St Kilda

In recent years St Kilda has emerged as one of Melbourne’s trendiest suburbs and is located only 6 km from the Melbourne CBD with good public transport via bus and tram. The suburb of St Kilda was named after the schooner ‘Lady of St Kilda’ which moored in the waters off the now famous St Kilda beach in 1841 by Lieutenant James Lawrence, one of the regions first settlers. During theses early times a number of luxurious mansions were constructed by wealthy Melburnians along the beachfronts with the hills of St Kilda in the background. Following the end of WWII St Kilda became known as Melbourne’s red-light district and for many was a place to be avoided. Attracted by the beach and affordable accommodation St Kilda adopted a relaxed bohemian atmosphere musicians, artists, punks and other subcultures soon saw St Kilda evolving once again. In recent years many of the less desirable groups have been pushed out of St Kilda as residential property and accommodation prices have soared. Trendy cafes, markets, clubs and restaurants are now the norm in St Kilda and the area has become one of Melbourne’s most popular tourist attractions.

Offering convenient access to the city of Melbourne and local accommodation options St Kilda beach is now the most popular of the inner Melbourne beaches with many local day visitors and international tourists sunning themselves on the white sandy beach. The St Kilda area is also home to several important Melbourne theatres and annual festivals, both of which have contributed to the recent evolution of St Kilda’s reputation. Significant St Kilda attractions include the popular Esplanade and the beachfront area. The early twentieth century Luna Park, amusement park is an iconic Melbourne attraction. There are also regular Sunday markets along the esplanade which attract a wide variety of vendors and offerings. 

St Kilda Pier offers an easy platform from which to walk out the St Kilda Pavilion which sits at the end of the pier. The long breakwater provides shelters for the St Kilda harbour and nearby marina. There is also a little known Fairy Penguin colony along St Kilda pier that is a popular tour for tourists. Sun lovers and swimmers can enjoy the clean white beaches and safe flat waters. There is also a ferry service runs from the St Kilda Pier across to Williamstown, which is another popular Melbourne tourist waterfront suburb located on the opposite side of the bay. There are two main ‘street’ destinations in St Kilda, the first being Acland Street which is home to trendy cafes and delicious cake shops. The Fitzroy Street, once famous for its red light activities, is now home to some of the finest restaurants and hotels in Melbourne. St Kilda Town Hall was designed by architect Enrico Taglietti and is a strikingly impressive building.

Accommodation in St Kilda keenly sought after as it provides easy access to the centre of Melbourne and all its attractions and the relaxed beach atmosphere that only St Kilda hotels can offer. The ‘Espy’ or Esplanade Hotel as it is occasionally called by non locals was built in 1878 and has undergone several renovations since. Built in 1887 the George Hotel was later converted into studio apartments. Backpacker hostels and accommodation are also popular in St Kilda and the St Kilda Coffee Palace which was built in the 1870s is today one of those very busy hostels. Built in 1940 the Prince of Wales Hotel is now a popular Melbourne music venue. 

Today there are an increasing number of hotels in St Kilda including such well known brands as The Bayside, Quest St Kilda Bayside Inn, Best Western Easystay Novotel Melbourne, Cosmopolitan Hotel, The Prince Hotel, Quest Kimberley, Oslo Hotel, Olembia Guesthouse, St Kilda Beach, Easystay At Carlisle, Royal Albert Apartments, Charnwood Motor Inn and Eildon Mansion. Prices for St Kilda accommodation vary considerably but are often marginally cheaper than for the Melbourne accommodation offered in the central business district of Melbourne.