Where to stay in Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne’s Best Neighbourhoods

A Local’s Guide to St Kilda

St. Kilda is a coastal suburb of Melbourne, and its Esplanade is a popular gathering place for tourists, locals, and athletes. Proof of the strip's former glory may be seen in the form of boom-era homes, antique sea baths, and the eye-catching attractions of Luna Park. Both Acland and Carlisle streets are home to upscale dining options and vintage European pastry stores. At night, the area's bars and clubs are bustling with revellers.

Discover the greatest local cafés and bars, longstanding restaurants, and must-see sights in this trendy coastal enclave.

St. Kilda has a history as as interesting as its current day. For decades, it has been renowned as Melbourne's seaside playground. Its illustrious history as a seaside resort began in the middle of 19th century, and the red light zone became renowned in the '50s and '60s.

It was the suburb's freewheeling bohemianism, which continues to attract large groups of tourists and individuals from all types of backgrounds, throughout the year., that made it a sanctuary for artists, musicians, and a broad LGBTQIA population.

What Is St Kilda Famous For?

Pride and culture remain strong in modern-day St. Kilda, and the neighbourhood is gaining a reputation as a popular destination for those seeking a sophisticated urban experience.

Because of seasons of The Block, which restored the iconic Oslo Hostel and Gatwick Hotel in St. Kilda, the neighbourhood has been rapidly gentrifying. Most St. Kilda inhabitants would tell you, however, that this diversity in character is what makes St. Kilda unique in Melbourne, if not the entire globe.

Just outside of the Central Business District, the 3182 area code has an endless supply of opportunities. The palm-sapling-lined beaches, old buildings, and distinctive food scene in St. Kilda combine to create an ambience reminiscent of a cross between San Francisco and Venice Beach, making it a favourite Melbourne tourist destination.

What Makes the Locals So Excited?

St. Kilda is known for its thriving creative culture, which includes both artists and businesspeople.

St. Kilda has seen many waves of gentrification, yet the neighbourhood has retained the edge and vitality that have made it so beloved by its residents. My guess is that this is because of how fleeting it is.

People from many walks of life congregate at St. Kilda. It's often described as "Melbourne's playground by the sea." The carnival atmosphere that permeates Luna Park will remain there forever. St. Kilda is a place where visitors leave a piece of themselves behind and come away with memories that will last a lifetime.

In What Way Can I Get to St Kilda?

While there is no train station in St. Kilda, the area is well-served by trams; three lines, the 12, 16, and 96, run from Melbourne's CBD directly or through Fitzroy Street. At St. Kilda Junction, you can catch any of the many more trams to explore the vast choice of restaurants and cafes just over the street and Albert Park. In addition, there are several bus routes. The SkyBus makes four stops in and near St. Kilda, making it easy to catch it on the way to or from the airport.

What's in the Area?

St. Kilda is a peninsula in Port Phillip Bay, located between Elwood and Middle Park. Prahran and Windsor, two nearby northern suburbs, are within walking distance of each other.

Grab a sweet treat from one of Acland Street's numerous well-known cake shops, a throwback to the influx of European tourists in the area during the 1950s summers. Gather your pals and enjoy them in the Catani Gardens or the St. Kilda Botanic Gardens.

Things to Do

Since its opening in 1912, millions of joyful visitors have walked through Mr. Moon's enormous smiling mouth at Luna Park, Australia's oldest theme park. For the greatest (and most exciting) views of Port Phillip Bay, particularly at sunset, nothing beats a trip on the heritage-listed Great Scenic Railway wooden rollercoaster, which inspired the iconic Cyclone rollercoaster at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.

The Palais Theatre, which stands across the street from Luna Park, is an equally recognisable landmark in St. Kilda. The continuing renovations to the Palais, which opened in 1927 as a centrepiece of the suburb's seaside entertainment area, will guarantee that its hallowed stage continues to welcome the world's top performers for decades to come. The trip to St. Kilda would be incomplete without stopping by the pair, even if only for a snapshot.

