Overview
Positioned right on the bay, yet just seven kilometres from the CBD, and brimming with personality, St Kilda is the vivacious, creative kid you want in your friend gang. It's got colour, it's got coastline and there's a whole swag of different ways to experience its offerings — whether you're a food-lover, an adventurous spirit, a social butterfly, or some mix of all of the above.
Lots of life here revolves around that enviable beachfront location, which is crucial for extending those summer vibes for as long as possible. So, we've teamed up with White Claw to pull together a dawn-to-dusk itinerary in the buzzing beachside 'burb.
6.30AM: STROLL THE ST KILDA TO PORT MELBOURNE COASTAL WALK
There's nothing quite like kicking off an early morning with an energising bayside walk; especially when it's backed by the kind of sunrise scenes you'll clock on the track from St Kilda to neighbouring Port Melbourne. This northern section of the famed Bay Trail is an easy cruise that'll take you just over an hour, with some cracking water views along the way. Don't forget to stop by the dog beach at Port Melbourne for a few morning pats.
8AM: FUEL UP WITH A FEEL-GOOD FEED FROM MATCHA MYLKBAR
A big day of activities calls for a solid AM feast, which just so happens to be where Matcha Mylkbar excels. Venture to Acland Street and you'll find this dedicated plant-based cafe whipping up a menu of nourishing fare that looks as good as it makes you feel. Go for a stack of vibrant matcha pancakes or the jackfruit 'chicken' and waffles, washed down with one of a multitude of rainbow-hued drinks. Perhaps a nutrient-packed blue algae latte or the acai smoothie?
Joppe Spaa via Unsplash
10AM: GET BENDY ON THE BAY WITH SOME SUP YOGA
Fancy a little switch-up from your usual yoga sessions? In St Kilda, you can swap the studio for open skies and the rubber mat for a stand-up paddleboard to have crack at SUP yoga. There are a couple of operators running regular lessons at St Kilda Beach — book in a class with the likes of SUP Yoga Melbourne or Stand-Up Paddle HQ and challenge your core to a memorable water workout. The backdrop's beautiful and the post-yoga dip is blissful.
12PM: GRAB A BEACHFRONT LUNCH AT PONTOON
For lunch with a view, you'll find it hard to top a visit to the shorefront beauty that is Pontoon. Hugging the sand, the bar and eatery boasts an enviable outlook, and it's serving up some pretty stellar grub to match. Fittingly, seafood is the star of the menu. Get snacky with some of the cod croquettes, the chilli mussels and a garlicky white bean dip, before diving into the likes of handmade blue swimmer crab spaghetti or the pork schnitzel with capers and lemon. Pair with your favourite White Claw pour for full effect, of course.
2PM: FLEX YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLE WITH A STREET-ART LESSON
After spending the morning rocking around one of Melbourne's most vibrant suburbs, it's time to show off a bit of your own creative spirit. This city is famed for its lively, art-filled laneways and here in St Kilda, you can take an expert-led class to see you tapping into your own inner Banksy and creating some Hosier Lane-worthy masterpieces. Celebrated local artist Rus Kitchin runs a regular stencil and street art workshop, where you'll learn the secrets to designing and cutting stencils, and then use them to make two spray paint works of your own.
4PM: DITCH THE SHOES FOR A SPOT OF LAWN BOWLS
Soaking up some rays, kicking back with mates and indulging in a bit of friendly competition — you can do it all simultaneously when you take to the turf at St Kilda Sports Club. The club's bowling green is open and primed for barefoot bowls most days of the week, with two-hour session times available for groups large and small. Your crew will even get an instructor to show you the ropes before you begin. And, since battling it out against mates can be thirsty work, there's an onsite bar for pre- and post-game refreshments.
Alex Drewnik
7PM: HIT THE ESPY FOR A FEED AND A SERVE OF LIVE TUNES
A true-blue St Kilda icon, The Espy is a quintessential stop on any local jaunt; a wining, dining and live music haven proudly overlooking St Kilda Beach. With myriad food and drink options, it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, but if a feast of punchy modern Cantonese fare sounds like your jam, lock in dinner upstairs at Mya Tiger. This sumptuous space, filled with bright jewel tones and rich textures, offers a flavour-packed menu to impress. And what better way to cap off your night than catching a post-dinner gig downstairs?
For more information on White Claw, head to the website.