St Kilda Beach
St Kilda VIC
The Beach and Surrounding Areas:
The area of St Kilda is a fascinating one, initially a place where the wealthy came to live beside the sea it gradually became home to people from many different walks of life. Described as a red light district with parallels drawn between it and Sydney's Kings Cross, this whole area has been a very happening yet dangerous scene. Moving on to the beach itself, although being one of Melbourne's most famous beaches, with the St Kilda Pier and the Sea Baths, my initial experience wasn't the most well formed. In short, be careful where you tread on this beach as it is still an area frequented by many individuals who don't seem to want to clean up after themselves. Although there is next to no surf there are still many water related activities such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, sailing and kite-surfing along with many areas to swim.
Transport:
Melbourne is the home of public transport, in my opinion at least. With trams, buses, trains, ferries and taxis as far as the eye can see. Getting around is incredibly easy and the tram, train or bus trip into the CBD is quick and interesting. Tickets can be bought in many locations, news agents, food stores, conveinience stores and ticket machines near the stops.
Shops:
Shopping around St Kilda is amazing, with restaurants, cafes, bars, fast food, clothing, jewellery, thrift shops, grocery stores, almost anything you can imagine. If you can't find what you want here, Chapel Street is just a short tram ride away.
Nightlife:
The nightlife in St Kilda is booming, being a former red light district this isn't that far fetched an idea. With many small pubs, clubs and bars along with restaurants, almost all of which are licensed, this area provides a fantastic place in which one can go out on the town. A few places to look out for in particular are The Prince, located on Fitzroy Street, just opposite Cleve Gardens, a place where you can find many interesting people and some great live and local bands, The Esplanade Hotel is also just around the corner and is a great hangout for many music lovers, further along The Esplanade you will find the Vineyard, an amazing place where you can meet some of Melbourne's elite, although it can be quite hard to get into. All in all the nightlife in St Kilda is definitely one of it's major highlights.
What Else:
A few other things are worth noting, such as the numerous places to stay in this area. There are many backpackers, hotels, inns and easy to rent apartments, accommodation for any budget. There is also Melbourne's Luna Park which is located on The Esplanade, always a fun place to take the kids or even for the big kids. A final event that must be mentioned are the St Kilda Night Markets, running over summer on every Thursday night in O'Donnell Gardens, it is a spectacular that cannot be missed.
St Kilda is a fantastic area and is a must on anyone's visit to Melboure, the only let down would be the beach itself but that was only my experience, because of this I'm only giving this beach 3 out of 5 stars.
Cheers,
Pat
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