What it is
St Kilda grew in the 19th century as a seaside resort for Melbourne, and its foreshore still has a holiday feel, with a promenade, cafés and the Esplanade Hotel. Luna Park, with its giant laughing face entrance, opened in 1912 and its wooden Scenic Railway is one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the world.
The pier stretches out into the bay to a kiosk and a stone breakwater that is home to a colony of little penguins, which can sometimes be seen from the boardwalk around dusk. Acland Street, behind the beach, is known for its cake shops.
Getting there by bus
Trams 16 and 96 run along The Esplanade and stop at Alfred Square/The Esplanade (stop 136), opposite the pier, and at Luna Park/The Esplanade (stop 138). Tram 96 runs from the city via Bourke Street and tram 16 via Swanston Street and St Kilda Road.
Bus 606 also stops at Alfred Sq/The Esplanade and at Luna Park on The Esplanade.
