During our recent trip to Melbourne, we choose to stay in St Kilda neighborhood for the beach proximity and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only 10 mins drive and 20 mins by tram. You will love St Kilda neighborhood, trust me. Not only it is close to beaches, but it also has lots of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. This lovely neighborhood also has lots of Victorian old vintage homes that ages over hundred years old, really charming and nice to look at even from the outside.
Luna Park
Luna Park Melbourne offers one of the hot spots to shoot your Instagram photos. Located at St Kilda, just 6km south of the Melbourne CBD. I was not interested in the amusement park at all as I am not into rides, especially wooden rollercoaster tracks. I find it unsafe. Anyway, Luna Park does not open every day, it opens every weekend and during the school holiday. Do check online to get your tickets to avoid lines.
Luna Park is a historical amusement park which was opened since 1912, so expect the old vibes here. However, it’s iconic clown’s face with big mouth is the entrance, and it is a popular spot for IG photos. Thousand of photos with the clown’s face was featured in the IG accounts from people around the globe.
Palais Theatre
Next to the Luna Park is the Palais Theatre, the old historic auditorium was recently revamped and held concerts here. The building looks new and grand from the outside. Go catch some live music and enjoy your favorite stars in this handsome theatre.
St Kilda Novotel
We stayed in St Kilda Novotel (the white building in the picture below) and the beach just sits opposite the hotel. We parked our rental car in the hotel and walked over to St Kilda beach. Really convenient.
St Kilda Beach
The shore is home to all kinds of sport and the water is safe for swimming. No matter which seasons, there are always people at the beach to enjoy the beautiful nature.
St Kilda Foot Bridge
The cute little footbridge made a great photography spot and there are photographers shooting sunsets from the arch of the footbridge here.
Palm Trees in St Kilda
The palm tree has been closely associated with St Kilda so you will see beautiful tall palm trees all over the beach area. This made me think of Beverly Hills in California.
St Kilda Botanical Garden
If you are into plants and flowers, then visit nearby St Kilda Botanical Garden which has even more exotic plants.
St Kilda Pier
The pier here is a popular destination for cycling, rollerblading and walking, people come here to catch the panoramic views and best in the golden hour. Walk to the end of the pier and you may catch a glimpse of the little penguins clambering back to their nests.
Melbourne City Skyline
It is very convenient to go to the CBD area, you can catch a tram from St Kilda down to the city and only takes 20 mins ride. The tram comes very often.
St Kilda Yacht Club
Captain Cook’s Statue in St Kilda Beach
Cook was the 18th-century British explorer who came to Australia, first landed in Botany, New South Wales, Australia. There are a number of things named after Cook, and one of them is Captain Cook Cruise in Sydney Harbour.
Cafe & Restaurants
The main street in St Kilda is Fitzroy Street where you find lots of cafes, restaurants, and pubs and offer all kinds of cuisines. We choose Japanese as we prefer to have some Asian taste. The restaurant that we went in called Ichi Ni St Kilda, serving Japanese cuisine. The restaurant has a great location which sits opposite the beach so you are able to catch a good view of the sea. The food tasted good but the size is not big and the price range is at the higher side.
Anway, St Kilda is the easy go-to destination for those in search of great food and drink.
Seaweed Salad
Japanese Curry Rice
Chicken Karage
Historical Victorian Mansion in St Kilda
St Kilda is home to many “boom style” mansions, dating back to the early days of the seaside resort. You should check out some of these beautiful mansions when you are in St Kilda. Alternatively, you can book an Airbnb in one of these mansions.
Final thoughts:
If you are renting a car, staying in St Kilda suburb is a good choice. Driving in Melbourne CBD can be daunting so stay in St Kilda and catch a tram to the city. There is a direct tram to the city and only takes 20 mins. St Kilda is a pretty safe and nice neighborhood that is so close to the beach.
4 comments
Australia never ceases to surprise me by going beyond the usual things you know about this state!
St. Kilda looks like an absolutely beautiful place to vacation. Laying on the beach all day and watching that skyline come to life at night sounds like an ideal day to me.
St. Kilda sounds wonderful. It looks like a beautiful place to visit. The mansions are so pretty. You have really great pictures!
What a gorgeous place! I would love to go to Australia!