Local Highlights

Acland Street Village is the vibrant heart of St Kilda’s cosmopolitan culture, renowned for its lively atmosphere, eclectic charm, and long-standing culinary tradition. Lined with iconic European-style cake shops and patisseries, the street is famous for its decadent desserts, from classic cheesecakes to artisan pastries that have made it a Melbourne institution.

Beyond its sweet reputation, Acland Street offers a dynamic mix of alfresco dining, boutique retail, and diverse restaurants spanning global cuisines. By day, it’s a relaxed seaside precinct perfect for coffee, brunch, and people-watching; by night, it transforms into a buzzing social hub with bars, live music, and late-night venues.

The Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) is Victoria’s premier destination for elite swimming and aquatic performance. As the home of high-performance swimming in the state, it regularly hosts athletes from the Victorian Institute of Sport, along with leading training programs and major competitions organised by Swimming Victoria.

Beyond elite sport, MSAC is a world-class facility catering to recreational swimmers, fitness enthusiasts, and international events, making it a cornerstone of Melbourne’s sporting landscape.

Getting there by tram
MSAC is easily accessible via two convenient tram routes that stop directly outside the venue:

• Route 96 (East Brunswick to St Kilda Beach) – Stop 129
• Route 12 (City to South Melbourne/St Kilda) – Stop 131

The Palais Theatre is one of St Kilda’s most iconic landmarks, a grand historic venue set along the foreshore beside Luna Park. Originally known as Palais Pictures, it is a striking example of early 20th-century theatre architecture and remains one of Australia’s most celebrated live performance spaces.

Designed by Henry Eli White and opened in 1927 after the original theatre was lost to fire, the Palais has played a central role in shaping St Kilda as Melbourne’s premier seaside entertainment precinct. Since its early days as a picture palace, it has evolved into a leading live venue, hosting everything from ballet and opera to stand-up comedy, concerts, and internationally renowned touring acts.

With its ornate façade, atmospheric interior, and rich cultural history, the Palais Theatre continues to be a cherished destination for both locals and visitors. Recognised on the Victorian Heritage Register and inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2015, it stands as a lasting symbol of St Kilda’s artistic and entertainment legacy.

St Kilda Beach is Melbourne’s most iconic seaside destination, just 6km from the CBD and set along the scenic curve of Port Phillip Bay. Known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere and lively foreshore, it offers a wide sandy shoreline ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and year-round beachside leisure.

The beach stretches between St Kilda Marina and St Kilda Harbour, forming a vibrant waterfront precinct lined with palm trees, walking paths, and a bustling promenade. It’s a popular hub for water sports including kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and beach volleyball, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

A highlight of the area is the historic St Kilda Pier, where visitors can enjoy panoramic bay views and, at dusk, spot the colony of little penguins that nest along the breakwater. The best viewing time is typically shortly after sunset, offering a unique wildlife experience just minutes from the city.

St Kilda Beach is also renowned for its energetic café culture and dining scene, with Acland Street and the surrounding foreshore offering an abundance of restaurants, bars, and casual eateries. Easily accessible via tram routes 96 and 12, it delivers the perfect blend of coastal relaxation and urban vibrancy.

St Kilda Pier and Breakwater offers sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne city skyline, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks, photography, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a snack from the historic kiosk on the pier while taking in the relaxed coastal atmosphere. The breakwater is well known as one of the best places to observe local wildlife, including little penguins and rakali (native water rats), particularly around dusk.

The pier has a long and significant history, originally dating back to the mid-1800s as a working jetty. The breakwater was later constructed ahead of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games to provide a protected harbour for sailing events, and remnants of this history remain visible today, including the start tower at the end of the structure.

Today, the breakwater is also home to a protected colony of little penguins, which thrive in its sheltered environment. As a natural coastal space, visitors are encouraged to observe safety guidelines, including staying clear of restricted areas and avoiding jumping or diving due to shallow water and submerged hazards. Fishing, as well as dogs and cats, are not permitted on the breakwater to help protect the wildlife and environment.

Easily accessible from the St Kilda foreshore, the pier and breakwater remain one of Melbourne’s most scenic and unique coastal experiences.

Set along the St Kilda foreshore, the St Kilda Sea Baths is an oceanside wellness destination offering a relaxed blend of leisure, health, and lifestyle experiences. Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, this iconic precinct features an indoor heated saltwater pool, a day spa, wellness facilities, and a selection of beachfront dining options.

At its heart is the therapeutic saltwater pool experience, where naturally derived seawater is heated to a comfortable temperature, allowing guests to enjoy the restorative benefits of marine bathing year-round. The facilities also include a 25-metre heated lap pool, hydrotherapy spa, aromatherapy steam room, and a relaxation lounge with sweeping bay views.

Designed as a place to unwind and recharge, the Sea Baths offer a calming coastal escape in the middle of St Kilda. Guests can swim, take part in water-based fitness classes, or simply relax in the spa and steam rooms, all while enjoying the soothing effects of the ocean environment.

With its mix of wellness facilities, waterfront dining, and laid-back seaside atmosphere, the St Kilda Sea Baths remains one of Melbourne’s most distinctive coastal lifestyle destinations.