St. Kilda Beach is in the suburb of St. Kilda, located along the shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, south of Melbourne’s city center. The suburb has a village feel and blends bohemian culture with old European traditions. Discover its relaxing beach, graceful architecture, great shopping and dining, and one of Australia’s most iconic amusement parks.
If you are visiting in summer, be sure to pack your swimming costume. St. Kilda’s waters are mostly wave-free, making them a safe place for the whole family to enjoy. If you don’t feel like getting wet, take a stroll along St. Kilda Pier, which extends far out into the bay and features a pretty pavilion and kiosk at the end. The pier provides great photo opportunities back to the beach and Melbourne skyline. Keep an eye out for the wild fairy penguins that have a colony along the breakwater.
Take a ride on one of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters at St. Kilda’s Luna Park, a much-loved beachside amusement park that first opened in 1912. It’s impossible to miss the park’s iconic entry: the face of “Mr Moon” whose giant smile has been welcoming generations of fun-lovers.
Follow your nose to Acland Street and sample the cakes, pastries and bagels from the many European-style bakeries. On the surrounding streets there are small bars, boutiques and vintage clothing shops. To experience the St. Kilda community at its best, time your visit for a Sunday and head to the open-air market that takes place on the Esplanade.
Nearby Fitzroy Street is the best place to spend the evening. Here you’ll find bars as well as cuisine for all budgets, from fine dining to takeout fish and chips. St. Kilda is a center for popular music too. Rock the night away at Esplanade Hotel, fondly known as “The Espy” and a favourite venue for local and touring bands.
St. Kilda Beach is easily accessible from the city center by tram and the trip takes around 25 minutes. If you are driving, there is metered street parking or many pay parking garages.
It’s always wise to check the weather forecast before visiting St. Kilda Beach as it can bear the brunt of cold, strong coastal winds.
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Browse tours and tickets to explore St Kilda Beach
Tours & day trips
See all 304 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour
History & culture
See all 77 activitiesOpens in new tabMigrants Tour of Melbourne - Sydney Road
Private & custom tours
See all 73 activitiesOpens in new tabSydney to Melbourne 5 Star Bus Tour VIA Great Ocean Road
Adventure & outdoor
See all 30 activitiesOpens in new tabOutdoor Rock Climbing and Abseiling Tour
Water activities
See all 25 activitiesOpens in new tabMelbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise
Reviews of St Kilda Beach
5/5 - Excellent
Went to see penguins and just walk around the area. It was Sunday and later afternoon so a lot of the market was closing as well as the shops. We did see penguins though and the views were incredible.
5/5 - Excellent
Go see the Blue Fairy Penguins at the Pier at sunset.
5/5 - Excellent
Seeing the penguin colony arrive from their day feeding at sea was a tremendous sight!
5/5 - Excellent
Go at sundown to see the fairy penguins. Take a jacket, it gets cold. The attendants are very knowledgeable about the wildlife, so ask questions. The are great bars and restaurants on the promenade also
5/5 - Excellent
Clean and safe
5/5 - Excellent
Great place to escape the city. Take a stroll on the pier, visit Luna Park, have lunch by the water.
Popular places to visit
Luna Park
Melbourne’s iconic oceanfront amusement park mixes old-school charm and modern thrill rides to create the perfect family day out.
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 browse for the perfect souvenirs at Fitzroy Street. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
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