The St. Kilda Ferry is another option. The Coastal Flyer has been a hit with day-trippers and commuters looking for an alternative to Melbourne's congested roads since it first set sail across Port Phillip Bay to Williamtown in 2016. The Port Melbourne neighbourhood of Beacon Cove might be a convenient stop along the way. You may also arrange bike transport to the opposite end by calling beforehand.

Get yourself to the end of the St. Kilda pier to the St. Kilda breakwater just after sunset on any night of the year to see something really remarkable. There, among the rocks and scurrying from one side of the breakwater to the other, you could be fortunate enough to see some of the more than 1,000 small penguins (St. Kilda Penguins) who make their home on St. Kilda. Keep your distance and disable your camera's flash.

The Rain Room, a subsidiary of Random International, has also planted roots in St. Kilda. This world-famous interactive art installation is located at the Jackalope Art Pavilion, which may be reached from the parking garage of the Prince Hotel off Jackson Street via an elevator.

Melbourne's ancient Parish hall in St. Kilda has been the home of Theatre Works (14 Acland St.) for the last 40 years, where you can see dramatic productions that have both social and political significance. See what's playing at the moment by visiting the website.

A Local’s Guide to Fitzroy

Original pubs and gay bars, narrow streets and terrace homes, long-lasting merchants, and trendy wine bars that have preserved the old décor characterise Fitzroy, a diverse district with a deep history.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the neighbourhood lost its working-class reputation and its bohemian atmosphere as a result of gentrification. Many historic structures and examples of Victorian architecture have survived urban renewal efforts and contribute significantly to the area's character, right alongside the street murals.

Residents of all ages may be found tucked away in Fitzroy's alleys and lanes, from students and recent graduates to long-time locals and retirees.

It's also economically varied, with some of Melbourne's priciest rents and one of the city's most well-known public housing complexes. Even if you could put your finger on what makes this location unique, what good would it do you?

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, a branch of the Kulin people, have long held sovereignty over the region, which they call Ngár-go (Kulin for "high ground") in their native tongue.

What’s Fitzroy Known For?

Fitzroy is renowned for its unusual, artistic, and quirky character, and is the beating core of Melbourne's cultural scene. Gertrude Street is home to a variety of businesses, both large and small, and is dotted with pubs that are popular for its drag bingo and queer evenings. In the antique boutiques along Brunswick Street you may find an abundance of corduroy jackets and blazers to go with your espresso martinis and endless tacos.

And live music may be heard from open windows above shops to pub and bar performances. The Melbourne Fringe Festival, which promotes cultural expression via openness and variety, has its primary home in Fitzroy.

Why Do the Locals Love It?

Market Director Christian Ferrante has extensive knowledge of the neighbourhood and surrounding region.

"I've always admired Fitzroy for its unique character. Because of the relaxed atmosphere, anything might happen there "he explains The thrill of "you truly don't know what you may see any given day, simply strolling down the street there's always something exciting or something enormous occuring"

How Do I Get to Fitzroy?

Ever since the last train stopped in 1888, residents of Fitzroy have prefered the convenience of the tram. To get to the heart of Fitzroy, take the number 11 tram from St. Georges Road, which travels down Brunswick Street, all the way to Victoria Parade. If you want to go to Johnston, Moor, or Gertrude Street from anywhere else, the 96 tram is the best choice, since it travels from Brunswick East to St. Kilda Beach through Fitzroy. If you like pedalling, you'll find this region to be ideal.

What’s Nearby?

Located between AFL rivals Collingwood and Carlton, Fitzroy acts as a buffer between them. East Melbourne may be found below, while Fitzroy North can be found directly above. Carlton Gardens to the west, Edinburgh Gardens to the north, and, amusingly, Fitzroy Gardens (which aren't really in Fitzroy) a block to the south form the suburb's natural borders.

Things to Do

Locals love to relax at the Fitzroy Swimming Pool, located at 160 Alexandra Parade. The pools are great, and they attract a hilarious mix of locals and posers. You can't help but feel like you're in the middle of the action, like you're in the heart of the city, but then you step outside into this cool, one-of-a-kind refuge that is only in Fitzroy.

