Exploring St Kilda

When visiting Melbourne, I highly recommend spending some time in St Kilda. It has a funky, trendy feel to it and is home to some of Melbourne’s best food, shopping and entertainment. Along the beach you will find a variety of eateries and bars perfect for people watching and lazing the afternoon away, whilst one block back you will find the energetic and eclectic streetscape which is home to the famous Acland Street cakes, theatres, galleries and cafes.

St Kilda is located just a few kilometres outside the Melbourne CBD and is easy to access via the trams.

In this post I share with you some of the great things to do in St Kilda.

Where to eat in St Kilda

Here are some of my personal recommendations

Staple for brunch. The cafe is located along Fitzroy Street and is well worth the walk because the coffee is sensational. They offer simple breakfast dishes and great customer service.

Matcha Mylkbar for lunch. This is the plant-based cafe of Melbourne. It is always busy and insta-famous for their matcha dishes, plethora of coffee, alternative drinks and those vegan ‘eggs’.

Radio Mexico for dinner. Mexican is my favourite cuisine and therefor I was super happy to find this casual restaurant in St Kilda. Luckily, Radio Mexico did not disappoint. Thumbs up for cheap margaritas, guacamole dip and fish/chicken tacos.

Where to shop for homewares

Scout House is an assembly of carefully curated new and vintage items, some of them familiar, others waiting to be discovered. Located on Fitzroy St and only a 10 min walk from St Kilda beach.

The Block Shop is now open in St Kilda and located on Fitzroy Street. If you are a fan of the block and all the stylish homewares or interior options then head to the block pop up store to check out the products in the flesh.

St Kilda Esplanade Market operate every Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm along the Esplanade. These Melbourne craft markets have over 150 handmade artisian and craft stalls.  Items on offer include handmade soaps, funky t-shirts, jewellery, kid’s toys and clothes, coffee, food, treats and heaps more.

Things to do in St Kilda

Luna Park can be entered for free and once your inside you can buy tickets for the rides. I enjoyed walking around, taking photos, and watching the roller coaster going around.

An iconic venue located next door to Luna Park, check out the Palais Theatre for all kinds of shows.

Indulge in a cake or four from the famous Acland Street cake shops. You will also find some of the best cafes along Acland Street St Kilda as well as some great quirky, bohemian style shops.

From the ever-smiling face of Luna Park, take a walk down to St Kilda pier or breakwater and you might just spot one of the local Fairy Penguins (they’re most active at dusk). The pier is also a popular fishing hole. If you get tired, take a rest along the foreshore wall and enjoy people watching or the soft sounds of the clean beach.

Known locally as the espy hotel, Hotel Esplanade is St Kilda’s iconic seaside pub with five levels of music, arts, cocktails, beers and good fun. Recently revamped and reopened in 2018, the hotel is well worth a visit to check out the beautiful interiors. My mother and I called in on a Sunday afternoon and the locals were definitely enjoying a Sunday session.