Oh, Melbourne. I love a lot of places and I have incredible experiences left, right and centre, but there are not many destinations in which I sit and think, I could see myself here long term. But with Melbourne, I did, St. Kilda more specifically.

St. Kilda is a small seafront town located in Melbourne, just outside the city centre. When I told people I was going to use St. Kilda as my base to explore Melbourne from, people suggested otherwise, preferring Fitzroy or other city centre locations. I was told St. Kilda was quite far out and that it would require a lot of effort to get into the city itself.

But with the 25-minute tram that runs so frequently, you don’t even need to look up the tram times, after the expectation of some kind of 2-hour, 3-change schedule, it felt like a breeze. If, like me, you love the city, but after a while it gets a bit too hectic and starts to suffocate you… And if, like me, you absolutely love the beach, but after a while of lying around, you need some stimulation and drive to keep you content… Then you’ll love St. Kilda, it’s the best of both worlds and seems to have nailed the balance.

In this blog post, I have put together my favourite things to do in St. Kilda, the best places to get coffee and brunch, and my favourite spots to explore.

Top tip: Download City Planner onto your phone for finding the most efficient way to get somewhere in Melbourne, or in any city you travel to, via public transport. I LOVE IT. Check out all my favourite travel apps here!

Getting to St. Kilda from Melbourne Airport

Getting from the airport to St. Kilda is super simple. If you’re on a budget, are travelling solo or just like to save wherever possible (like I do), then getting the Skybus is your best bet. It cost $18 each way and takes about half an hour – book here or pay on the bus.

Otherwise there are loads of taxis outside the airport for you to jump in.

Check out my guide to planning your transport in Australia here!

Why visit St. Kilda, Melbourne?

St. Kilda’s main stretch is right where the tram pulls in, hosting two parallel lines either side of coffee shops, trendy boutiques, high street stores, supermarkets and restaurants. People seem to always be occupying the outdoor cafe seats, drenched in sunshine whilst catching up over a frothy coffee. And if they aren’t, you can guarantee they’ll be in their sweats running the length of the promenade or cooling off in the ocean.

The beaches may be man-made here in St. Kilda, but they are footsteps from the high street, and showcase some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. To top it off, as you lay on the beach, the view is framed by Melbourne’s skyline. It’s stunning.

Head away from the city and down the coastal path with your bike, your trainers or your skates and you’ll find miles upon miles of beaches, clear waters, picnic spots and gorgeous lookouts to enjoy. Then there’s discovering St. Kilda’s very own Botanical Gardens, enjoying Luna Park come alive by night, listening to the buskers, the Thursday night food and music market and the crazy delicious Matcha Restaurant St. Kilda hosts (my personal favourite).

And there’s plenty more goodness where that comes from; Melbourne is filled with healthy eating cafes and eateries.

My top tips for visiting St. Kilda

• Download the City Mapper app to navigate the public transport.
• You will need a Myki card to travel on the tram (Melbourne’s main transport system). You can use it like an Oyster, so you will need to buy one and top up as necessary.
• The corner shops do $1 coffees that are actually pretty good.
• Getting from the airport to St. Kilda is super simple. $18 (each way) Skybus which takes about half an hour – book here.
• If you’re looking for a great hostel, I stayed in Base and absolutely loved it. Super central, clean, buzzing with atmosphere. Book the hostel here (cheaper to book directly on that link). It’s also right next to the airport shuttle bus stop!

The best things to do in St. Kilda, Melbourne

Watch the penguins from St. Kilda Pier at sunset.

One of the most unique things to do in St Kilda is watch the little penguins return to shore at sunset. You just need to walk along St Kilda Pier all the way to the end and follow the signs to the penguin viewing area overlooking the breakwater, where a colony of little penguins nest among the rocks.

Around sunset, after a day spent fishing in Port Phillip Bay, the penguins begin arriving back in small groups, hopping out of the water and waddling across the rocks to their burrows. The viewing area is managed to protect the colony, so visitors watch from a designated platform. Please avoid using flash photography or bright lights. See more here.

Rent a bike and cycle the coastal path.

One of my favourite days in Australia, and something I actually enjoyed doing solo for a bit of headspace and peace. I rented my bike from St. Kilda Cycles and just followed the ocean path. Check out my bike route here!

Go for dinner or drinks at Republica on the beachfront

Head to Republica St Kilda Beach for dinner or sunset drinks right on the beachfront, where you can grab a table overlooking the sand and soak up the laid-back St Kilda atmosphere. It’s a great spot for casual bites, cocktails, and live music, especially in the evening when the terrace fills with people watching the sun dip over Port Phillip Bay.