Explore the eclectic works of local and national up-and-coming and mid-career artists in the eight exhibition rooms of Brunswick Street Gallery (Level 1 and 2/322 Brunswick St). Visit the neighbouring Sutton Gallery (254 Brunswick St) to see modern artwork from Down Under.

If you're in the area, stop by the live music venue The Night Cat (137-141 Johnston St) and snap a selfie in front of the grayscale "Welcome to sunny Fitzroy" Everfresh Fitzroy painting on the building's sidewall. Everfresh Studio painted the wall in 2009, and it still looks great.

If you're in the mood for a mental challenge and a bit of a sleuthing adventure, head over to the Mystery Rooms (303 Napier St) and try your hand at a detective mission set in Ancient Egypt or during the Kelly gang's Last Stand in 1880.

A Local’s Guide to Carlton

Carlton has seen several iterations of history, from the wealth of "Marvellous Melbourne" to its designation as "slums" in the 1950s. These days, the area is a melting pot of cultures and historical periods, with everything from cafes and eateries that have been there for fifty years to cutting-edge concert halls and other performance spaces.

What’s Carlton Known For?

Because of Lygon Street, Carlton has become one of Melbourne's most well-known neighbourhoods. Lygon Street is the heart of Melbourne's Little Italy and has some of the city's finest genuine Italian restaurants, while there is much more to see and do in this bustling area. Carlton is also home to some of Australia's most renowned cultural institutions, including the Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Museum, and the renowned Carlton Gardens.

Why Do the Locals Love It?

Mark Rubbo, the head honcho at Readings (Carlton's most well-known bookstore), has been a resident of the area for decades and was kind enough to chat to us. With its broad tree-lined avenues and rich Jewish, Italian, and artistic history, Carlton is a great place to hang out, he adds.

Couples picnicking in the middle of the street on the nature strip, children playing in the Carlton Baths, and teenagers eating gelato at any of the area's numerous gelaterias are all common sights on a bright day.

How Do I Get to Carlton?

The location of Carlton makes it convenient for visitors. It's a residential area immediately north of the eastern core business district, with easy access to the central business district and Parliament Station by foot. Tram routes 1 and 6 will take you to the top of Lygon Street in the Italian neighbourhood, while route 96 will take you to the Carlton Gardens and all the way to the Fitzroy/Carlton boundary.

What’s Nearby?

Eating and drinking establishments on Brunswick Street, nightlife on Smith Street, and breathtaking street art on Rose Street can all be found in the Fitzroy and Collingwood neighbourhoods to the east. The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus is located to the west of the city and is home to many historic structures dating back more than 150 years and a number of interesting museums.

Things to Do

The greatest art house movie theatre in Australia is Cinema Nova, located at 380 Lygon St. We highly suggest the boisterous late-night showing of The Room that occurs once a month on Cheap Mondays.

The Royal Exhibition Building, located at 9 Nicholson St., is one of the few structures from the Great Exhibition that has survived to the present day. The hall is breathtaking with its restored artwork and enormous arches, but you may only enter on market or exhibition days.

Only a short walk away, at 11 Nicholson Street, is the Melbourne Museum, which has a live forest, a taxidermied Phar Lap, and excellent changing displays. If you need to take a break for a while, the IMAX theatre is where you can see documentaries and recently released films in a large, immersive format.

Carlton Gardens is an attraction in and of itself. It's no exaggeration to say that the Gardens take up a sizable chunk of Carlton—26 hectares to be exact. The gardens, which were laid out in the Victorian period, are a favourite picnicking site and are home to trees from all over the globe, some of which are more than a century old.

The Carlton Baths, located at 216/248 Rathdowne St, are a great spot to relax and cool down during the hot months in Melbourne. The facility is open all year round, however the outdoor pools are only used from fall through spring. There's a kiddie pool and slide for the tiniest of guests.

