If you are visiting Melbourne and want to get away from the city for a bit, St Kilda is an ideal place to visit as an inner seaside suburb of Melbourne which is about 25 minutes away on a bus. St Kilda is home to Luna Park, Palais Theatre, St Kilda Pier and Esplanade Hotel. It is the host for many of the big events and festivals that happen. 

Luna Park is a historic amusement park which opened in 1912 located on the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay which opens Saturdays & Sundays as well as everyday during school and public holidays. Luna Park is packed with rides, food and entertainment including the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world known as the scenic railway which still remains at the park from when it opened 1912. 

Adjacent to  Luna Park you will find the Palais theatre which is an historic picture palace that opened in 1927. With a capacity of nearly 3,000 people it is the largest seated theatre in Australia, it is primarily known as a music venue. This theatre is host to ballet performances, opera’s and comedy shows. 

One of the oldest and grandest hotels in the city is The Esplanade Hotel or ‘The Espy’ which it’s commonly known as is a grand Victorian hotel overlooking Port Phillip which was built in 1878. 

First built in 1853 as a small private timber jetty St Kilda pier is home to a colony of little penguins. The pier is also a hotspot for the locals to go fishing or rollerblading.

If you visit St Kilda on a Sunday there is a market which has been running since the 1970’s with over 100 unique stalls selling handcrafted artwork, jewellery, accessories, artisan food products as well as range of other products. 

If you are visiting St Kilda a stop off along either Fitzroy St or Acland St is a must where you can visit the numerous shops and stop off for cake at one of the bakeries or cafes that are located along the streets. 

Those who are visiting Melbourne on a cruise will find themselves docking close to St Kilda. 

Would you take a day trip to St Kilda whilst visiting Melbourne?

Laura Jane

At the time of this being posted we are in the middle of a pandemic, please remain safe and abide by any travel restrictions. Any further information on travel restrictions can be found on the government website.