One day of getaway: a self-guided solo trip to Grey Street St Kilda

Max Gibson • February 12, 2026

St Kilda beach is one of the famous tourist spots in Hobsons Bay, but have you wondered what you can enjoy alongside the road, especially when you are a big fan of surprising boutiques in quiet neighbourhoods like Grey Street in St Kilda?

Take a look at the hidden gems you can explore when you head to the beach of this bustling neighbourhood, especially if you are a big fan of spontaneous detours when you head to the beach.

Grey Street

Grey Street in St Kilda has a long history - originally lined with grand Victorian-era mansions but over time becoming better known for its nightlife. On the way to the beach by Barkly or Fitzroy streets, you will see Grey Street on the side - seems to be forgotten by tourists, carries a long history of once a prosperous era. 


For its historical rich value, tourists often visit the street just to witness the building, or be magnified by the collision of traditional value and a breath of modern activities. With this in mind, Grey Street might be a great place to take a turn, and discover some hidden gems in this tranquil neighbourhood. 

Travel from Melbourne to Grey Street St Kilda

  • Distance from Melbourne CBD: 7km
  • Travel time: 40 mins.
  • How to get there: Take the tram No. 3 from East Malvern; No. 96 from Elizabeth Street/Bourke Street; No. 6 or 16 from Swanston St.


From Melbourne, the most accessible area to have a short getaway is St Kilda, which is only about 7km from Melbourne and can be commuted by tram. When you travel to St Kilda, it’s less than 10 minutes until you reach Grey Street.

Hidden gems on Grey Street - Three destinations you might enjoy

While people might see Grey Street as unappealing, we think the opposite: there are always hidden gems that you sometimes overlook, and Grey Street in St Kilda is that typical place. Although it’s famous for historical buildings, it doesn’t stop at being a boring exhibition. Before heading to the beach, we recommend you take a look at some of the interesting places to visit in Grey Street, before heading to the beach.

Move365 - Get ready to have a summer body 


If hitting the gym is a part of your routine, we recommend you try the Move365 gym, a brand new fitness centre in Grey Street, St Kilda. Not only does it offer a great environment to ensure privacy, the modern equipment and friendly staff would offer an unexpected experience for you.

Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop - St Kilda 


Thrifting and stealing a deal always gives us an adrenaline rush? Try to thrift at Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop. Lying in the middle of Grey Street St Kilda, it seems like a small daily step challenge for you when you visit the street. 


From secondhand, high-conditioned clothes to electronic devices - which have received the most recommendations, literally everything can be found at Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop. Originated as a community centre for homeless and disabled people, the Op Shop is one of the ways to make some donations, while stealing some deals here.

The Lion & Wombat

  • Location: 107 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
  • Specialty: Mainly focus on British cuisine with a fusion approach to blend in some cultural diversity. 
  • Highly recommended by customers: scotch eggs, beef burger and Special Sunday Toasts.


At the corner of Barky street and Grey Street, St Kilda offers a small brunch coffee shop, with a fantastic menu inspired by long-tradition British cuisine. Following the strict food safety guidelines of Melbourne, you can enjoy the food in the ambient balcony in Lion & Wombat. 

 

After a long walk on the beach or an enjoyable experience at Luna Park, you don’t have to call it a day so early. Instead, take a detour to Lion & Wombat to experience a brunch before heading to your stays.

The best option to stay in St Kilda? A tip to choose your stay

If you plan to have a solo getaway, then it’s best to stay at dorms with shared bedrooms, helping you enjoy the trip better with a reasonable price. If you plan to travel to the beach by either Barkly or Fitzroy, we recommend you stay at hostels along the way for more convenience. 


Recently with the booming tourism, many homestays offer exclusive deals with other bars to improve the experience of these solo travels.
For instance, at Pint On Punt Backpackers, we offer a 25% off when you dine in at the first-floor Windsor Alehouse, enjoying scrumptious food when the night starts.

Pint On Punt Offer

After a full day of exploring, slow things down and relax by the beach with comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of St Kilda. Designed for backpackers, Pint On Punt offers a wide range of rooms and accommodation, tailored to your needs.

You are planning a stay between March 2 – March 9, 2026?
Book now and enjoy a little extra savings on your getaway with promo code GP05.

Pint On Punt is proudly partnered with Cheap Az Travel, an independent travel agency owned by Stu and Marnie. With physical stores and an online shop, they’re all about helping backpackers and travellers score great-value trips across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Book Now!
By Nicole Pint on Punt Backpackers March 17, 2026
Melbourne is widely known for its vibrant street art scene, where colourful murals and graffiti transform hidden laneways into open-air galleries. Wandering through these narrow alleys often feels like a treasure hunt, with unexpected artworks and creative expressions appearing around almost every corner. Read on to discover some of the most famous street art laneways that showcase Melbourne’s dynamic urban creativity.
By Nicole Pint on Punt Backpackers March 17, 2026
Melbourne is easy to get around, but having a few handy apps can make day-to-day life much more convenient. With the right mobile apps on your phone, it becomes much easier to navigate the city and find work opportunities. This guide recommends some useful apps to enjoy your days in Melbourne.
By Nicole Pint on Punt Backpackers March 17, 2026
Discover fun things to do in Melbourne over the Easter holidays, from markets and festivals to interesting events and attractions.
melbourne international comedy festival
By Nicole Pint on Punt Backpackers March 17, 2026
Get ready for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with our complete guide to shows, tickets, venues, and festival highlights.
day trips from st kilda
By Max Gibson February 24, 2026
Looking for easy day trips from St Kilda without a car? Discover beaches, theme parks, wineries, and wildlife sanctuaries - all accessible by public transport and perfect for relaxation.
healthy eating restaurants melbourne​
February 24, 2026
Looking for healthy and budget-friendly places to eat in Melbourne? Discover the best healthy restaurants and juice bars perfect for nomads on the go.
Melbourne
By Max Gibson February 12, 2026
Planning a trip to Melbourne? Discover how safe it really is and six essential safety tips every backpacker and solo traveler should know.
Vintage shops
By Max Gibson December 29, 2025
Discover St Kilda's indie charm with top op shops, vintage fashion, record stores, and creative spots. A guide to Melbourne’s most eclectic neighbourhood.
Best day trips from Melbourne
By Max Gibson December 29, 2025
Explore top Melbourne day trips for nature lovers: hike redwood forests, unwind in hot springs, or spot penguins by the beach. Easy escapes from the city.
christmas celebration
By Max Gibson November 25, 2025
Discover Christmas events and New Year's Eve celebration locations in St Kilda - Australia's suburb region.