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 trendy area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to St Kilda Beach
Top reasons to visit St Kilda Beach
- Vibrant Coastal Area: St Kilda Beach is a vibrant coastal area known for its stunning beach and lively atmosphere. It offers more than just sand and surf, with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants that showcase the local culture.
- Distinctive Geographic Landscapes: Explore the enchanting St Kilda interior, which features distinctive geographic landscapes such as the stunning coastline and picturesque parklands.
- Iconic Attractions: Visit iconic attractions near St Kilda Beach, including Luna Park, a nostalgic theme park with thrilling rides, and Palais Theatre, a historic music concert venue with stunning architecture.
- Adrenaline-Filled Experiences: For adventure seekers, Skydive the Beach and Beyond Melbourne offers the opportunity to skydive over the breathtaking coastline, providing unparalleled views of the beach and city skyline.
- Exciting Neighborhoods: Discover exciting neighborhoods near St Kilda Beach, such as Prahran, known for its trendy shops and cafes, and Saint Kilda South, perfect for beach lovers with its picturesque coastline and Luna Park amusement park.
Relaxing coastal getaway with stunning views in St Kilda Beach
St Kilda Beach, located just 6 km from the heart of St Kilda, is a must-visit for any beach lover. This vibrant area offers more than just sand and surf. Explore the enchanting St Kilda interior, with its distinctive geographic landscapes, including the stunning coastline and picturesque parklands. St Kilda's cosmopolitan atmosphere is another highlight, with its trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants offering a taste of the local culture. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach day or a lively night out, St Kilda Beach has it all.
Explore the best places to visit and stay in St Kilda Beach
St Kilda Beach in Victoria, Australia offers a range of exciting areas and neighborhoods that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are some highlights:
- Prahran: This vibrant area is located 2.79 km away from St Kilda Beach and offers a beautiful beach. Explore the trendy shops and cafes, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at night.
- Saint Kilda South: Just 0.46 km from St Kilda Beach, this area is perfect for beach lovers. Take a stroll along the picturesque coastline and visit the iconic Luna Park amusement park.
- St Kilda: Located just 0.85 km from St Kilda Beach, this cosmopolitan area has it all. Enjoy the stunning beach, indulge in delicious food at the many restaurants, and soak up the vibrant nightlife.
With these unique geographic features, landmarks, and local experiences, each area in St Kilda Beach offers a different holiday treat and excitement. Get ready for an unforgettable trip!
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in St Kilda Beach
St Kilda Beach is a vibrant coastal area in Melbourne, Australia, known for its stunning beach and lively atmosphere.
- Luna Park: This iconic theme park is located just 0.22 km away from St Kilda Beach, offering thrilling rides, vibrant carnival games, and a nostalgic atmosphere that will transport you back in time.
- Palais Theatre: Situated only 0.26 km away from St Kilda Beach, this historic music concert venue is renowned for its stunning architecture and hosts a variety of live performances, showcasing both local and international talent.
- Skydive the Beach and Beyond Melbourne: Located 0.34 km away from St Kilda Beach, this adrenaline-filled experience allows you to skydive over the breathtaking coastline, providing unparalleled views of the beach and the city skyline.
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 |
The St Kilda Beach info point: What you need to know
Category | Details |
---|---|
What is St Kilda Beach known for? | Beach, Entertainment, Cafes |
Most popular month? | December, January, February |
Length of Stay | 3-5 days |
Weather | Mild and temperate year-round |
Don't miss | Luna Park, St Kilda Pier, Fitzroy Street |
Cuisine | Fish and chips, Italian gelato |
Where to go | Acland Street, St Kilda Esplanade, Palais Theatre |
💰 How to find great deals on package in St Kilda Beach
- Check out the St Kilda Beach offers on the Expedia website for great package deals.
- Combine your flights and hotel bookings through Expedia to save money on your trip to St Kilda Beach.
- Take advantage of the Rewards program offered by Expedia to earn points and save on future bookings.
- Use the search filters on Expedia to find the best deals on accommodations in Saint Kilda East.
- Consider traveling during the off-peak season for the most budget-friendly options.
- Make use of the price limits search filter on Expedia to find a holiday package that fits your budget.
- Holidays and getaways similar to St Kilda Beach
- Hotels Near St Kilda Beach, St Kilda
- Hotels near popular Melbourne Attractions
- Choose Your St Kilda Beach Hotel Style
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Queen Victoria Market
- Hotels near Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Hotels near Marvel Stadium
- Hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Hotels near University of Melbourne
- Hotels near Bourke Street Mall
- Hotels near Monash University
- Hotels near Flemington Racecourse
- Hotels near Melbourne Museum
- Hotels near St Kilda Road
- Hotels near Brighton Beach
- Hotels near Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Hotels near Melbourne Arts Centre