22 Best Things to do in St Kilda, Melbourne
Welcome to St. Kilda, a vibrant beachside suburb nestled along the shores of Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia. It’s a destination that holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.
It’s known for its beautiful beach waterfront, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. It is also home to many of Melbourne’s annual festivals and events, including the iconic St Kilda Festival and Midsumma Pride March.
There are so many amazing things to do in St Kilda that you’re never quite done exploring. From the iconic St Kilda Pier to the bohemian delights of Acland Street, St Kilda is ready to enchant you with its unique charm!
Discover 22 unforgettable things to do in St Kilda, Melbourne, thoughtfully curated from my personal adventures by the bay.
There are so many fun and interesting things to do in St Kilda, Melbourne you won’t know where to start!
St Kilda, Melbourne
Often referred to as the “cultural capital of Australia,” the city of Melbourne is known for its vibrant arts, cultural events, and diverse population. It has a multicultural atmosphere representing influences from all around the world.
Melbourne’s CBD boasts countless art galleries and theaters, specialty coffee shops, high-end fashion boutiques, bold street art, and more.
But wait, Melbourne city doesn’t stop there. You then have its surrounding suburbs, each with its own unique features and attractions.
St Kilda is a vibrant and eclectic suburb with a lively beach, bustling esplanade, and a diverse range of entertainment and restaurant options.
It’s famous for its beachfront promenade, Luna Park Amusement Park, Acland Street cake shop, and a thriving nightlife scene.
It’s definitely one of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne. It reminds me of Venice Beach in the United States. The boardwalk is lined with beautiful palm trees, the sunsets are incredible, and the vibes are just electrifying.
22 Top Things to Do in St Kilda, Melbourne
1. The St Kilda Marina Lighthouse
This beautiful old lighthouse is situated at the end of the St Kilda Marina breakwater, not to be confused with the St Kilda Pier. It was built alongside the marina between 1966 and 1970 and has guided boats safely into Port Phillip Bay to this day.
You can’t actually climb to the top of the lighthouse, but it’s beautiful to admire from the breakwater, especially as it lights up at night and casts a glow on the bay.
2. Luna Park Amusement Park
You can’t stop by St Kilda without visiting the famous Luna Park. This fun amusement park is located right in the heart of St Kilda, Melbourne, and has been a popular attraction for both locals and tourists since it first opened in 1912.
Luna Park Melbourne is situated along the St Kilda Esplanade, offering a lively atmosphere. Its iconic entrance, “Mr Moon,” is probably the most recognized and most photographed attraction in all of Melbourne.
Explore the classic Coney Island area filled with fun carnival games, sideshows, and interactive attractions.
Take a ride on the famous “Great Scenic Railway,” the park’s historic wooden roller coaster that takes you on a scenic journey around the park. It was originally built in 1912 and is considered one of the oldest continually operating roller coasters in the world.
The historic theme park is open from 11 am – 6 pm on weekends, every day during school holidays, and public holidays (except for Christmas Day).
3. St Kilda Twilight Market
During the summer time and on weekdays, St Kilda puts on a lively twilight market in the O’Donnell Gardens next to Luna Park. It’s held on Thursday nights from November to February, from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Similar to the Esplanade Market, the gardens are filled with a variety of street food stalls and vintage boutiques. There’s also live music in the gardens as well, giving the whole market a relaxed, beachy night-out vibe.
4. The Rain Room
If there’s one thing I recommend not skipping on your list of things to do in St Kilda, Melbourne, it’s visiting The Rain Room. Created by Random International (a London-based art collective group), The Rain Room is a fun immersive art installation, where you can walk through rain and not get wet. Crazy right!
It works with sensors and cameras, creating a dry bubble that follows you as you walk around the room, keeping you dry. The rain then continues to fall all around you. It’s like being inside a controlled rainstorm, which is so surreal.
You can find this installation at the Jackalope Pavilion in St Kilda. It’s open seasonally, and you do need a ticket to enter. I would recommend booking in advance as it’s quite popular and is only open for a select period of time.
5. St.Kilda Pier
The St Kilda Pier is another great spot to take in the views and relax by the beach. The end of the pier provides beautiful views of Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding Melbourne skyline.
Adjacent to the pier is the famous St Kilda Beach. It starts at the St Kilda Marina and stretches as far as the St Kilda Harbour. It’s a great spot to soak up the sun, swim, or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline.
At the entrance, you’ll find the St Kilda Pier Kiosk. This is the perfect spot to grab a coffee or enjoy an ice cream.
The pier has recently undergone new renovations and has just reopened, offering plenty of outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your refreshments whilst soaking in the beautiful views of the bay.
6. Fitzroy Street
Fitzroy Street is St Kilda’s famous main street and the central hub of the suburb.
The street is lined with an assorted range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, and when the sun sets, Fitzroy Street instantly comes to life with its vibrant nightlife.
