St. Kilda Beach
St. Kilda Beach
4
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Long, well-maintained and clean beach just outside Melbourne, lined with markets, amusement parks and nightclubs.
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- Stephy55Napier, New Zealand50 contributionsWorth a visitEasy tram ride from the city right to the Main Street of St Kilda. Lovely beach with lots of food/drink options either along the beach front or further in on the Main Street of St Kilda. The pier was closed due to a big makeover/redevelopment but should look great once finished in mid 2024. Unfortunately lots of graffiti around, especially on the Main Street, which puts a dampener on the looks of the place.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 March 2024
- natclayQuinns Rocks, Australia214 contributionsDisappointingWe caught the tram from the CBD and got off at the Esplanade stop. The walk along the beach was ok, but Acland Street felt unloved, dirty and definitely not the same as I remembered from a previous visit. We did enjoy a coffee and cake from one of the bakeries, but left soon after. We definitely wouldn't rush back.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 March 2024
- Vicky26 contributionsA nice day trip during our Melbourne visitSt Kilda beach is lovely, a really straightforward tram journey from CBD that meant we got to see areas of Melbourne that we wouldn't normally have. When we got there, the weather was... not at its best! So, while we wandered up and down the beach talking about how nice the front obviously is, it was also pretty wet, grey and windy. We went to see Luna Park nearby and then we went to Acland Street where there are lovely bars and cafes with a relaxed feel. We had some cake from one of the impressive cake shopsVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2024
- mamabelzLos Banos, Philippines3,201 contributionsLots of things to doActivities: walk on the boardwalk; sit on the grass; walk to the pier (up to a certain point since under construction); eat; or swim in the public heated pool (i didn’t get to try this one). The Luna Park in close by. So is the Hotel Esplanade (restaurant) and Ackland Street (more cafes).Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 July 2024
- R R KBengaluru, India150 contributionsMust visit very close to Melbourne CBD.New Pier is great. Penguin point at the end of the pier is re-modelled to accommodate a large enough crowd. Tastefully done. Coffee shop was closed due to christmas. Old pier is being dimantled. Gives a great feeling with people lined-up for fishing. The beach itself with all its restaurants and walk trails is very inviting.Visited December 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 December 2024
- NCHKCA128 contributionsOK for close to town - there are better beaches further away from cityIn our time in Melbourne area, we saw multiple beaches within a couple of hour drive - Lorne and others along the great ocean road, Rye and the north facing beaches of the mornington peninsula. St Kilda is close to town and there is a walking path behind the beach and a nice pier, but overall we found it uninspiring. If you love nice beaches and have the time, we recommend getting out to one of the other areas listed above that are further from the city.Visited January 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
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Swell Traveller
Melbourne, Australia3,635 contributions
Apr 2020
St Kilda Beach is a place I visit often, most recently today. [It always has something happening, especially in the warmer months.]
I walk along the beach itself which is cleaned every day and is tranquil on a quiet day like today or on blowy days is quite amazing with the waves sweeping on an angle across the foreshore. Quite amazing to view when walking along the pier too.
When I am on the beach I do a range of things from photography [see photos], exercise and meditate. In the the Summer I am inclined to swim as the water isn't too deep and pretty clear to see the bottom. Plus it is very safe. The sand has many small shells and seaweed so I recommend wearing runners or flip flops for safety.
Along the beach-line there is a combination wooden / concrete boardwalk. It is a shared space between pedestrians and anything on wheels. Along the the shared paths are places to sit and view the beach - some concrete seats, some wooden and grassy areas - you can choose what suits your needs. It is something I do often sometimes with a good book and a take away coffee.
My 3 favourite things to do at St Kilda Beach are:
1. Buying fish and chips from one of the places along the boardwalk and eating on the grassy area or the sand. [The seagulls become your best friend when you have food and can get cheeky!]
2. Watching the kite riders do tricks on the water [see photo]
3. Walking from Luna Park end all the way long the walking path to lookout hill towards Elwood or the opposite way down to Port Melbourne where the ferry comes in. For exercise, it is a great walk.
Currently there are restrictions, so if you do come here for exercise stay no longer than an hour, by yourself or with a 1 friend. Remember social distancing and have a great time.
TIP: getting there: plenty of trams, taxi or find one of the free 4 hour parking areas [or if you can walk!]
I walk along the beach itself which is cleaned every day and is tranquil on a quiet day like today or on blowy days is quite amazing with the waves sweeping on an angle across the foreshore. Quite amazing to view when walking along the pier too.
When I am on the beach I do a range of things from photography [see photos], exercise and meditate. In the the Summer I am inclined to swim as the water isn't too deep and pretty clear to see the bottom. Plus it is very safe. The sand has many small shells and seaweed so I recommend wearing runners or flip flops for safety.
