St Kilda & Elwood Travel Guide

Seaside cafés, weekend markets and a lively night scene within easy tram ride of the city.

• Best for: Beach time, casual cafés and nightlife
• Vibe: Bohemian, seaside and lively at night
• Nearest station: Balaclava station or trams to St Kilda
• Price level: $ - $$
• To the main sights: 25-35 minutes from the CBD by tram
• Safety: Generally safe - rowdy nights around Fitzroy Street

Great for:

• Beachgoers
• Backpackers and budget travellers
• Food and café lovers
• Nightlife and live-music fans
• Families wanting seaside fun

Maybe skip it if:

• You want a quiet luxury retreat
• You need to be in the CBD evening commute

St Kilda runs along the bay from the St Kilda Pier to the Esplanade, with Acland Street and Fitzroy Street the main spines. Elwood lies just east along the coast on Ormond Road and quieter residential streets. Nearby green space includes Fawkner Park, Melbourne and Albert Park.

• Markets: St Kilda Esplanade Market runs on Sundays; go early for best stalls.
• Transport: Tap-on with a Myki card on trams and trains; tram 96 is the main route.
• Beach: Swim between the flags in summer and watch for windy afternoons.
• Evenings: Fitzroy Street gets busy and noisy late - expect queues at popular bars.
• Penguins: Little Penguins can be seen at the pier near dusk; binoculars help.

• Luna Park: Classic seaside amusement park with the landmark painted face and vintage rollercoaster; fun for families and photo ops.
• St Kilda Pier: Walk the pier for bay views and visit the Little Penguins at the breakwater around dusk.
• St Kilda Esplanade Market: Weekend craft market with local makers, jewellery and street food right on the foreshore.
• Acland Street cake shops: A short stroll along Acland Street reveals a succession of long-running cake shops, cafés and casual eateries.
• St Kilda Sea Baths: Public pool, wellness facilities and seasonal events on the foreshore - good for a relaxed swim or spa stop.

• Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine): Public transport - take the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station (30-45 minutes), then tram 96 or tram 12 to St Kilda (25-35 minutes). Expect a combined journey of around 60-90 minutes; fares vary by operator. Taxi/ride-hail - direct to St Kilda takes about 30-50 minutes depending on traffic, roughly AUD 50-80.
• Avalon Airport (Geelong): Public transport - coach services run to Southern Cross Station (around 60-80 minutes), then tram 96 to St Kilda (25-35 minutes); total trip commonly 90-130 minutes with at least one change. Taxi/ride-hail - direct rides take around 50-80 minutes and are significantly more expensive than bus options.
• From the main sights: Take tram 96 from the CBD (Bourke/Elizabeth St) direct to Acland Street or Fitzroy Street, about 25-35 minutes. You can also take the Sandringham train to Balaclava station and walk 10-15 minutes to the beach.

• Trams: Tram 96 runs between the city and St Kilda along Fitzroy Street and Acland Street; trams are frequent and the easiest way to/from the CBD.
• Trains: Sandringham line to Balaclava station is a useful alternative; a 10-15 minute walk brings you into central St Kilda.
• On foot or bike: The foreshore and village streets are very walkable and bike-friendly - good for short hops between beach, cafés and parks.

Accommodation runs from backpacker dorms to boutique hotels and self-contained apartments. Stay near Fitzroy Street or Acland Street for nightlife and the beach, or pick Elwood for quieter, leafy streets. Prices skew $ to $$ for most offers; book early for peak summer weekends.

Luxury

• The Prince Hotel: Iconic riverside boutique hotel with live music and a stylish dining bar; good for a more polished stay near the foreshore.
• Tolarno Hotel: Art-focused boutique hotel on Fitzroy Street with gallery-style interiors and a central location for galleries and nightlife.
• Hotel Urban: Contemporary hotel offering comfortable rooms a short walk from the beach and main streets.
• Crest on Park: Larger hotel with practical rooms close to the foreshore and public transport links.

Mid-range

• Quest Apartments St Kilda: Serviced apartment-style rooms suitable for families or longer stays; a short walk to the beach and cafes.
• The Hamptons Apartment: Self-contained apartment option for travellers wanting kitchenette facilities near the beach.
• Easystay Studio Apartments: Compact studio apartments good for short stays with basic kitchen facilities.
• In The Brick Spa And Hotel: Hotel with some well-regarded spa facilities, a bit off the busiest strip but walkable to attractions.

Budget

• Base St Kilda: Backpacker hostel popular with younger travellers; dorms and social spaces close to Fitzroy Street.
• St Kilda Beachhouse: Budget guesthouse a short stroll from the beach and Acland Street cafés.
• Barkley Backpackers: Long-running hostel option near the main strip, useful for cheap stays and meeting other travellers.
• Lexer: Smaller hostel with basic rooms and a convenient location for beach and nightlife.

Eating in St Kilda ranges from iconic cake shops on Acland Street to seafood restaurants on the foreshore. Head to Acland Street for cafés and patisseries, Fitzroy Street for casual restaurants, and the esplanade for seafood and sunset dining. Expect most places to sit in $ to $$, with a few premium options.

• Le Bon Cake Shop: Cakes and patisserie - $.
• The Studio Beans Coffee Roasters: Specialty coffee roaster café - $.
• Donovans: Modern Australian seafood and grills - $$$.
• The Stokehouse: Upscale beachfront dining with a seafood focus - $$$.
• Ichi Ni: Japanese - $$.
• Sorsi e Morsi: Italian - $$.
• Bedouin Kitchen: Middle Eastern cuisine - $$.
• Galleon Café: Casual café serving breakfast and light meals - $.

St Kilda mixes laid-back beach bars, long-running pubs and a handful of nightclubs along Fitzroy Street and near Luna Park. The strip comes alive after dark with live music, pub gigs and late-night diners. Most venues are casual - come for a local beer, live band or tapas-style small plates.

• Esplanade Hotel: Large, heritage pub and live-music venue with multiple rooms and regular gigs.
• Prince of Wales Hotel: Longstanding pub with a busy bar and events; popular with locals and visitors.
• Lona Pintxos Bar: Small bar and tapas-style pintxos - good for sharing and late-night snacks.
• Barkly Hotel: Neighbourhood pub with a relaxed atmosphere and regular live music.
• Tongue and Groove: Nightclub for late-night dancing and DJ nights.
• Veludo Bar: Stylish bar offering cocktails and a more intimate evening setting.

Shopping is small-scale and local, think artisan stalls, beach boutiques and vintage finds. Acland Street and nearby side streets hold independent stores; markets on the esplanade run most weekends and occasional twilight nights. For major shopping, head back into the CBD.

• St Kilda Esplanade Market: Weekend market selling crafts, jewellery and local goods right on the foreshore.
• Acland Court: Small mall and collection of boutiques off Acland Street.
• St Kilda Twilight Market: Evening market events with food stalls and local makers, usually seasonal.