It also offers a mix of shops and boutiques, perfect for a bit of retail therapy. You’ll find unique vintage stores, gift shops, art galleries, and more along this bustling street.
For some great eats, don’t miss places like The Cross – St Kilda, La Bodega, St Hotel, 3 Elephants & Co.
Looking for the best cafes in St Kilda? Be sure to hit up spots like Staple Providore, Fitzrovia, and the Tilted Acorn.
7. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
The St Kilda Botanical Gardens is a beautiful garden oasis and a popular destination for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
The gardens are filled with lush green lawns and showcase more than 800 mature trees, shrubs, and colorful flowers. The garden’s top attractions include a nursery, gazebo, rainforest conservatory, glasshouse, and ornamental pond.
Throughout the year, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens hosts a range of community events, including live music performances and cultural festivals.
Check the local events calendar here to see if any exciting activities are taking place during your visit.
The garden is open from sunrise to sunset every day. The conservatory is also open between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm every day and from dawn to dusk every Saturday and Sunday, including public holidays.
8. St Kilda Breakwater
One of the breakwater’s top highlights is the resident penguin colony. aka the “St Kilda Penguins.” Every night as the sun sets, you can witness the little fairy penguins returning to their nests along the breakwater.
It’s a unique and incredible experience to observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat – a definite must-see when visiting St Kilda.
The best time to see these little guys is right after sunset as they make their way back to their nesting ground. I also recommend visiting on a weekday as the breakwater can become pretty busy during the weekends.
The breakwater is located at the end of the St Kilda Pier. Bookings are essential, and tickets are limited. I recommend booking as soon as you can, as session times are open 6 months in advance. Check for availability here.
Like all local wildlife, the little penguins are a protected species, and we should never interfere with their natural habitat. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting penguins.
– Do not feed or handle the penguins.
– No flash photography or bright torches shone on the penguins.
– Keep at least 3 meters away from the penguins
– No dogs or cats in the penguin viewing area.
– Entering past the fenceline on the breakwater is also prohibited.
9. St Kilda Bowls Club
Why not enjoy a sunny afternoon of barefoot bowls with friends? One session is generally booked in at 2-hour time slots, which includes the bowls and a quick introduction to the game.
The club also has a beer garden bar, so you can enjoy a casual drink while you bowl. The club is also located on Fitzroy Street, making it super accessible to local restaurants and bars after a game.
10. The Palais Theatre
The Palais Theatre is a historic live performance and entertainment venue located along St Kilda’s lower esplanade. It’s one of the most iconic and beloved venues in all of Melbourne and has a rich history dating back to the 1920s.
Throughout its time, the Palais Theatre has hosted a wide variety of artists and performers from various genres, including music, comedy, dance, and theater.
Many internationally renowned acts, as well as local artists, have even graced its stage over the years. One of the best things about the Palais Theatre is its beautiful Art Deco architecture.
The building’s architectural style is a beautiful mix of French, Italian, and Spanish influences and boasts a distinctive, grand facade with ornate detailing.
Inside, the theater features a large auditorium with a proscenium arch stage and has around 2,900 seats.
The Palais is the perfect place to catch a live comedy show or even attend an opera. Check out the latest shows and upcoming events at the theatre here.
11. Skyline Ferris Wheel
The Skyline Ferris Wheel loacted just next to the Catani Gardens is definitely one of St Kilda’s most popular summer attractions.
This is the perfect spot to catch some amazing sunset views of St Kilda Beach, the new pier, Port Phillip Bay, and the Melbourne city skyline.
Its $15 a ticket and is open from 12 pm – 9.30 pm on weekdays and 10 am – 9.30 pm on weekends. The Skyline is only a summer activity and runs from December through to late April.
12. St Kilda Sea Baths
The St Kilda Sea Baths is a popular recreational facility and health club offering a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors. The Baths feature a series of seawater pools, including a heated indoor pool and two outdoor pools.
The seawater is filtered and heated to provide a comfortable swimming experience all year-round. These pools are perfect for a relaxing dip or to do some rejuvenating exercise.
The complex also includes a day spa where you can pamper yourself with a range of treatments, such as massages and facials. It’s a great place to unwind and rejuvenate while enjoying ocean views.
The Sea Baths’ prime location is on St Kilda’s main stretch, making it an easily accessible and enjoyable destination for beachgoers and fitness lovers.
13. St Kilda Beach
The iconic St Kilda Beach is a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination when exploring Melbourne.
This incredible beach is quite a popular place during the summer months, with many locals and visitors enjoying the numerous attractions and outdoor activities.
Whether you want to relax on the sandy beach, dip in the refreshing water, or engage in water sports like kiteboarding or paddleboarding, the beaches around St Kilda provide the perfect beachside getaway.