Along the beach-line there is a combination wooden / concrete boardwalk. It is a shared space between pedestrians and anything on wheels. Along the the shared paths are places to sit and view the beach - some concrete seats, some wooden and grassy areas - you can choose what suits your needs. It is something I do often sometimes with a good book and a take away coffee.
My 3 favourite things to do at St Kilda Beach are:
1. Buying fish and chips from one of the places along the boardwalk and eating on the grassy area or the sand. [The seagulls become your best friend when you have food and can get cheeky!]
2. Watching the kite riders do tricks on the water [see photo]
3. Walking from Luna Park end all the way long the walking path to lookout hill towards Elwood or the opposite way down to Port Melbourne where the ferry comes in. For exercise, it is a great walk.
Currently there are restrictions, so if you do come here for exercise stay no longer than an hour, by yourself or with a 1 friend. Remember social distancing and have a great time.
TIP: getting there: plenty of trams, taxi or find one of the free 4 hour parking areas [or if you can walk!]
Written 7 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian Jackson
Greater Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
Jan 2020
St Kilda and other nearby beaches, which are owned by the state government, but managed by Port Phillip City Council need to be kept clean and tidy at all times, particularily over Summer. While the council has put extra bin on the beach it is better for beach visitors to take there rubbish home with them. Bring it in then take it out like what is done in Victoria's state parks and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. Port Phillip ratepayers fund rubbish collection on our 9 km of beaches so all locals and other visitors, including tourists do your bit.Glass and alcohol is banned all year round on Port Phillip beaches and cigarette (cancer) butts should be taken home or binned and not litter the sand. Butts can be washed into the bay and kill wild life. Dogs are not welcome in Summer and at other designated times. Boats and motorised jet skis are not permitted on or approach all beaches either except were allowed in designated places like near St Kilda Marina.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,743 contributions
Mar 2020
St Kilda Beach is close to the City, only 6 km, (just under 4 miles). It's said to be Melbourne's most popular bay beach. The 96 Tram will drop you at the beach. The beach is a favourite spot for sunbakers, the water is usually good for swimming. It is not a surf beach, it is usually quite placid. The beach has white sand, it's around 700 metres long (around 2,300 feet). The beach fronts Port Phillip Bay, along Jacka Boulevard. The beach is usually sheltered but the westerly wind can be strong at times. St Kilda Beach is a popular gathering place on warm days. If you want a refresher, there are oodles of coffee shops nearby.
Written 19 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1972TravelGirl
San Francisco, CA185 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Nice Promenade with lovely eateries along the way. A very enjoyable day. The kids loved playing in the sand and we felt safe. The beach is fairly clean minus the cigarette butts. What’s up with all the smoking?
We also bought 2dollar sunblock at the beach comber after enjoying gelato. Smart offering Beach Comber!
Highly recommend.
We also bought 2dollar sunblock at the beach comber after enjoying gelato. Smart offering Beach Comber!
Highly recommend.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
621p
Sydney, Australia12 contributions
May 2020
This is a trendy place that earns it's reputation from being grungy. It has a long history of dubious characters walking the streets and good spaggetti at 5.00 a.m. in the morning - in it's hey day. Beach is more like a swamp. Even if there was no covid - I'd take hand sanitizer. Good for street wise young people - not mature. People with compromised immune systems or any levels of social anxiety should avoid! The only day worth goin is Sunday when a market lines the beach road.
Written 12 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,563 contributions
Oct 2021
My wife and I visited this place after walking on St Kilda Pier. It is nice to have a sandy beach so close to the city.
It has been many years since we visited this place, as our previous focus was on overseas travel before the Covid 19 pandemic ended the golden era of overseas travel.
The latest Covid lockdown number six in Melbourne will end soon. We have booked accommodation for six trips in various parts of Regional Victoria over the next six months to celebrate the end of the long lockdown.
It has been many years since we visited this place, as our previous focus was on overseas travel before the Covid 19 pandemic ended the golden era of overseas travel.
The latest Covid lockdown number six in Melbourne will end soon. We have booked accommodation for six trips in various parts of Regional Victoria over the next six months to celebrate the end of the long lockdown.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia57,222 contributions
Oct 2021
Whilst the beeach is far from the best beach Ive ever seen the vibe and ambiance is lovely with beach side cafes, ice creameries etc.
The advantage is the closeness to the city and easy accessability by public transport.
There is a small market on Sundays and Ackland St is not far away.
We were at Beachcombers Cafe where the great ambiance on the beach did not match the service received.
The advantage is the closeness to the city and easy accessability by public transport.
There is a small market on Sundays and Ackland St is not far away.
