PLACE. LOWER ESPLANADE. FIRST NATIONS MURAL. The Vaults — St Kilda First Nations Artwork
From Port Phillip City Council (March 2024):
“Council is commissioning a large-scale First Nations Artwork located along the St Kilda foreshore on the lower esplanade ‘Vaults’ wall.
“This site faces the St Kilda foreshore and is a location which has significant links for Traditional Owners and presents an opportunity to work with them on local reconciliation.
“Council is seeking a First Nations Artist/s for an artwork which will be painted directly onto the wall space allocated which incorporates First Nations themes and concepts, working with the surrounding area and respecting Traditional Owners.
“The artwork will serve as an opportunity to integrate storytelling in a creative way.”
PLACE. CATANI GARDENS. MEMORIAL SCULPTURE. Captain Cook statue at Catani Gardens, St Kilda foreshore
“A statue of James Cook, is located next to the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in Catani Gardens, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. It was erected in 1914. It was removed from its plinth in an act of vandalism in 2024, on the eve of Australia Day.
“It was erected in 1914 by the St. Kilda Council to honour Cook who in 1770, led a voyage with the first Europeans to the east coast of Australia.
“Since 2018, the statue has been physically targeted on dates near Australia Day in late January. In 2018, the statue was graffitied with the words “no pride” An Aboriginal Australian flag was placed next to the statue. In 2022, the statue was covered with red paint.
“The statue is a replica of the statue of Cook on the West Cliff area of Whitby, in the English county of North Yorkshire. Cook was a native of Whitby. The statue was sculpted by John Tweed. It is a life-sized sculpture of Cook. It is listed on the National Trust Database of Victoria.
“The entry on the database describes the monument as “a good example of early twentieth century British Edwardian academic memorial sculpture” although less important than the equestrian statue of Edward VII by Edgar Bertram Mackennal at Queen Victoria Gardens [across the National Gallery of Victoria].”—Wikipedia
“A statue of Captain Cook in St Kilda that was toppled by vandals will be resurrected following a fiery council debate.
“A motion to have community consultation on the statue’s future was defeated.”—ABC News
PLACE. AMUSEMENT PARK. Luna Park Melbourne
“On December 13th 1912, Mr Moon [a.k.a. Big Mouth] opened his giant mouth to St Kilda and welcomed thousands of people into Melbourne’s Luna Park for the first time.
“Since that day, St Kilda’s famous Luna Park, the oldest theme park in Australia, has had millions of visitors who have enjoyed some of the most iconic rides in Melbourne. Year after year our guests bring their families back to share memories and a day of fun at the most memorable amusement park in Melbourne.”—Luna Park Melbourne
PLACE. LIVE MUSIC. The Esplanade Hotel. Open Mic Tuesdays at The Basement hosted by Stacey Pommer
“Open Mic nights are alive at The Espy. Whether you’re new to playing to a live audience or building up your confidence to hit the big time – all are welcome Tuesdays from 7.30pm.”—Espy Live Online
“The walls are adorned with action shots of past gigs, and the iconic music cartoons from local illustrator and musician Fred Negro. There’s a chalk board up featuring dozens of names from a new breed of musicians frothing to play the weekly Open Mic night, which is hosted by local identity Stacey Pommer, son of legendary local drummer Billy Pommer Jr, who played with one of Neil Young’s favourite bands, the Johnnys.”–Patrick Donovan
PLACE. LIVE MUSIC . George Lane, off Grey Street, via the laneway at the back of the George Hotel
“Today George Lane resides below the former Crystal Ballroom which was a music venue located within the George Hotel. It has often been referred to as the centerpiece of Melbourne’s post-punk movement, showcasing groups such as The Birthday Party, Dead Can Dance, Hunters and Collectors, Models, Crime and the City Solution and The Moodists, as well as visiting Sydney bands INXS, The Laughing Clowns and Midnight Oil, and Brisbane’s The Go-Betweens and The Saints.”—George Lane Online
“A St Kilda institution.”
“The Iodice brothers Johnny, Alex, Adrian opened The Vineyard Restaurant in 1999 quickly establishing a reputation as a place to be in St Kilda for locals and tourists alike. 22 [25!] years later The Vineyard is still holding on and serving the St Kilda crowds, with Johnny and Alex sailing this little boat shed 7 days and nights a week.”—The Vineyard Online
PLACE. LIVE MUSIC. DANCE CLUB. Loud Mouth, Acland St corner Barkly St, Acland Street Village
“St Kilda’s newest “hotspot”, opened its doors in September 2023.
“By day, indulge in the laid-back vibes of our cozy bar, where live music sets the perfect backdrop for relaxation and socializing.
“As the sun sets, experience the transformation into a pulsating nightclub scene, electrified by top DJs spinning the latest beats.”—Loud Mouth
PLACE. COMEDY. LIVE MUSIC. Iddy Biddy Comedy Tuesdays 7.30pm
“Iddy Biddy is a quirky, fun and comfortable bar situated in the heart of St Kilda. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and anything in between, Iddy Biddy boasts an affordable and extensive food and drinks menu with comfortable indoor and outdoor dining areas.
“As well as fantastic dining, Iddy Biddy offers Live Music acts throughout the week making this venue a perfect place to relax with friends and family.
