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St. Kilda
18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia +61 3 9525 5033 Website 11am – 6pm Melbourne Campervan Hire
grapesflint (contributor)
Nothing, arguably, epitomises St Kilda more than Luna Park. It was established in 1912 when St Kilda had become the city resort of Melbourne (and was trying to re-establish itself as a respectable area following its ‘colonisation’ at the end of the 19th century by prostitution, drugs and alcohol).
It’s built by the same company that built the first Luna Park on Coney Island, and even today the air is punctutaed by the screams of those daring to have a go on the historic, heritage listed roller coaster.
As with the Luna Park in Sydney, its future is in some doubt – its sitting on some of the most valuable real-estate in Melbourne. Recent purchaser has indicated rennovation but it also includes the area surrounding the park (including the Palais Theatre and, perhaps most appealing the car park. The car park is a strange hybrid – important but at the same time sited opposite the beach – ripe for development!).
In the interim, head for the rides. They’re old and somewhat dated, so not as sophisticated as the theme parks, but its on the beachfront in the middle of the city – what more could you and an emptying of your wallet want?
It ain’t a cheap day out, that’s for sure: as of March 2011, entrance is free but single tickets are A$4.50 (under 3 year’s old), A$7.50 (4-12) and A$9.50 (14+): unlimited rides are A$14.95 / A$31.95 /A$41.95 (same age groups). Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) …A$125.00 !!
Opening times:
Friday: 7pm – 11 pm/ Saturday 11am – 11pm/ Sunday 11am – 6pm
Public Holidays: Monday -Thursday 11am-6pm/ Friday 11am -11pm/ weekends as above
sendxavier (contributor)
Folks say it: Every visitor should at least drop by St.Kilda while in Melbourne…which is blissfully strange considering that I only made it here almost 10 years after my first visit to Melbourne. Why St.Kilda eluded me? Goodness knows.
St Kilda has seen a strong revival in recent years after welling in a period of seediness following a 60s golden era when it was the IN seaside resort to take the sea air.
On weekends, Melburnians flock here to walk, cycle and skate along the palm-lined foreshore or to lounge in an outdoor café or cocktail bar – and take in the panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.
Away from the foreshore, you’ll find much of St Kilda’s activity concentrated in Fitzroy and Acland streets. Fitzroy Street is renowned for its cool cafes, restaurants and bars, with tables spilling onto the footpath, and is one of Melbourne’s most attractive eating and drinking streets. Nearby Acland Street is vibrant and bustling, with an eclectic mix of restaurants, wine bars and continental cake shops. You must drop in for a slice of cake, my colleagues insisted and soak up the chi chi cafe culture. Truly a place to be seen!
There are a few icons to look out for in St.Kilda. Luna Park, remains wildly popular, despite the onslaught of time. Kids were squealing their lungs out on the rides when I was there. And next to it, you’ll find another landmark, a 20s-era white-washed of a building, the majestic Palais Theatre. And along Acland Street, remember to look up and sought out some hippy characters fiddling on the roof.
And should you be in St.Kilda on a weekend, don’t miss the Arts and Crafts Market along the beach front. You can find plenty of quirky souvenirs here, found nowhere else. I came upon a stall selling candlesticks made from little teapots, stacked upon each other, each with different designs.
And of course, I shouldn’t neglect the beach, which is what draws folks here in the 1st place. And if you made it here, drop by the historic St.Kilda Pier Kiosk, rebuilt in 2003 after a fire. Pull some time out of your bag, grab a hot cup of coffee at the Little Blue Cafe and just stun yourself silly with the awesome view.
meekavogadro (contributor)
If you possibly can, do try to fit a visit to St. Kilda into your time in Melbourne, especially if you have a Sunday to spare. This coastal suburb of Melbourne is home to the famous St. Kilda Sunday market along the beachfront esplanade, a craft market where you can pick up a great souvenir. There is also a fairground, Luna Park and lots of cafes, bars and a sweep of sandy beach.
It’s only a tramride from Melbourne – for more information and to get a better idea of what’s on offer here please see my St. Kilda page
jacksucking (contributor)
Jump on one of the local trams and take a ride over to St. Kilda, this is melbourne’s coastal resort. It only takes about 25 minutes to get there. There are safe sandy beaches.
People flock to St Kilda for great cafes, bars or just people watching.
Luna Park is a must, it is a old seaside amusement park with working wooden roller coaster and many other historic rides.
Sunday St Kilda is home to one of the best art and craft markets in Australia. It attracts thousands looking for that something different.
When we were there we managed to see the band UB40 in concert
shrawnsbandy (contributor)
There is no better way than taking the tram to St Kilda, the journey there is most interesing and doesn’t take too long. There are a number of tram routes running to or via St Kilda. If one is travelling from the City centre of Melbourne then go to either one of the following three main street locations. These being Bourke Street, Swanston and Collins Streets. The tram ride is great for people watching and viewing the city’s varying architecture en-route. Trams will only pick up and set down at specified stops, they are all well maked. Tickets can be purchased on the tram, make sure you have change and validate your tickets.
harryscarp (contributor)
St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan areas. In the early days, St Kild was a fashinable seaside resort but it gradually declined. By the 1960s it was pretty seedy and its decadent image of faded glories (and cheap rents) attracted immigrants and refugees, bohemians and fown-and-outers. St Kilda has undergone an image upgrade, although it’s still a place of extremes – backpacker hostels and fine-dine restaurants, sports cars and junkies. It can still be perilous to wander the streets late at night, particularly for lone women. The main streets, Fitzroy St and Acland St, are full of interesting shops and eateries. The St Kilda Festival in February is a showcase for local artists, musicians and writers, and features street parties, parades, concerts and lots more.
retinalyla (contributor)
Besides the Melbourne City, it is also worth visiting some of the suburbs. One such suburb that worth visiting is St Kilda. Located east of the Melbourne City, St Kilda is not only a hip for the locals but also the visitors. Its lively atmosphere is the main draw for foreigners and locals. This cosmopolitan suburb is filled with diversity and surprises. Its main shops and eating outlets are found along Fitzroy and Acland Streets. For the young at heart, do head for the well-known Luna Park, where everyone can try his/her favourite ride at this popular amusement park. Summer is also a time where many people will visit the much talkabout beach at St Kilda. It’s definitely a time at St Kilda to soak in the Summer fun. Also, don’t leave Acland Street without trying cakes and the bakeries. The bakeries are well-known for their mouth-watering pastries in this area!