We were at Beachcombers Cafe where the great ambiance on the beach did not match the service received.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraceyC62
Burpengary, Australia165 contributions
Dec 2019
Visited St Kilda Beach over the weekend after Christmas around 5 in the afternoon, so as you would expect very busy. The beach itself is very nice, but as we come from Queensland nothing special for us. If however you do not live near the beach. then you would appreciate it far more. We walked along the beach, out on the pier and then had dinner at a lovely restaurant. Caught the tram from the city out and back, which was easy and cheap. Would recommend a visit, if only to say you have been there.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,743 contributions
June 2023 • Friends
St Kilda is Melbourne's best-known beach. St Kilda Beach is 6 km (4 miles) from the Melbourne CBD, it's an easy trip by tram. The beach is popular with swimmers and sunbathers. Other water sports include windsurfing and jet skis. St Kilda Beach has been made famous by the Esplanade Hotel, said to be Australia's premier live music venue. The carefree ethos of St Kilda Beach has been captured by the well-known Modernist painter Sydney Nolan. The beach is 700 meters (2.300 feet) long. It's a nice walk.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoRa LAF
Cordoba, Argentina20,786 contributions
May 2023
We arrived by tram, getting off at Acland St, a pedestrian street with several shops and places to eat. From there to the beach it is about 800 meters and it takes a few minutes on foot or taking the tram that leaves from that same place.
On the date we went it was cold, but I wanted to see it and its pier for the penguin watching.
The beach itself is quite short with less than 1 km of golden sands. It also offers water activities and has a coastal promenade for walking or cycling plus a complex with cafes, restaurants and a very nice spa (for a fee), decorated with palm trees and striking bronze sculptures that demand the required photo.
The whole area was extremely clean and tidy, without people as it was autumn, however, we saw a group of “crazy people” going into the sea as a game in defiance of the cold, hahaha.
The surrounding neighborhood is very nice, with nice buildings. A short distance away are the St Kilda Pier, Catani Gardens and Ital Park, making a good combo for a walk.
On the date we went it was cold, but I wanted to see it and its pier for the penguin watching.
The beach itself is quite short with less than 1 km of golden sands. It also offers water activities and has a coastal promenade for walking or cycling plus a complex with cafes, restaurants and a very nice spa (for a fee), decorated with palm trees and striking bronze sculptures that demand the required photo.
The whole area was extremely clean and tidy, without people as it was autumn, however, we saw a group of “crazy people” going into the sea as a game in defiance of the cold, hahaha.
The surrounding neighborhood is very nice, with nice buildings. A short distance away are the St Kilda Pier, Catani Gardens and Ital Park, making a good combo for a walk.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You will need to obtain a Myki card and load some cash on it. You can get to St Kilda Beach on a #112 in Collins Street, a #96 in Bourke Street, and there is another in Swanston Street (was #16, not sure about current routes and numbering).
Written 21 May 2019
what the tram stop if i use city circle tram to go Etihad stadium(Marvel stadium)?
Written 19 May 2019
Take tram number 96 and get off at the docklands stop.
Written 20 May 2019
There is parking but watch out they are very strict fine are about 200 to 300 dollars have a great holiday
Written 19 May 2019
Penguin viewing before sun set on St Kilda Pier. Fishing during the day and come back for the night to feed the chicks. Its free but obey the direction of the volunteers. No flash photos as it affect the birds night vision..
Written 5 January 2019
I agree - not too many penguins to see there! We sat for three hours and only saw one swim in and a few chicks in the rocks.
Go to Phillip Island much better!
Written 6 January 2019
Nothing-is-written
Melbourne, Australia
Is there any place near the beach where I can store my stuff for a couple of hours??
Written 16 October 2018
I'm not sure about that.. But if you have been staying at a hotel/motel in the area I'm sure they would look after it for you..
However there us baggage storage at Southern Cross Railway Station if you don't mind getting a tram there and back to the beach..(Tram 96 from St kilda)
Written 16 October 2018
heatherdlear
Auckland, New Zealand
Where would the best place to stay in Late October be in St Kilda near the beach?
Written 6 October 2018
Adina apartment hotel St Kilda easy access to the town beach only a tram ride away plenty of eating place we were Ther on jan 2019 paid 300 pounds for a week
Written 2 February 2019
If you are regarding a wedding proposal, then I highly recommend the pier or along the esplanade some beautiful spots there.
Written 23 September 2018
Free toilets commercial showers avail.
Written 19 August 2018
Are there any places to store my carry-on baggage? I will go to St.Kilda in the morning and leave for the Tullamarine airport by Skybus in the afternoon. I am looking for somewhere to store my luggage.
Written 7 July 2018
Hi, how much does it cost to go to st kilda beach /acland st from Melbourne central? I couldn't find PVT showing the fare though.
Thx,
D
Written 19 September 2017
Hi! The 96 tram is cheap and it is a half an hour trip. The uber cost me $17 from southern cross station and $15 from st kilda back to the city
Written 23 September 2017
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