The La Mama Theatre (1/205 Faraday St) is another great option for indie theatre in Melbourne. This is where Australian theatre was born and where it will always remain.

A Local’s Guide to Footscray

They must have had Footscray in mind when they coined the saying "west is best." The influx of new residents from all around the world has made this inner-city district the crowning glory of Melbourne's west.

The area is a melting pot (or wok pan) of cultures, so you can get anything from Vietnamese pho to Ethiopian injera and Vietnamese goat curry on the same street. You can also find the greatest cannoli in town.

What’s Footscray Known For?

Footscray is conveniently situated along the Maribyrnong River about six kilometres from the Central Business District. Several major retail and dining thoroughfares flank its perimeter, the most prominent being Barkly Street, not far from the enormous mural of Franco Cozzo greeting you with outstretched arms and a jubilant "great sale! Grand sale!" Footscray is one of Melbourne's most vibrant and dynamic neighbourhoods, particularly if you have an interest in gastronomy because of the many immigrant populations who have made it their home.

Why Do the Locals Love It?

One Time Out reader summed up why Footscray was chosen as Melbourne's finest neighbourhood in 2019: "It's multicultural, has excellent pubs and cuisine, and it's cheap(er) and has less irritating wanker dudes than other areas of the city."

You'll find the recommendations of the folks working at the Footscray Community Arts Centre sprinkled across the following sections.

How Do I Get To Footscray?

Footscray station is smack dab in the middle of the action, making it easily accessible from anyone in the neighbourhood. Alternately, you may continue westward to the Middle Footscray and West Footscray stations. It is also possible to use the 82 tram to go to Barkly Street from Gordon Street.

What’s Nearby?

Towards the south are Yarraville and Seddon, while in the north-east are Ascot Vale and Kensington. Highpoint Shopping Center and the town of Maidstone are also easily accessible.

Things to Do

The Footscray Community Arts Centre (45 Moreland St) has become a fixture not just in Footscray, but all of Melbourne. It welcomes anybody interested in the arts, from novices to seasoned professionals, and even provides a day programme for those with impairments to participate in creative activities.

The centre is always bustling with activity, with both local and international exhibits on display. Local shows focus on West Melbourne, showcasing the region through the perspective of artists who make Footscray their home.

Relax on the FCAC lawn and take in the breathtaking cityscape before setting off on a stroll down the Maribyrnong River, which will take you through many parks, the harbour, and the Quang Minh Buddhist Temple, all the while providing you with stunning vistas of the city below.

Maddern Square is another wonderful gathering spot in the Footscray area (2 Chambers St). Vy from FCAC said that it was a wonderful place to have some peace and quiet while yet being close to all the restaurants.

Conclusion

Esplanade St. Kilda is a popular meeting location for locals, visitors, and professional athletes. Elegant restaurants and European-style pastry shops can be found on Acland and Carlisle streets. Bars and clubs in the neighbourhood come alive at night with revellers. Located between Elwood and Middle Park, St. Kilda is a peninsula in Port Phillip Bay. In the 3182 area code, which is located just outside of the city's central business district, there are unlimited possibilities.

"Melbourne's playground by the sea," with palm-sapling-lined beaches and historic buildings, is a common refrain. A popular alternative to Melbourne's congested roadways, the St. Kilda Ferry is a favourite with daytrippers and commuters alike. Numerous pubs and restaurants in the Fitzroy neighbourhood serve a diverse group of young people. The Jackalope Art Pavilion is home to the world-famous interactive art installation known as the Rain Room. Known for its eccentricity, Fitzroy is a haven for creative types.

Fitzroy is the principal location of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, which promotes artistic expression via openness and variety. Businesses of different sizes can be found on Gertrude Street. Fitzroy serves as a buffer between AFL rivals Collingwood and Carlton. Fitzroy's core may be reached by taking the number 11 tram from St George's Road to the city centre. At Brunswick Street Gallery, you'll find a diverse collection of the work of emerging and mid-career artists from around the country.

