St Kilda's Daytrip Attractions, Melbourne

Hit Popular St Kilda for a Sights & Activities-filled Daytrip

Sep 24, 2009

Thinking of taking a daytripto St Kilda but don't know what to see and do? Outlined below is a recommended itinerary, with great sights from the beach to the shops.

Packed with things to see and do, St Kilda is the perfect place to spend a day (and a night.) Starting early morning, this itinerary takes daytrippers through to the night, with bars and restaurants to entertain in the evening.

Have a Beachside Breakfast at St Kilda Pier, Go Shopping on Acland Street & Hit the Beach

A well-planned daytrip to St Kilda begins early for a beachside breakfast along the famous St Kilda Pier, taking in the popular beach and impressive views of the Melbourne skyline. Stop in at the St Kilda Pier Kiosk for breakfast overlooking the sea. Newly rebuilt after the 2003 fire, the cafes appeal lies not in the food (which is nice) but in its reputation as one of St Kilda's biggest icons.

Not quite the place for high-class haute couture, St Kilda is nevertheless a popular shopping haunt. One of the best places to find a one-of-a-kind bargain, the suburbs Acland St is lined with almost as many unique boutiques to peruse as bakeries (and that's saying a lot.) Hit 'Hunter & Gatherer' for all things funky and retro.

For something hand-made and original, head over to the St Kilda Esplanade Market, open every Sunday (9am-6pm.) Home to some 200-odd stalls, the market boasts a huge array of elegant, hand-crafted jewellery by local designers alongside the usual Australiana souvenirs and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Once all shopped out, take a break on St Kilda beach. Not the most impressive of Victorian beaches, it's still a nice place to soak up the rays and is the city's most frequented beach. With Melbourne's unpredictable weather however, it's advisable not to get too comfortable.

Hit the Cafe's on Acland St, get fit on the Foreshore & Visit the Local Landmarks

Come lunch time, Acland St is the place to be. While there are numerous great dining spots, the streets main attraction and biggest draw is its many bakeries and indulging in a coffee and cake has become an iconic St Kilda thing to do amongst tourists and locals alike. The 'Acland St Cake Shop' and 'Le Bon Cake Shop' both have window displays that have passers-by salivating at the mouth.

With the inevitable post-indulgence guilt to contend with, why not walk it off along the St Kilda Foreshore? Better still, rent a pair of inline-skates / rollerblades at Rock 'n' Roll Skate Hire (22 Fitzroy St) and glide along the Esplanade. Extending for miles north and south, the Esplanade along the seafront is hugely popular amongst fitness freaks, attracting 100s of skaters, joggers, walkers and cyclists, particularly at the weekend.

After a break, take a stroll around ande peruse St Kilda's local landmarks. The historic fairground 'Luna Park' is a must-see and regardless of age, the iconic laughing face at the entrance will make all visitors smile. Admission is free and a 10-ride ticket costs approx. $30. On the foreshore south of the pier, the St Kilda Baths have undergone redevelopment and the complex now boasts a health club, spa and eateries. Wander past the 'Palais Theatre', once the largest and best place to catch a show before reaching the ultimate St Kilda icon, 'The Esplanade Hotel.' The bayside suburbs oldest pub, 'The Espy' is a Melbourne institution. Overlooking the seafront, it is the perfect location for a cold one with a view.

Dine & Drink out in St Kilda's Coolest Bars & Restaurants

Come dinner time, visitors to St Kilda are spoiled for choice in this vivacious, consumption-centred suburb. What cake shops are to Acland St, fine restaurants are to Fitzroy St further north. One of the city's most famed eating strips, it's a great place for food gourmands. Try 'Cafe di Stasio' which combines fancy jazz, well-groomed waiters and some of the tastiest Italian food in the city. Hugely popular, it has been at the top of the food chain for over a decade.

For diners on a budget, there are plenty of cheaper eateries on offer. A non-profit organisation, 'Lentil as Anything' is a volunteer-run restaurant where customers decide what price their meal is worth. A budget backpackers heaven, it's also a nice place to bring the family at the weekend.

Post-dinner, it's time for drinks. One of Melbourne's most popular suburbs for a night out, St Kilda has countless options for drinking. 'The Vineyard' on Acland St is a good place to start the night with a few drinks but come early as it fills up fast. After a few drinks, stumble on over to the streets best-known nightclub, 'The Prince of Wales'. An institution, this venue features twilight seating, a jukebox and a huge balcony for the heated Summer months.

For something more low-key, look no further than Acland St's 'Veludo.' Dark and sultry, this bar/restaurant has candles and couches to sink into for the night and is a great place to sit and people-watch. Of course, no night out in St Kilda is complete without a drink at 'The Espy.' Cheap and cheerful, drinks offered here are endless. A popular place for new local bands to try their hand, live music performances take place here nightly, free of charge.

Come home-time, the city-bound Tram 96 can be caught just outside McDonalds while Tram 16 runs from Fitzroy St (outside 'The Elephant & Wheelbarrow' pub) to the city.

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