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss at St Kilda Beach, it’s the incredible sunset views. So be sure to grab a blanket or find a cozy spot on the sand and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
14. The National Theatre
The National Theatre is St Kilda’s hidden gem, it’s one Melboune oldest performing art centers and is also home to Australia’s oldest ballet school, established in the 1930s.
It’s a beautiful heritage-listed theatre with an intimate auditorium of around 780 seats. The theatre hosts an array of different events, including theatre, ballet, opera, musicals, and comedy shows.
Be sure to check out what’s on during your visit, as they usually have some great shows on throughout the year.
15. St Kilda Esplanade Market
The St Kilda Esplanade Market takes place every Sunday, rain or shine, making it a perfect weekend activity.
The market showcases a diverse range of stalls featuring unique handmade crafts, fresh produce, artworks, clothing, jewelry, homewares, and more.
The market often features live performances by local musicians, adding to the lively atmosphere. This is definitely up there as one of the best things to do in St Kilda, Melbourne.
The St Kilda Market is open from 10 am to 4 pm every Sunday and is located right along St Kilda Esplanade.
16. Hotel Esplanade
Known to the locals as “The Espy,” The Hotel Esplanade is a historic hotel with a rich history dating as far back as 1878, and has undergone several renovations and transformations over the years.
This is my favorite pub in all of St Kilda. It’s absolutely gorgeous inside. The iconic pub has twelve bars, two restaurants, and three stages. There’s a beer garden, a garden terrace, and a Cantonese restaurant, “Mya Tiger.”
One of the top highlights of The Espy is its rooftop area, which offers panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline, St Kilda Beach, and Port Phillip Bay. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink, watch the sunset, and take in the views.
The Espy is open from 12 pm to 11 pm, Monday – Thursday, and open from 12 pm to 3 am Fridays and Saturdays.
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17. The Jewish Museum of Australia
Explore Australia’s Jewish culture and history. The Jewish Museum of Australia showcases various exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the stories of Jewish individuals and their impact on Australian society.
The museum has the largest collection of Jewish-Australian artifacts in the world, containing over 2,000 pieces predominantly donated by the local Jewish community.
The collection explores Jewish tradition and history, with each item telling a personal story of the person who donated it.
General Admission to the museum is free. However, tickets must be booked in advance. The major exhibits do cost a fee of $20 AUD.
The Museum is also closed on Mondays and Saturdays, but is open every other day from 10 am to 5 pm.
18. Catani Gardens
The Catani Gardens is another popular public park located in St Kilda, which offers spectacular views of the nearby St Kilda Beach.
The heritage-listed Garden was named after its designer, Carlo Catani, a renowned Italian landscape designer from the late 19th century.
The park features a large running track lined with palm trees, picnic tables, and a grand gazebo right in its center.
The Gardens also hosts many concerts throughout the year, which include a wide range of genres from artists such as Skrillex, Childish Gambino, and more.
19. Acland Street
It’s time to have your cake and eat it too! For the most scrumptious cakes and delicious coffee you will ever try, head on over to St Kilda’s Acland Street.
It is one of the most well-known streets in the area that offers an abundance of cake shops, bars, and boutiques
It is particularly famous for its European-style cake shops, offering a variety of delicious cakes, pastries, and sweets.
Shops like Monarch Cakes and Acland Cake Shop have been around for many years and have become iconic establishments in St Kilda.
Roaming around Acland Street and trying all the sweets you can handle is definitely at the top of my St Kilda itinerary.
20. Bay Trail from St Kilda to Brighton
Another great thing to do in St Kilda, Melbourne, is cycle or walk the Bay Trail from St Kilda Pier to Brighton Beach. It’s a fun, easy part of the trail that wraps around Port Phillip Bay and is best done in the early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting is soft and dreamy.
The trail is usually broken up into sections, as the entire coastal trail is 50km long, starting at Seaford and ending in Port Melbourne. The St Kilda to Brighton portion is roughly 5 miles (8 km) one way, so easily done in a few hours.
I highly recommend hiring an e-bike for the trail. You can find these near the foreshore, nearby parks, and major streets around St Kilda.
21. St Kilda Ferry Cruise
Hop aboard the St Kilda Ferry and enjoy an afternoon of sailing across Port Phillip Bay.
Relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean views whilst enjoying Melbourne from a unique viewpoint. Guests can choose to travel to one of three different locations: Williamstown, Port Melbourne, or St Kilda.
The cruise between Williamstown and St Kilda is around 25 – 30 minutes each way, and the ferry ride between Williamstown and Port Melbourne is about 15 – 20 minutes each way.
You can also choose whether you would like a return trip or a single one-way trip. My top cruise recommendation would be the Sunset Puguin Cruise.
The cruise departs from the St Kilda Pier and heads out past the Marina to the rock wall, where you can watch the sunset over Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne and see the Little Penguins make their way back to their nests.
