Travel Channel

St Kilda

So much for the beach and bikinis

Acland Street to Fitzroy Street
Melbourne, VIC

Nearest Train: Trams 16, 69, 79, 96; buses 246, 600

In recent years, St Kilda has undergone a revamp. The trendies have moved in and the more unbecoming street life has moved out. St Kilda is Brunswick Street by the water; a tight-knit community of actors (both practising and waitering) and other artistic types. In St Kilda, the breeze is gentle and the pace of life one or two steps slower. It is a pleasure to meander through its shops — a collection of hip clothing, gift and homeware stores — and even visit its popular Esplanade Market; one of the best places for one-off craft creations. If you cannot be bothered shopping, throw back a beer or two. When you think of St Kilda, you think of beach--not the most beautiful of beaches in Australia but Melbourne’s most famous. Locals, backpackers and transients call St Kilda Beach their ‘home’ and, once you discover its sunny appeal, so will you.