Think of your perfect seaside resort, and St Kilda Beach probably ticks most of the boxes. This suburban community south of the centre of Melbourne has been welcoming fun-seeking families for over a century. Despite its proximity to the city, it retains the old-world village feel and pleasantly bohemian atmosphere that has long made it a favourite escape for locals and visitors alike.
St Kilda was put firmly on the map in 1912 with the opening of Luna Park. At that time the park's wooden rollercoasters were the last word in entertainment, and some of the historic rides are still going strong, alongside more state-of-the-art attractions. The iconic face of “Mr Moon” still welcomes visitors to this much-loved Melbourne institution to this day.
The beach at St Kilda is a popular spot for bathers, especially in the summer months, with its gentle waters providing a safe swimming environment for the whole family. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic view of the shoreline from the pier, which houses a pavilion and kiosk at its outer extremity, or fill your lungs with bracing sea air on a walk along the Esplanade, keeping a lookout for the colony of wild fairy penguins that live along the breakwater.
St Kilda is a great place for a spot of out-of-town shopping, especially on Sundays when the atmospheric open-air market provides plenty of bargains. Alternatively, head for the vintage clothing shops and independent boutiques for unusual one-off items you won’t find in the chain stores. Acland Street is a magnet for the sweet-toothed, lined with European-style bakeries selling freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries, and, in the evening, Fitzroy Street comes alive with diners and drinkers flocking to its lively bars and restaurants, and music fans checking out the latest bands at the Esplanade Hotel.
St Kilda Beach is an easy drive from the city centre, with plenty of street parking and garages. The journey by tram takes around 25 minutes. If you’re planning to spend the day on the beach, it’s worth checking the weather forecast in advance, as the coastal winds can blow chilly and strong around this part of the bay.
St Kilda Beach
Visit St Kilda Beach
Reviews of St Kilda Beach
5/5 - Excellent
Go to the pier at dusk to see the little penguins on the rocks.
5/5 - Excellent
Head to the pier about 8pm to see the little penguins :-)
4/5 - Good
You must visit the ‘Espy’ (Esplanade Hotel), the beach area and the cake shops on Acland St
4/5 - Good
Parking alll along the coast can be expensive.
Popular places to visit
Luna Park
Enjoy old-fashioned thrills and state-of-the-art spills at this famous Melbourne landmark.
Palais Theatre
This famous art deco St. Kilda landmark hosts a range of live shows, including concerts, film festivals, dance performances and theater shows.
Acland Street
Everyone knows the way to Melbourne’s heart is through the stomach and this famous dining strip in St. Kilda has been winning hearts for nearly a century.
St Kilda Pier
Stroll, cycle, rollerblade or go fishing at one of Melbourne’s most cherished landmarks and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the waterfront.
St. Kilda Botanical Gardens
This historic botanical garden has a modern twist, incorporating a fascinating Eco-Centre into its green lawns, stunning native flowerbeds and rose garden.
Fitzroy Street
During your trip to Melbourne, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Fitzroy Street. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.
Top Hotel Deals
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Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments
View Melbourne
The Prince
Quest St Kilda Bayside
Saint Kilda Beach Hotel (formerly Rydges St Kilda)
Tolarno Hotel
Oaks Melbourne St Kilda Road Hotel
Roamer St Kilda
Crest on Park
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in St Kilda Beach
Discover the flavours of St Kilda Beach
Best time to go to St Kilda Beach, St Kilda
St Kilda boasts a year-around average temperature of 14.0°C, peaking at 19.8°C in February, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 9.2°C in July, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 23.2mm annually, with June seeing the heaviest showers and September being the driest month.
Month | Temperature (Celcius) | Rainfall (mm) |
| January | 19.7 | 25.7 |
| February | 19.8 | 25.4 |
| March | 17.0 | 25.4 |
| April | 13.4 | 22.6 |
| May | 11.8 | 33.0 |
| June | 9.7 | 33.8 |
| July | 9.2 | 25.4 |
| August | 10.0 | 20.3 |
| September | 11.3 | 12.7 |
| October | 13.6 | 18.3 |
| November | 14.9 | 19.8 |
| December | 17.0 | 16.3 |
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