“Iddy Biddy has been serving quality food and drink to the St Kilda community since 2008. Value for money, consistant quality, fantastic taste and generous portions are what Iddy Biddy is widely known for.”—Iddy Biddy Online
“With top St Kilda restaurants, bars, gymnasium, sea water pool, cafes, bike, kite and stand up paddle boarding, it is in an exceptional position on Melbourne’s most famous beach, St Kilda.”—Sea Baths Online
PLACE. FORESHORE. Catani Archway, St Kilda Foreshore
“The Catani Archway was conceived by Carlo Catani, as part of broader St. Kilda Foreshore reclamation and beautification works between 1890 and 1916.
“The engineering firm of Monash & Anderson undertook this project, constructed in the Monier method of reinforced concrete and commenced construction in April of 1916. It was completed around the time of the World War One battle of Pozieres, where Catani’s son, Enrico, and so many soldiers fell. Consequently, it was to sadly draw the appellation Bridge of Sighs for the 23,000 casualties, of whom 6,800 were killed or died of wounds. About this time, it was also proudly dubbed, Bridge of Honour.“—Victorian Collections Online
PLACE. FORESHORE. St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
“St Kilda Pier dates back to the mid 1800’s as an early working jetty. The breakwater was later constructed for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, as a safe harbour for sailing events. You may notice the start tower at the end of the Breakwater, still in use to this day.
PLACE. ACCOMMODATIONS. St Kilda Coffee Palace on Grey Street
“It’s one of the first ‘temperance hotels’, created in 1883 by extensively rebuilding something that had been built as an ‘assembly room’ in 1871, then became a roller skating rink in 1874. The rebuild was designed by #HendersonandSmart (who later joined with Joseph Reed). It had 37 rooms and a dining room ‘in Corinthian style’ (parts still visible), a billiard room and a ladies salon. The top floor was added in 1888, hence the ‘broken pediment’ at first floor level. Apparently it also closed in 1888, so clearly couldn’t compete with the George Hotel virtually next door and much more prominent.”—Storey Of Melbourne Online
PLACE. COMMUNITY. The Victorian Pride Centre, Fitzroy St.
“The Victorian Pride Centre is the first purpose-built centre for Australia’s LGBTIQ+ communities. It is a place to pave new directions for LGBTIQ+ communities, while honouring and celebrating their brave – and at times difficult – past. It is home to practical and supportive services and will grow into a destination for visitors from across Australia, and beyond.”
PLACE. PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT. 99-105 Fitzroy Street
“Nestled in the vibrant heart of St Kilda, the 99-105 Fitzroy Street development represents a pinnacle of luxury living, brought to you by the renowned Brunswick Group. This exquisite development, designed by the acclaimed architects at Warren & Mahoney, features an array of residential apartments that promise to redefine sophistication in one of Melbourne’s most iconic suburbs.
“Residents of 99-105 Fitzroy Street will enjoy a high Walkscore of 96, indicating that daily needs, entertainment, and leisure are just a walk away. Notably, the development is surrounded by top-rated schools, comprehensive shopping centres, lush parks, and is in close proximity to the highly regarded medical facilities. Public transportation options are abundant, ensuring easy access to and from the area.”—Townly
PLACE. COMMUNITY CENTRE. Christ Church St Kilda
“Christ Church Mission’s Community Centre (St Kilda’s Little Mission) is committed to creating an environment which is welcoming, inclusive and supportive for the diverse range of people and groups in our local community.
“Recognising that poverty of resources and poverty of relationships can lead to social exclusion, the Centre offers opportunities for social interaction and personal growth, particularly through our weekly free community meal, emergency support, volunteering opportunities, engagement in free or low-cost activities, and community outreach.”—St Kilda’s Little Mission
PLACE. THEATRE. Theatre Works on Acland Street and Explosives Factory on Inkerman Street
“Theatre Works is one of Australia’s longest-running independent theatres, constantly reinvigorating and reimagining the sector by providing a hotbed for artists and audience development.
“Theatre Works champions artists and work that embraces difference and celebrates risk, working to provide a supportive public platform for marginalised conversations and voices.”—TW
PLACE. ART. Linden New Art on Acland Street
“The mansion was purchased in 1983 by the St Kilda City Council, now part of the City of Port Phillip, and extensive renovations were undertaken to improve the facility for the community.
“Linden opened to the public as an art gallery in 1986. In late 2017 to 2018, the City of Port Phillip supported another significant upgrade to the facility and as a result a stunning new entry foyer and additional exhibition spaces were built. Designed by Michael Taylor Architecture & Heritage, the large two storey glass box that links the old and new parts of the building was inspired by glass panels found in the Linden Project Space.
“The heritage-listed building is a free entry public art gallery and a significant cultural destination in St Kilda.”—Linden New Art Online
PLACE. FAST FOOD. McDonald’s on Acland Street/The Esplanade is open 24/7
“The classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers & fries, situated at the centre of Acland Street.”—Acland Street Village
A revitalised public space completed in September/October 2024.
“No. 16 tram from Swanston Street, No. 96 from Bourke Street, or No. 12 from Collins Street (around 25 minutes) to St Kilda; No. 3 from Swanston Street to Carlisle Street (around 35 minutes) and Alma Road (around 40 minutes).
“Trams run approximately every 10 minutes between 5.30am and 1.30am.”—What’s On St Kilda Online
Find out more about using a mobility aid on trains, trams and buses