10 Must-try Winter Activities in St Kilda
St Kilda beach may not be welcoming during the rainy season. However, the suburb continues to buzz with culture and community events that attract global travellers and backpackers. Here are 10 must-try winter activities in St Kilda, each offering a unique glimpse into the area’s history and leisure culture
1. Visit St Kilda markets during the day
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean St Kilda slows down. In fact, the local markets are some of the best places to feel the suburb’s heartbeat this time of year. Grab a warm drink, bundle up, and spend your morning browsing handmade crafts or picking up fresh produce straight from the growers.
Esplanade Market
- Address: Upper Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Opening hours: Every Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM
The Esplanade Market features over 140 stalls with handmade arts, crafts, and unique gifts every Sunday. It is a great place to buy winter accessories like scarves and beanies while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Veg Out Farmers Market
- Address: Peanut Farm Reserve, Chaucer Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Opening times: First Saturday monthly, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Open on the first Saturday of each month, this market offers fresh, organic produce directly from local farmers. It is an ideal place to pick up seasonal fruits, vegetables, and homemade goods.
2. Warm yourself with a cafe on Acland Street
Acland Street is renowned for its European-style
cafes
and bakeries, perfect for connecting with other backpackers. They include:
Monarch Cakes
Famous for its century-old Polish cheesecake and strong espresso
C9 Chocolate & Gelato
A dessert haven offering over 30 house-made gelato flavors, croffles, cakes, etc.
Acland Cake Shop
Come here to enjoy hot chocolate and warm pastries from the oven.
3. Eat your way through Fitzroy Street’s global eats
Fitzroy Street is a culinary hub offering diverse, globally inspired dishes perfect for winter indulgence. Whether you need spicy Thai, creamy pasta, or Mediterranean tapas, the street has everything to satisfy your cravings.
Blu Oyster Co
The hotel features two spaces. The Grill is ideal if you want to enjoy on-site fire. Meanwhile, the Tavern is for those who prefer casual pub-style dishes like the European thrice-cooked potato cakes and rich pasta.
Prince Dining Room
Located under the Prince Hotel and under the culinary direction of Sydney chef Mitch Orr, the restaurant has introduced innovative dishes such as anchovy crumpets and Rockefeller oysters.
Café Di Stasio
This Italian restaurant is iconic with the "Risotto all’Aragosta," featuring crayfish and fennel pollen. The establishment is renowned for the menu that includes twice-daily made fresh pasta and seasonal specials.
bang bang St kilda
A hawker-style pan-Asian restaurant. Patrons can partake in "Bang Bang Hour" from 5–6 pm on weekdays for cheat eats experience in St Kilda, enjoying $2 oysters & $15 rotating cocktail specials.
Three Elephants & Co
Serves bold, authentic Sri Lankan flavors- from crispy hoppers, kottu to spicy crab curry. Its intimate setting and thoughtful wine pairings create a genuine cultural dining experience going beyond typical Australian fare.
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Thai Turn
A hidden gem on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, known for its authentic Thai flavours and generous portions. Popular dishes include Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and green curry.
4. Spot the St Kilda penguins at sunset
Even in colder times, the St Kilda Pier and Breakwater is home to over 1,000 Little Penguins. If you're looking for a
budget-friendly things to do in St Kilda, you can head here at sunset to watch penguins St Kilda winter head to their nests. Remember to bring a red-light torch, dress warmly, and be quiet to avoid disturbing them. You should also maintain a respectful distance and avoid using flash photography. Entry is free and open to the public, making it an ideal place to end the day.
5. Join St Kilda winter festivals and live music
Winter is festival season in St Kilda, with live music, art, and performances lighting up the dark, cold evenings. For instance, the St Kilda Twilight Market provides live bands, warm food trucks, and mulled wine. For a memorable St Kilda festival winter, do not forget to visit The Espy (Hotel Esplanade) and Memo Music Hall. These two locations host regular winter gigs from local and international acts.
6. Catch a movie in St Kilda
The relaxed St Kilda’s environment offers a unique cinematic experience during winter. Here are some recommendations to enjoy the latest blockbusters, whether on a
solo adventure in Melbourne or a cosy date night.
Astor Theatre
- Address: 1 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Opening hours: Check the schedule online
The Astor Theatre is an iconic Art Deco cinema screening cult classics and retrospectives in an old-school single-screen setting. The beautiful gold curtains framing the screen will take you back to old Hollywood.
Palais Theatre
- Address: Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
- Opening hours: Everyday 9 am to 5 pm
The Palais Theatre is an integral part of St Kilda’s nightlife. Though famous for concerts, it occasionally screens films and hosts performances during winter festivals.
7. Enjoy the winter sunset at St Kilda Botanical Garden
- Address: 11 Herbert St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
- Opening hours: 24 hours
St Kilda Botanical Gardens are a beautiful oasis to explore during colder months. Established in 1859, these gardens span over six hectares and feature various plant species, an ornamental pond, and the Alister Clark Memorial Rose Garden. Visit the gardens in the evenings to watch as magnolias, camellias, and evergreen trees add colour to the sunset rays. Don’t forget the famous Rain Man fountain, powered by solar energy.
8. Have a fun night at local pubs
St Kilda bars and pubs offer various things to do in St Kilda winter. From trivia nights to live bands and craft beer by the fire, these pubs will keep you warm and entertained.
The Windsor Alehouse
Famous for its Australian and international craft beer with over 40 rotating taps.
Harvey’s Sports Bar & Grill
Perfect for non-stop sports action with big screens, pub grub favourites, and a buzzing game-day atmosphere.
Local Taphouse
A European-style pub famous for its rooftop beer garden and 20 rotating taps.
Prince Public Bar
As part of the Prince Hotel complex, the bar introduces a modern Aussie pub culture with curated wines and winter cocktails.
9. Try the St Kilda Sea Baths
Address: 10/18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
Opening hours:
- Mon - Wed 5 AM - 9:30 PM
- Thur - Fri 5 AM - 11:30 PM
- Sat - Sun 7 AM - 10:30 PM
First opened in 1860, the complex has become the best place to visit when the weather does not allow you to paddle in the sea. Trying the St Kilda Sea Baths is the perfect therapeutic way to relax at the beach and enjoy stunning views. This heated seawater pool includes a day spa, steam rooms, and massage services to rejuvenate your body after a busy day.
10. Visit St Kilda library for a quiet afternoon
- Address: 150 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
- Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 10 am-8 pm, Friday: 10 am-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.
Break from the wind and warm up with an educational book inside St Kilda Library. The library is a peaceful place to read and catch up with local exhibitions and workshops. It also allows digital borrowing through the Libby app.
Where to stay in St Kilda during winter?
Choosing the right accommodation when exploring
winter activities in St Kilda is essential to enhance your experience. Luckily, Pint on Punt Backpackers is a top choice if you seek comfort, affordability, and a lively atmosphere. Situated conveniently above the Windsor Alehouse, the hostel places you in the heart of St Kilda’s bustling scene
Are you planning to stay in St Kilda for more than three days? Use the Pint on Punt’s
Winter20 code on our
Booking Page to win a discount on your accommodation. This special offer allows you to experience the suburban charm during colder months without stretching your budget.
