St Kilda’s diverse and colourful history can be felt as you walk down its tree-lined, beachside streets, making this one of Melbourne’s most eclectic suburbs.
Known as much for its mix of people as for its mix of venues and cultural happenings, St Kilda has long been considered Melbourne’s playground. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Melburnian who doesn’t have a soft spot for this neighbourhood, which is home to some of the city’s most well-known attractions. Its palm-lined boardwalk, stunning Victorian architecture, plentiful parks and spectacular sunsets make it a pretty attractive place to live, too.
St Kilda’s diverse and colourful history can be felt as you walk down its tree-lined, beachside streets, making this one of Melbourne’s most eclectic suburbs.
Think of St Kilda and you think of the beach, right? Well, for a large part of the 20th century, St Kilda was also famous for a much cooler spot. The St Moritz Ice Rink operated between 1939 and 1982 and, in its peak, was one of Melbourne’s premier social and recreational hubs. The original grand building, adjacent to what is now The Espy, was also used as a dance hall and a film studio over its lifetime.
Located just six kilometres from the CBD, St Kilda is teeming with public transport. Trams regularly run through the main thoroughfares of Fitzroy and Acland Streets, while the former St Kilda railway station — one of Melbourne’s oldest — serves as the light rail terminus for a service that goes straight to the northern suburbs. There are also a number of bike tracks and a ferry service connecting St Kilda to another seaside playground, Williamstown.
With its breezy, beachside lifestyle, it’s not hard to see why a St Kilda address is one of the most sought-after in Melbourne. But, given the demand, it’s still relatively affordable — the median price ranges from $556,000 for apartments to $1.3 million for houses. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more about this area, or use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.
If it feels like there’s always something going on in St Kilda, you’re on to something. Here, no two days are ever the same thanks to the suburb’s eclectic cultural venues and jam-packed calendar of events. It’s home to some of the city’s best-known live music venues, including The Espy, the Prince Bandroom and the country’s largest seated theatre inside the Palais. So, you’ll be able to catch a gig just about any night of the week.
Living in St Kilda
Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.
Cafes
Start the day with a southern barbecue-inspired brunch, or stop in at one of Melbourne's oldest bakeries.
1. Fitzrovia
2. Galleon Cafe
3. Staple Providore & Cafe - CLOSED
4. Monarch Cakes
5. Miss Jackson
Restaurants
Buzzy up-and-comers share the spotlight with Melbourne dining institutions in St Kilda.
1. Stokehouse
2. Babu Ji
3. Cafe Di Stasio
4. Mya Tiger
5. Prince Dining Room
Shops
Get ready to flex the plastic at these fine homewares haunts and fine fromageries.
1. Scout House
2. Milk the Cow St Kilda
3. Storehouse
4. Seagulls of St Kilda
5. Pop Wilder
Bars
Reacquaint yourself with quintessential Melbourne watering holes, or discover lesser-known neighbourhood gems.
1. Hotel Esplanade
2. Land of Plenty - CLOSED
3. Prince Public Bar
4. Newmarket Hotel
Outdoor Spots
Beach, park, garden or outdoor plaza? In St Kilda, you don't have to play favourites.
1. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
2. Catani Gardens
3. St Kilda Foreshore
4. Acland Street Plaza
5. Veg Out Community Gardens
Culture and Leisure
From immersive art installations to saltwater swims, St Kilda is packed with options to keep you busy.
1. Rain Room
2. Palais Theatre
3. St Kilda Sea Baths
4. Linden New Art
5. St Kilda Esplanade Market
Living in St Kilda
Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.
CP's Picks
These are our favourite things to do in the area.
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Monarch Cakes
This Acland Street institution has been a Melbourne favourite since 1931. The super popular continental custard vanilla slice is a must-try. -
Catani Gardens
Take a stroll along palm tree-lined paths in this blissful beachside garden. -
Prince Public Bar
No trip to St Kilda is complete without a stop in at this Fitzroy Street go-to. Roll in from 7am to fuel up on chilli prawn scrambled eggs or classic counter meals like chicken schnitzel. -
Rain Room
This immersive installation by Random International is a truly mesmerising experience.
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Top image: Flynn Edwards