Discovering Bayside: Our Expert Guide to Life in St Kilda
From the famed Luna Park to the palm tree-lined streets of the Esplanade, St Kilda is Melbourne’s most magnetic beachside hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
- By Gamuda Land
- 3 August 2023
Over time, St Kilda has become known as one of Melbourne’s most celebrated areas for recreation, world-class dining and nightlife. With the best of Bayside and city living at its doorstep, we guarantee you’ll find something you love.
Our third Melbourne project, Fareham, will be located just off Fitzroy Street at 95 St Kilda Road. We have spent a great deal of time in the area, taking note of our favourite places to eat, drink, shop and play.
Places to Eat & Drink
With Port Phillip Bay as its backdrop, St Kilda has a bounty of fresh seafood on offer. Stokehouse Restaurant is a fan favourite in the area, catering to any occasion. Its seasonal menu takes advantage of the best local produce from beef tartare to premium seafood platters.
If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed dining experience, be sure to check out Fitzrovia, a locally sourced Fitzroy Street staple that celebrates Victorian-grown suppliers. Overlooking the iconic Albert Park and open for breakfast and lunch everyday of the week, Fitzrovia brings contemporary Australian cuisine with an international flavour.
Honourable mentions on our list also include Donovans, The Espy and traditionally Spanish eatery, Las Tapas.
Places to Play
No St Kilda outing would be complete without a visit to Australia’s oldest theme park, Luna Park. Opening its doors to Melbourne’s first thrill-seekers in 1912, the iconic toothy grin of Mr Moon has been welcoming guests for the past 111 years.
Take a spin on the Great Scenic Railway while indulging in uninterrupted views of Port Phillip Bay, or get the heart pumping in the classically spooky, Ghost Train. With something for everyone at Luna Park, be sure to bring along your friends and family for a fun day out.
If you’re looking for a more refined entertainment experience, The Palais Theatre hosts some of Melbourne’s most unique and entertaining performances to date. Check the list of the latest shows here and find one that’s right for you.
Complementing its seaside locale, St Kilda also offers a variety of active pursuits along its iconic foreshore including surfing, parasailing, kayaking and kitesurfing in the water, and cycling, rollerblading and running on land.
Places To Shop
St Kilda’s eclectic, bohemian style comes to life through its curated selection of boutique retailers.
If you’re looking to add a bit of flair to your wardrobe, we recommend a visit to Frocks and Slacks, a uniquely St Kilda offering with a selection of hand-picked vintage clothing on Acland Street.
In the area on a Sunday? Make sure you don’t pass up the chance to visit the St Kilda Esplanade Market. A true icon of the area, the market is an art and craft maker’s haven, providing authentic Australian products since it began in 1970. You’ll also find a delicious selection of food and market stalls, all set against its stunning seaside backdrop. The market is open for business from 10 am to 5 pm every Sunday of the year.
The perfect date night can be easily catered for with a visit to local Fromagerie, Milk the Cow. Milk the Cow offers up to 180 local and imported cheeses in its 4-metre-long cheese cabinet, all of which can be ordered for takeaway. While you’re there, don’t forget to pair your cheese hamper with a bottle of wine from their carefully curated selection.
No date night would be complete without a treat to finish off the night. Luckily, St Kilda is home to some of Melbourne’s best desserts. Along Acland Street, you will find an assortment of gelateria and cake shops including Le Bon, The Acland Cake Shop and C9 Chocolate and Gelato.
On top of these incredible retailers, St Kilda is also home to all your daily essentials including major supermarkets and chain retailers.
We’re extremely excited to bring the Gamuda Land lifestyle to this dynamic and vibrant seaside suburb. Learn more about our new project, Fareham by visiting the site here.