St Kilda Beach

Overview

St Kilda Beach is Melbourne's most popular urban beach, a long crescent of sand facing Port Phillip Bay with views of the city skyline. A magnet for joggers, swimmers, kitesurfers, and sunset-watchers.

Highlights

• Foreshore Walk: A palm-tree-lined promenade stretching from Port Melbourne to Brighton, popular with cyclists and rollerbladers.
• Sunset Views: West-facing orientation makes St Kilda one of Melbourne's best spots for watching the sun set over the bay.
• Kite Sports: The reliable sea breezes make St Kilda a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

History

St Kilda Beach has been Melbourne's premier bathing destination since the 1850s. The sea baths, built in the 1860s, were once the largest in the southern hemisphere. The foreshore was progressively redeveloped with gardens, playgrounds, and cafes.

Visitor Tips

• Summer Evenings: Visit at sunset for the best atmosphere — bring a picnic from Acland Street.
• Water Safety: Swim between the flags; the bay is calm but rip currents can occur.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.