Experience Luna Park by night

You can’t miss Luna Park Melbourne. It’s the iconic white amusement park right on the St Kilda beachfront, famous for its giant grinning entrance and its historic wooden roller coaster circling the park. It’s especially fun to wander past at night when the lights are glowing; the rides might not be the most extreme, but grabbing a selfie out front and hopping on a ride or two is all part of the St Kilda experience.

Kick back and relax on the beach

St Kilda’s wide, sandy St Kilda Beach is perfect for kicking back and soaking up the sun, whether you’re lying on a towel, strolling along the shore, or dipping your toes in Port Phillip Bay. With the city skyline behind you and the sounds of the waves, it’s the ultimate spot to relax, people-watch, or enjoy a sunset picnic.

Stop and smell the roses in St. Kilda’s botanical gardens

Take a leisurely stroll to St Kilda Botanical Gardens, just a 10–15 minute walk from the St Kilda beachfront or a short tram ride from the city. This is a free thing to do in St. Kilda!

These peaceful gardens are perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Find a quiet bench for a picnic, spot the ornamental lakes, native plants, and charming historic features like the fern gully, and enjoy the birdlife. A perfect alternative to a day at the beach.

Check out my guide to budgeting for backpacking Australia here.

Catch a show or concert at the Palais Theatre

Experience the magic of live entertainment at Palais Theatre, an iconic Art Deco venue just a short walk from St Kilda Beach. From big-name concerts to theatre productions and comedy shows, the beautifully restored interior and stunning stage sets the perfect scene for a memorable evening. Check the schedule online to see what’s on during your visit and grab tickets in advance for the best seats.

Dance your socks off at St. Kilda festival.

Every summer, St Kilda Festival transforms the suburb into a vibrant celebration of music, art, and community. Streets, parks, and the beachfront fill with live performances, food stalls, and entertainment for all ages, so grab your friends, soak up the festival atmosphere, and dance your socks off to everything from local bands to big-name headliners — best of all, entry is free! A great festival to time your trip to St. Kilda around.

Check the official site for dates and lineups here: St Kilda Festival.

Enjoy the street food at the St.Kilda Twilight Market

Head to the St Kilda Twilight Market on Thursday evenings for a lively mix of street food, artisan stalls, and live music. Wander the market aisles, sample everything from wood-fired pizzas and gourmet dumplings to sweet treats and craft drinks, and grab a spot by the waterfront to enjoy your food as the sun sets over Port Phillip Bay.

Here’s the link for details: St Kilda Twilight Market.

Watch the incredible sunset over the city

Say no more.

Join the sunrise workout squad on the beachfront

Okay, there’s no legit squad (that I know of), but everyone works out along the front. Be it running, skating, cycling, walking the dog or leading your own little HIIT sequence, you won’t feel out of place.

Head down for sunrise to sweat before the midday heat arrives!

Wander the Sunday Esplanade Market

Stroll along the St Kilda Esplanade Market on Sundays to browse one of Melbourne’s most iconic beachfront markets. From handmade jewellery and local artwork to unique souvenirs and street snacks, it’s the perfect place to pick up a keepsake while enjoying live music and the relaxed seaside vibe right by St Kilda Beach.

Enjoy a ‘pay as you feel’ meal at Lentil as Anything.

Treat yourself to a unique dining experience at Lentil as Anything St Kilda, where meals are offered on a “pay as you feel” basis. The vibrant, community-focused café serves hearty, mostly vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, artsy setting. Wander in for a wholesome lunch or dinner, enjoy the colourful décor, and pay what feels right for your meal while soaking up the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.

Skydive over Melbourne

To add a dose of adrenaline to your St.Kilda adventure, take to the skies with a skydiving experience over St Kilda and Port Phillip Bay. Soar high above the Melbourne coastline, taking in birds-eye views of the city, the beach, and the bay before your epic freefall and a gentle parachute descent.

One popular operator is Skydive Melbourne, located just a short drive from St Kilda.

Hop on the tram into Melbourne city centre.

St. Kilda is amazing, but head into the city, and the options are endless. Go explore the likes of the Night Market, the art lanes, the coffee shops and the Eureka Sky Tower.

• Check out my complete guide to Melbourne here.

Where to eat and drink in St. Kilda

• Lentil as anything
• Milk the Cow
• Mr. Wolf
• Babu Ji
• Misery Guts
• Miss Jackson
• Pontoon
• United Kitchen

Extend your adventure from Melbourne…

• A day trip to Phillip Island
• A Great Ocean Road road trip. Check out my experience here.
• A weekend in the Yarra Valley Wine Region
• A road trip to Adelaide.
• A road trip to Jervis Bay. See my Jervis Bay road trip here.
• A road trip to Sydney.
  • Check out Sydney on my blog here. 
  • Take a look at a Melbourne to Sydney road trip itinerary here.
• A trip to Tasmania.

Have you been to St. Kilda?

What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.

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