St Kilda
In years past, St Kilda was once a popular resort where hotels, sea baths, dance halls and amusement
parks accommodated many of Melbourne's elite during their seaside holidays. During the 1970s and 80s, however, St Kilda would take on a seedier edge before the recent influx of affluent professionals began to balance out the suburb's notoriety with a touch of sophistication. See our detailed St Kilda map. Things to See and Do
Stretching from St Kilda Road down towards the Esplanade is the bustling Fitzroy St. Lined with cafes, pubs and nightclubs, it's a hive of activity where the stylish and fun-loving gather on weekends. Further along, on the Upper Esplanade, the St Kilda Arts and Craft Market is held every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Shoppers can enjoy breathtaking views of the beach and be entertained by a street busker while perusing through the items on display here. Along the beach itself is a delightful promenade with separate paths for bicycles and strollers. The trail stretches to Elwood and Brighton while at the northern end is the pier where the Williamstown Ferry crosses the bay every hour to Williamstown and back. Further up the Esplanade lies the historic Luna Park, an old-fashioned amusement park with a collection of rides, games and food stalls whose laughing face has become an icon of St Kilda. Among the rides is the Scenic Railway, the world's oldest operational roller-coaster that's been thrilling passengers since 1912. The Esplanade connects with Acland St where, on weekends and public holidays, the crowd builds up to levels rivaling Fitzroy St at the other end of the suburb. Along the busy street are exotic shops, boutiques and eateries. The popular cake shops and bakeries here, in particular, are a highlight. On Blessington St, away from the crowds, is the idyllic St Kilda Botanic Gardens. The peaceful park is decorated with flowers and a serene lake making it the perfect escape after a busy day at the beach, shops and cafes.
Getting to St Kilda
From Melbourne city, take trams 16, 69, 79, 96 or 12. To drive to St Kilda, head down St Kilda Rd, up the overhead bridge, turning right onto Punt Rd followed by a sharp right turn into Fitzroy St.
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