St Kilda
St Kilda is one of Melbourne's most iconic beachside suburbs, known for its buzzing Fitzroy Street dining scene, the historic Palais Theatre, Luna Park, and the Sunday Esplanade Market that's been running for decades. It has a gritty, creative edge alongside upmarket apartment living, attracting a mix of young renters, long-term locals, artists, and tourists drawn to the foreshore. The suburb has reinvented itself many times over the years, but its energy, diversity, and proximity to the bay give it a character that's hard to replicate anywhere else in the city.
3182·City of Port Phillip·559 businesses listed
Search with AI
Describe what you're looking for in plain English
Browse by category
Top picks in St Kilda
Things to do in St Kilda
A long beachfront promenade stretching from Port Melbourne to Elwood, popular for walking, cycling, and swimming. The view back toward the city skyline at dusk is one of Melbourne's most recognisable.
An iconic heritage amusement park operating since 1912, perched at the end of the foreshore. The Scenic Railway is one of the oldest continually operating roller coasters in the world.
A long-running weekly arts and crafts market held every Sunday along the Upper Esplanade. Stalls are predominantly local artists and makers — no imported goods or resellers.
A strip of old-school European-style patisseries and cake shops that have anchored Acland Street for decades. The window displays of layered tortes and cream cakes are a St Kilda institution in their own right.
St Kilda Botanical Gardens
A quiet 6.5-hectare garden tucked behind Blessington Street, featuring a conservatory, rose garden, and large fig trees. Far less crowded than the Royal Botanic Gardens and genuinely peaceful on weekday mornings.
Hidden gems
Lau's Family Kitchen (Acland St)
Tucked among the cake shops, this Cantonese family restaurant has been quietly excellent for years without much fanfare. Book ahead on weekends — word is out among locals even if it flies under the tourist radar.
The Catani Gardens fig trees
The row of massive Moreton Bay figs along the foreshore end of Catani Gardens are worth lingering under — locals use them for shade, reading, and the occasional sunset picnic without the crowds that gather closer to the water.
Grey Street back bars
Grey Street runs parallel to the main drag and hosts a handful of low-key bars and venues that regulars prefer precisely because they're not on the Fitzroy Street circuit. Less posturing, easier to get a seat.
Suburb snapshot
Train
No direct train — nearest is Balaclava station (Sandringham line, ~10 min walk to southern St Kilda) or Windsor station (Sandringham line, ~15 min walk)
Tram
Route 3/3a (St Kilda Rd to St Kilda Beach) · Route 16 (Kilda Rd/St Kilda Junction) · Route 96 (Fitzroy St to Acland St — light rail)
Council
City of Port Phillip
Nearest hospital
Alfred Hospital (Commercial Rd, Prahran — approximately 10 min by tram or car)
Know a business we're missing?
Add any local business in St Kilda for free — no account needed.