Carlton is a well-known suburb of Melbourne. In the heart of Little Italy, Lygon Street features some of the best authentic Italian eateries in the city. Cultural institutions, such as the Royal Exhibition Building, can be found within its boundaries. 216/248 Rathdowne St. is the address of the Carlton Baths, a popular place to cool off in the summer. One of the Great Exhibition's few surviving structures, the Royal Exhibition Building, was completed in 1851.

Melbourne's inner west suburb of Footscray is just 5 kilometres from the city's central business district. Footscray is one of Melbourne's most energetic and forward-thinking neighbourhoods, with a thriving arts and music scene. Because of the area's cultural diversity, you may find Vietnamese pho on the same street as Ethiopian injera. As of 2019, Footscray was named Melbourne's best suburb. Both Maddern Square and the Footscray Community Arts Centre are two of Melbourne's most popular arts venues.

Spend some time meandering around many of Melbourne's parks and through the Quang Minh Buddhist Temple on the Maribyrnong River. Maidstone and the Highpoint Shopping Center are both conveniently accessible by tram.

Content Summary

• Want to know where to stay in Melbourne or where to go in Melbourne?
• To make the most of your time in Melbourne, use the local knowledge we've provided in the sections below.
• Esplanade St. Kilda is a popular meeting location for locals, visitors, and professional athletes.
• Make your way around this stylish coastal enclave to find the best local bars and restaurants, as well as some of the most popular tourist attractions.
• There is as much interest in St. Kilda's past as there is in its present.
• It's been known as Melbourne's coastal playground for decades. It's not hard to see why.
• In modern-day St. Kilda, pride and culture are still strong, and the area is becoming known as a popular destination for visitors looking for a refined metropolitan experience.
• In the 3182 area code, which is located just outside of the city's central business district, there are unlimited possibilities.
• When it comes to Melbourne tourist attractions, St. Kilda has a vibe that's a combination between San Francisco and Venice Beach.
• Artists and businesses alike can be found in Kilda's strong creative community, which comprises both.
• While St. Kilda has been gentrified numerous times in recent years, the neighbourhood has maintained its distinct character and energy.
• St. Kilda attracts a diverse range of people from all areas of life.
• It's frequently referred to as "Melbourne's playground by the ocean."
• What Method of Transportation Is Available to Get to St. Kilda?
• St. Kilda does not have a train station, although three tram lines, the 12, 16, and 96, travel directly or through Fitzroy Street from Melbourne's CBD.
• St. Kilda Junction is a great place to take a tram to visit the many restaurants and cafés close over the street and Albert Park.
• The SkyBus stops at four locations in and around St. Kilda, making it convenient to grab a ride to or from the airport.
• Between Elwood and Middle Park in Port Phillip Bay is the peninsula of Kilda.
• The Catani Gardens or St. Kilda Botanic Gardens are great places to spend time with friends.
• In St. Kilda, the Palais Theatre lies across the street from Luna Park and is a well-known landmark.
• St. Kilda is completed without a visit to the duo, even if it's just for a photograph.
• Another alternative is the St. Kilda Ferry.
• During any season, head to the St. Kilda breakwater right after sunset to take in some spectacular views of the Southern Ocean.
• The Rain Room, a subsidiary of Random International, has also established a presence in St. Kilda, Melbourne.
• Theatre Works (14 Acland St.) has been performing socially and politically relevant plays for the last 40 years in Melbourne's historic Parish hall in St. Kilda.
• Fitzroy, Melbourne's hippest and most bohemian neighbourhood, has a diverse selection of pubs and cafes to suit the tastes of a wide spectrum of young people.
• This historic neighbourhood of Fitzroy is known for its original bars as well as its tiny streets and terrace residences, long-standing merchants, and fashionable wine bars that have kept the traditional décor.
• Because of gentrification, the area's working-class reputation and bohemian vibe were tarnished in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Many historic buildings and specimens of Victorian architecture have survived urban redevelopment initiatives and add greatly to the area's charm, complementing the street murals.
