Popular beachside suburb with Luna Park, Acland Street cafes, and the famous penguin colony on the breakwater.

About St Kilda Beach

St Kilda is Melbourne's most iconic beachside suburb, a bohemian neighborhood that has attracted artists, musicians, backpackers, and sun-seekers for over a century. The St Kilda Esplanade runs along the beach with palm trees, a cycling path, and views across Port Phillip Bay to the distant Mornington Peninsula and, on clear days, the You Yangs mountains.

The St Kilda Pier and breakwater are home to a colony of little penguins (fairy penguins) that return to their burrows at dusk — a free wildlife spectacle unique to this urban setting. Luna Park, the heritage amusement park with its famous grinning face entrance (opened in 1912), adds to the beachfront atmosphere with its roller coasters and vintage charm.

Acland Street is St Kilda's food and entertainment strip, famous for its European-style cake shops (Monarch, Le Bon Continental), restaurants, and weekend buskers. Fitzroy Street, running from the city toward the beach, has transformed from its historically rough reputation into a strip of boutique hotels, bars, and restaurants. The Palais Theatre, a Moorish-revival cinema palace seating 2,800, hosts international touring acts and is one of Australia's most atmospheric live venues.

Nearby Landmarks

Luna Park St Kilda Pier (penguin colony) Acland Street Palais Theatre

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AUD 60-80
Time 30-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost AUD 50-70
Time 30-45 minutes

Arrivals forecourt

Step-by-Step Directions

SkyBus to Southern Cross Station, walk to tram stop, take Route 96 tram to St Kilda.

SkyBus

Cost AUD 22
Time 30 min to CBD
Frequency Every 10 min

Outside terminals

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AUD 60-80 30-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare AUD 50-70 30-45 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle AUD 22 30 min to CBD Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Tram Route 96 connects St Kilda to the CBD until approximately midnight, and all night on Friday and Saturday nights (Night Network). Uber and taxis are readily available in St Kilda at all hours, especially around Fitzroy Street and Acland Street. St Kilda has active nightlife, particularly along Fitzroy Street and the Esplanade Hotel. Late-night ride-shares to the airport from St Kilda cost AUD 55-80.

Luggage Tips

If heading to St Kilda from the airport, a direct taxi or ride-share is simplest with luggage. The SkyBus-to-tram combination works but requires managing bags through Southern Cross Station and onto the tram. Tram Route 96 is low-floor and can accommodate luggage outside rush hours. St Kilda hotels and hostels almost all offer luggage storage. Acland Street cake shops and restaurants are not luggage-friendly.

Accessibility

St Kilda Beach has accessible beach matting at certain locations during summer and a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform at the pier. The Esplanade promenade is flat and paved. Tram Route 96 is fully accessible with low-floor trams. Luna Park has accessible pathways but many rides have physical requirements. Acland Street and Fitzroy Street have paved sidewalks with curb ramps. Most hotels offer accessible rooms.