are present in St Kilda.

Best Time to Visit St Kilda

The best time to visit St Kilda is during the summer months (December-February), when the weather is warm and sunny and the beach is buzzing with activity. However, St Kilda is an all-year-round destination, with plenty to see and do in every season.

Do’s and Don’ts of St Kilda

Do:

  • Do explore the cultural landmarks, museums, and historical sites that St Kilda has to offer.
  • Do enjoy the diverse and eclectic food and drink scene in St Kilda.
  • Do take advantage of the scenic hiking and biking routes that St Kilda has to offer.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash on the beach or in public spaces.
  • Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t ignore safety warnings when engaging in outdoor activities, especially near the ocean.

Safety and Health

St Kilda is generally a safe and welcoming community, but visitors should exercise common sense and take precautions to ensure their safety and health.

Safety in St Kilda

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables close and be cautious of pickpockets or thefts.

Health in St Kilda

  • Make sure to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, especially during the summer months.
  • Stay hydrated, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Take care when swimming in the ocean, as there can be strong currents and riptides.

Getting to St Kilda: Transportation Options and Logistics

St Kilda is easily accessible and well-connected to the rest of Melbourne and surrounding areas.

Airports Near St Kilda

  • Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (approx. 25 km from St Kilda)

Bus Stations Near St Kilda

  • The Melbourne City Bus Terminal (approx. 6 km from St Kilda)
  • The Skybus Terminal in St Kilda (approx. 1 km from St Kilda)

Other Options

  • Taxi or Ridesharing Services
  • Trams, Buses, or Trains (available throughout Melbourne)

How to Get Around in St Kilda

The best way to get around St Kilda is on foot, by bike, or on public transportation. The local tram system is easy to use and affordable, and there are plenty of bike rental shops around St Kilda for those looking for a more active way to explore.

Where to Go Next from St Kilda: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

St Kilda is a great jumping off point for exploring some of Melbourne’s other top destinations. Here are some ideas for nearby day trips:

  • Melbourne CBD: The heart of Melbourne, with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and cultural landmarks to explore.
  • Brighton Beach: Famous for its colorful beach boxes, this charming suburb is just a short drive or train ride from St Kilda.
  • Yarra Valley: A scenic wine region just outside of Melbourne, perfect for a day of wine tasting and picturesque views.

Conclusion

St Kilda is a vibrant and dynamic suburb located in Melbourne, Victoria. With everything from stunning beaches to historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone in St Kilda. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an avid hiker or biker, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in this bustling and eclectic destination. Plan your epic trip to St Kilda today!

Luna Park Luna Park St Kilda botanic gardens St Kilda botanic gardens Melbourne skyline from St. Kilda Pier Melbourne skyline from St. Kilda Pier St Kilda Beach St Kilda Beach