St Kilda Beach

St. Kilda Beach featuring tropical scenes and a beach
St. Kilda Beach showing street scenes, markets and a city
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
St. Kilda Beach showing theatre scenes
St. Kilda Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as a small group of people


From rollercoasters to rock bands, fine dining to fish and chips, St Kilda is the archetypal seaside resort.

Think of your perfect seaside resort, and St Kilda Beach probably ticks most of the boxes. This suburban community south of the centre of Melbourne has been welcoming fun-seeking families for over a century. Despite its proximity to the city, it retains the old-world village feel and pleasantly bohemian atmosphere that has long made it a favourite escape for locals and visitors alike.

St Kilda was put firmly on the map in 1912 with the opening of Luna Park. At that time the park's wooden rollercoasters were the last word in entertainment, and some of the historic rides are still going strong, alongside more state-of-the-art attractions. The iconic face of “Mr Moon” still welcomes visitors to this much-loved Melbourne institution to this day.

The beach at St Kilda is a popular spot for bathers, especially in the summer months, with its gentle waters providing a safe swimming environment for the whole family. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic view of the shoreline from the pier, which houses a pavilion and kiosk at its outer extremity, or fill your lungs with bracing sea air on a walk along the Esplanade, keeping a lookout for the colony of wild fairy penguins that live along the breakwater.

St Kilda is a great place for a spot of out-of-town shopping, especially on Sundays when the atmospheric open-air market provides plenty of bargains. Alternatively, head for the vintage clothing shops and independent boutiques for unusual one-off items you won’t find in the chain stores. Acland Street is a magnet for the sweet-toothed, lined with European-style bakeries selling freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries, and, in the evening, Fitzroy Street comes alive with diners and drinkers flocking to its lively bars and restaurants, and music fans checking out the latest bands at the Esplanade Hotel.

St Kilda Beach is an easy drive from the city centre, with plenty of street parking and garages. The journey by tram takes around 25 minutes. If you’re planning to spend the day on the beach, it’s worth checking the weather forecast in advance, as the coastal winds can blow chilly and strong around this part of the bay.

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Reviews of St Kilda Beach

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
68
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
69
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go to the pier at dusk to see the little penguins on the rocks.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Head to the pier about 8pm to see the little penguins :-)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

You must visit the ‘Espy’ (Esplanade Hotel), the beach area and the cake shops on Acland St

4/5 - Good

Spicy

Parking alll along the coast can be expensive.

Popular places to visit


Top St Kilda Beach Hotel Deals

View Melbourne

View Melbourne

4 out of 5
562 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC
View Melbourne
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments

Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
6 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments
The Prince

The Prince

4.5 out of 5
2 Acland Street, St Kilda, VIC
The Prince
Quest St Kilda Bayside

Quest St Kilda Bayside

4 out of 5
1 Eildon Road, St Kilda, VIC
Quest St Kilda Bayside
Saint Kilda Beach Hotel (formerly Rydges St Kilda)

Saint Kilda Beach Hotel (formerly Rydges St Kilda)

4 out of 5
35-37 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, VIC
Saint Kilda Beach Hotel (formerly Rydges St Kilda)
Tolarno Hotel

Tolarno Hotel

4 out of 5
42 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, VIC
Tolarno Hotel
Crest on Barkly

Crest on Barkly

4 out of 5
47 Barkly St, St Kilda, VIC
Crest on Barkly
Roamer St Kilda (formerly Selina St Kilda)

Roamer St Kilda (formerly Selina St Kilda)

3 out of 5
24 Grey St, St Kilda, VIC
Roamer St Kilda (formerly Selina St Kilda)
St Kilda Accommodation - Hostel

St Kilda Accommodation - Hostel

2 out of 5
55 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, VIC
St Kilda Accommodation - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach offers a plethora of activities, including scenic bike rides along the coastline and access to various sports facilities. Visitors can conveniently rent bikes to explore the area. The beach is also a vibrant shopping destination, perfect for unique finds. For families and thrill-seekers, the nearby amusement park provides fun rides and attractions, ensuring a delightful day by the beach.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in St Kilda Beach, visit South Melbourne Market, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local produce and unique gifts. Melbourne Central and Bourke Street Mall, both 6.4km away, boast a mix of shopping and entertainment for family enjoyment.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 6.4km from St Kilda Beach, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. AAMI Park, 4.8km away, provides a similar vibe, perfect for catching a game. For a cultural experience, the Palais Theatre, just 322m away, hosts a range of entertaining performances.

Adventure

The Tan Track offers a fantastic outdoor experience, perfect for walking or jogging along scenic paths 4.8km from St Kilda Beach. For a unique perspective, soar over the coastline with Melbourne Seaplanes, located 6.4km away, or explore the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail, also 6.4km away, for a cultural adventure.

Nightlife

St Kilda Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife with venues like the Astor Theatre, offering a cultural experience just 1.6km away, and the Melbourne Arts Centre, three miles away, perfect for family entertainment. Don't miss Young & Jackson's pub, four miles away, known for its lively atmosphere and romantic vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach in Victoria, Australia, offers a delightful blend of attractions for tourists, including the pristine beach, the iconic St Kilda Pier, and the scenic foreshore. Visitors can enjoy the historic St Kilda Pier and relax at the St Kilda Sea Baths. This vibrant area caters to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and urban parks, making it a perfect destination for a memorable holiday.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena, an iconic venue known for hosting world-class events, including tennis tournaments and concerts. The family-friendly environment makes it a perfect spot for entertainment lovers.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: This state-of-the-art venue is ideal for business events, exhibitions, and conferences. Its modern facilities and professional vibe create a dynamic setting for networking and collaboration.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Immerse yourself in Australia’s sporting culture at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. A visit here offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of cricket and the passionate local sports scene.

Best time to go to St Kilda Beach

The best time to visit St Kilda Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St Kilda Beach falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around St Kilda Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St Kilda Beach

To save on your trip to St Kilda Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May to June and August, avoiding the pricier January, March, and November. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help reduce costs. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and explore package deals that combine accommodation, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for any eligible discounts and special offers to maximise your budget while enjoying the free activities available at the beach.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St Kilda Beach are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St Kilda Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St Kilda Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at St Kilda Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.