StayAreas

St Kilda

Melbourne

Melbourne's seaside suburb on Port Phillip Bay, with a sandy beach, the pier and its penguin colony, Luna Park and the cake shops of Acland Street.

Best for Budget · Families

Transport
3/5
Sights
3/5
Value
4/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$150/night · 25 min to Flinders Street

See hotels in St Kilda

St Kilda on the map

Why stay here

  • Beach and pier on your doorstep
  • Penguins at dusk and Luna Park
  • Cafés, cake shops and bars

Who should stay here

  • Beach lovers
  • Families
  • Budget travellers

Not ideal if…

  • You want to walk to the CBD
  • You want polished, quiet streets
  • You want a big choice of luxury hotels

What it's like

St Kilda has been Melbourne's playground for more than a century. The beach and foreshore run past the old sea baths to the pier, where a colony of little penguins comes ashore at dusk. Luna Park's grinning entrance faces the bay, Acland Street is famous for its European cake shops, and Fitzroy Street has bars and restaurants.

It's the best base for a beach-and-city trip, with tram 96 to the CBD in about 25 minutes. It's relaxed by day and lively at night, with a slightly rough edge in places.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Acland Street

    Cake shops, cafés and the Luna Park entrance.

  • Fitzroy Street

    Bars and restaurants towards the city.

  • The Esplanade

    Beachfront road with the Sunday arts and crafts market.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Trams 96, 3, 16 and 12 to the CBD; the 96 runs on its own fast track for much of the way.
To Flinders Street
About 25 minutes
From Melbourne Airport
About 55 minutes: SkyBus to Southern Cross station, then tram 96.

Nearby attractions

  • St Kilda Pier penguins

    Little penguins return to the breakwater at sunset.

  • Luna Park

    1912 amusement park with a historic scenic railway.

  • Esplanade Market

    Sunday market of local art and crafts by the beach.

Where to eat and drink

  • Acland Street cake shops

    European cakes in the windows since the 1930s.

  • The Esplanade Hotel

    The Espy, a famous pub with live music.

  • Fitzroy Street

    Bars and restaurants.

Where to stay in St Kilda

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Best value

Novotel Melbourne St Kilda

Why we like it: Beachfront hotel on the Esplanade with bay views.

Typical mid-range rate in St Kilda: ~$150/night

Check availability

Boutique pick

Tolarno Hotel

Why we like it: Arty hotel on Fitzroy Street.

Typical mid-range rate in St Kilda: ~$150/night

Check availability

Best value

Base St Kilda

Why we like it: Hostel with private rooms near the beach.

Typical budget rate in St Kilda: ~$90/night

Check availability

StayAreas may earn a commission when you book through selected links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Hotels in St KildaMid-range from ~$150/night

See hotels