22. St Kilda Music Festival
The St Kilda Music Festival is one of Australia’s most popular summer festivals. It’s held every year in February and is a free music event celebrating all things music, dance, comedy, theater, and great summer vibes.
It offers a wide range of fun activities and entertainment for people of all ages. The festival also delivers a diverse lineup of local and national musicians across various genres, including rock, pop, indie, jazz, blues, and electronic.
During February, Australia’s summer is in full swing, so for those who want to plan the ultimate weekend getaway to St Kilda, Melbourne, February is certainly the best time to visit.
How to get to St Kilda
The popular St Kilda suburb is located about 3.7 miles (6 km) southeast of Melbourne’s central business district. See below for transportation options to get to St Kilda from the city center.
The Tram
Trams are a convenient and popular way to reach St Kilda from the city. (Tram 96 – East Brunswick to St Kilda) runs directly to St Kilda from the CBD. You can catch this tram from various locations, such as Spencer Street, Burke Street, and Elizabeth Street. See here for the tram timetable.
Train and Tram
If you are coming from the outer suburbs, you can take a train to one of the nearby train stations and then transfer to the 96 tram that will take you to St Kilda. Be sure to bring your Myki card.
The Bus
Several bus routes connect different parts of Melbourne to St Kilda. You can check the local bus schedules and routes here to find the one that best suits your location.
By Car
Lastly, the quickest and easiest way to get to St Kilda is by car. From Melbourne’s CBD, it’s a 21-minute drive in normal traffic conditions. In terms of parking, just be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak times and events.
Most of St Kilda’s parking is ticketed; however, there is free parking in St Kilda if you know where to look. There is 1 hour free parking at the Botanical Gardens, 2 hours free parking along Irwell Street, and a free parking lot on Bath Street.
Other Suburbs Nearby
Brighton Beach
The iconic Brighton Beach is a beautiful seaside suburb located 30 minutes just outside of Melbournes CBD. The beach offers beautiful views of Port Phillip Bay and is a great place to relax and take in the coastal scenery.
The main attraction at Brighton Beach is, of course, its famous row of colorful bathing boxes, each painted in different colors and designs.
These fun bathing boxes have become an iconic symbol and are, without a doubt, one of the most recognized and photographed attractions in all of Melbourne.
Visiting Brighton Beach is a definite must-see. The unique bathing boxes provide a picturesque experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Albert Park
The suburb of Albert Park is another popular and well-known park located in Melbourne, and is a stone’s throw away from St Kilda.
Some of Albert Park’s top attractions include Albert Park Lake, a large freshwater lake surrounded by walking and cycling paths.
Albert Park Golf Course– one of many public golf courses around Melbourne, it’s known for its picturesque setting and challenging holes.
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is one of the most prominent events held at Albert Park. The park’s roads transform into a Formula 1 racing circuit, attracting motorsport fans from around the world.
Port Melbourne
Home to Port Melbourne Beach, this beautiful suburb is located 3.1 miles (5 km) southwest of Melbourne’s central business district.
Port Melbourne’s top highlights include Station Pier, a historic and significant landmark that serves as a major passenger terminal for cruise ships and ferries, with regular services going to Tasmania and other destinations.
Gasworks Arts Park– a cultural and artistic hub featuring galleries, workshops, and performance spaces for various artistic events and exhibitions.
Westgate Park – located just across the West Gate Bridge, Westgate Park is known for its distinctive pink lake, created by the presence of algae. It offers walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and picnic areas.
Free Things to Do in St Kilda
St Kilda is the perfect location for anyone visiting on a budget. There are a ton of free things to do, including many of the activities I mentioned above.
St Kilda offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it an enjoyable destination for those looking to explore Melbourne without breaking the bank.
Check out below my top 10 free things to do in St Kilda, Melbourne.
1. Sunbathe at St Kilda Beach.
2. Spot the Penguins at the St Kilda Breakwater.
3. Dance at the St Kilda Music Festival.
4. Roam the stalls at the St Kilda Esplanade, Sunday Market.
5. Relax in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens.
6. Read a book at the St Kilda Public Library.
7. Admire the exhibits at the Jewish Museum.
8. Window shop down Fitzroy and Acland Street.
9. Watch the sunset at the St Kilda Pier.
10. Bike ride along the St Kilda Promenade.
I hope you enjoyed this mini St Kilda guide. As you can see, there are so many fun and free activities you can do. Be sure to let yourself chat with the locals, roam the alleyways, and create your own list of things to do in St Kilda, Melbourne.
More related travel guides:
The Ultimate Melbourne, Australia Travel Guide
Where to Find Melbourne’s Best Brunch Spots
12 Top things to do in Warrnambool, Victoria
The best time to visit Bright, Victoria, for autumn leaves
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You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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