Summer is here Melbourne and I’m really excited to share with you my list of the top things to do, in one of my favourite suburbs to have some fun during the warmer months… St Kilda.
This beachside suburb is a must-visit for tourists and locals, because there’s a memorable moment waiting to be had everyday! There’s so much to see, experience, eat, and discover, it’s a suburb that rarely sleeps, so the vibes and culture are just as vibrant in the morning, afternoon, and after dark.
Top 9 things to do in St Kilda
Plan a day out at Luna Park
Luna Park Melbourne is located on the beautiful foreshore of Port Phillip Bay and I have no doubt that all kids (both young and old) will fall in love with the spirit of this historic amusement park as soon as they walk through the iconic giant mouth.
One of the best things about Luna Park is that it’s free to enter, so you and the family can just browse around and take in the exciting atmosphere. It’s home to the Great Scenic Railway, the world’s longest continually operating roller coaster and it surrounds the entire park. It’s just as exhilarating now as it was when it started in 1912! Providing not only a heart-pounding adventure, but also a stunning view towards the CBD and the coastline.
So if you are in the need for speed, thrills, bumps and laughs then you need to head straight to Luna Park this Summer.
Explore the Esplanade Market
Hands up if you love to shop at the markets like me! Held every Sunday along the Upper Esplanade (you can’t miss all the trader tents lined up), the Esplanade Market is about embracing the best that local makers have on offer… everything from one-of-a-kind artworks, unique accessories and handmade jewellery and clothing.
It’s the perfect place to take your family before you pop into Luna Park, so plan your Sunday and enjoy the ultimate day out!
Have an insta worth brunch at Matcha Mylkbar
Matcha Mylkbar is an all plant-based eatery which has set the benchmark for vegan cafes in Melbourne. Their insta-worthy menu is off the chart (even for a non-vegan girl like myself) and they are positioned perfectly at the top of Acland Street for you to grab a bright-green burger bun and mushroom latte before you start exploring all the wonderful sights around St Kilda.
Also be sure to check out some of my other favourite St Kilda foodie spots including Hannah (located at the St Kilda end of Chapel Street) and Asian-fusion restaurant, Spring and Summer.
Visit St Kilda Pier
St Kilda Pier is (shamefully) a new discovery for me and I cannot believe it’s taken me this long to take a walk along this historic jetty. It offers wonderful views of St Kilda Beach to the south and the city skyline to the north, and is home to the St Kilda Ferry service and St Kilda Marina.
Locals have made it a daily hot spot for fishing and rollerblading, and at the end of the Pier you will find a lookout for the local Fairy Penguin colony, as well as a kiosk which is currently housing the fab cafe, Little Blue. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon rosé wine with the girls (and order a dips platter, they are delish).
I also recently learnt that there are proposed revamp plans of the Pier, which have been unveiled for public consultation. The Herald Sun report that two designs have been developed, both of which will provide access for a breakwater extension and a public swimming area, which is super exciting news!
Catch a show at Palais Theatre
The Palais concert venue and theatre is hard to miss when you are visiting St Kilda. Currently undergoing it’s biggest renovation since opening in 1927, the historic art deco theatre stands tall in the middle of the suburb and has played home to many live Australian and International superstars including The Rolling Stones, John Farman, Chris Isaac, Dave Chapelle and the John Butler Trio.
Upcoming shows to mark in your diary are Alanis Morrisette and the La La Land musical (tickets are a great gift idea for Christmas too)!
Go shopping in Fitzroy St and Acland St
The shopping scene in St Kilda is the perfect combination of high street and unique local treasures. Both Fitzroy and Acland Streets are perfect for a window shop stroll, with scattered cafes and bakeries for coffee and cake pitstops in between.
Be sure to drop in at Scout House to stock up on gorgeous homewares, Seagulls of St Kilda for a party dress, and The Little Veggie Patch Co, a niche edible garden nursery (find it on Brighton Rd, a short tram ride from Acland Street).
Enjoy a St Kilda sunset
Get to the beach, get to the Pier, get on the roller coaster at Luna Park, or get to the St Kilda Baths and get settled with a cocktail.
Which ever way you do it, be sure to be there when the sun goes down, as the sunset radiates across the bay. It’s a show-stopper!
Round up your squad, and head to St Kilda Festival
Head along to Melbourne’s biggest free celebration of summer, St Kilda Festival. Held on the second Sunday in February each year, the festival pretty much takes over all of the suburb (the streets are closed to traffic) and there’s a huge line up of entertainment on display over multiple raised stages.
There’s fun to be had for the whole family, with a variety of performances, workshops, kids’ entertainment, sporting events, carnival rides, local buskers and a whole lot more. Sign up to the St Kilda Festival newsletter to stay in the know with their latest news, as well as the full program announcement in January.
Have a picnic on the St Kilda foreshore
During the summer months, the St Kilda foreshore lawns are just as popular as the beach sand… Both areas are in hot demand for sun chasers, so get there by mid-morning to secure the perfect all-day picnic posy.
This weekend, Pleasure Garden music festival is popping up along the foreshore, featuring a diverse programme of roving theatrical performances, inspiring art installations and over-sized themed stages. For tickets or more info, check out their website.
Hot tip: For the ultimate picnic, be sure to pack your shades, sun cream and favourite straw hat. Ohh, and your picnic basket and blanket!
Check out the Explore Port Phillip website and follow @exploreportphillip on Instagram and Facebook for more exciting happenings throughout the City of Port Phillip this summer.
This post is proudly brought to you by the City of Port Phillip.
Jennifer Estrada
As someone who used to live there for ages I agree! Don’t forget your 180 view of fireworks if you are there for New Years!
Emily Collie
Yes, I’ve done St Kilda beach on NYE and it was amazing Jen.
Hope you’ve ben well – long time no see x