• Fitzroy's alleyways and lanes are home to a diverse range of people, from university students and fresh graduates to long-term residents and pensioners.
• Some of Melbourne's most expensive rents can be found here, as well as a well-known public housing development.
• Fitzroy, Melbourne's cultural heart, is known for its unique, artistic, and quirky character.
• Gertrude Street is home to a wide range of small and major businesses, as well as a number of pubs known for hosting drag bingo and other queer events.
• Fitzroy is the principal location of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, which supports artistic expression via openness and variety."
• My admiration for Fitzroy's distinct personality goes back a long way.
• Trams have been the prefered mode of transportation for Fitzroy residents since the final train in 1888.
• St. Georges Road, Brunswick Street, and Victoria Parade are all within walking distance of each other on Brunswick Street.
• The 96 tram is the best option if you're looking to get to Johnston, Moor, or Gertrude Street from anywhere else in Melbourne.
• What's in the Area?
• Fitzroy serves as a buffer between AFL rivals Collingwood and Carlton.
• Activites to Perform
• Located at 160 Alexandra Parade in Fitzroy, the Fitzroy Swimming Pool is a popular hangout spot for locals.
• Among the eight exhibition spaces at Brunswick Street Gallery (Level 1 and 2/322 Brunswick St.) are works from up-and-coming and established artists from around the country.
• The Sutton Gallery (254 Brunswick St.) is a great place to see contemporary art from Australia.
• At the Mystery Rooms (303 Napier St), you can take on a detective mission in Ancient Egypt or during the Kelly Gang's Last Stand in 1880, depending on your interests.
• An profusion of real Italian restaurants makes Lygon Street, in Carlton, known as Little Italy.
• Students from the University of Melbourne love to hang out on Elgin Street, which is home to the venerable Readings bookstore and the La Mama Theatre.
• A wide range of cultural and historical influences can be found in the region, from long-standing cafes and diners to cutting-edge music halls and other performing venues.
• Carlton is one of Melbourne's best-known suburbs thanks to Lygon Street.
• Some of Melbourne's most authentic Italian restaurants can be found on Lygon Street, but there's a lot more to see and do in this vibrant neighbourhood.
• There are many notable cultural institutions in Carlton, including Australia's most famous cultural institutions, such as The Royal Exhibition Building, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Carlton Gardens.
• When it comes to relaxing, Carlton is one of the best places in the city to do it, according to him.
• Visitors will appreciate Carlton's convenient location.
• To go to the central business district and Parliament Station by foot, you'll need to walk north of the eastern core business sector.
• A tram route 96 takes you to Carlton Gardens and the Fitzroy/Carlton boundary; the other two routes, 1 and 6, go along Lygon St., which is a popular Italian neighbourhood.
• The Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne is located west of the city and is home to a number of historic buildings and museums that date back more than 150 years.
• Cinema Nova, located at 380 Lygon St., is Australia's premier art house cinema. On Cheap Mondays, you may catch a late-night showing of The Room that is sure to be raucous.
• The grounds of Carlton Gardens are a draw in and of themselves.
• During Melbourne's hot months, the Carlton Baths, located at 216/248 Rathdowne St., are an excellent place to cool off and relax.
• One of the best options for independent theatre in Melbourne is the La Mama Theatre (1/205 Faraday St).
• Footscray: A Local's GuideFootscray is a Melbourne suburb in Australia's inner west, only 5 kilometres from the city's central business district.
• Newcomers from all around the world have transformed this inner-city neighbourhood into one of Melbourne's most beautiful.
• You can buy Vietnamese pho, Ethiopian injera, and Vietnamese goat curry all on the same street in the neighbourhood.
• The best cannoli in town may also be found here.
• For what is it known?
• A short six-kilometer drive from the CBD, Footscray is nestled along the Maribyrnong River.
• With its large immigrant population, the foothills area of Melbourne's city centre is one of the city's most exciting and dynamic neighbourhoods.
• Footscray was voted the best neighbourhood in Melbourne in 2019 by a Time Out reader. "It boasts a diverse population, fantastic bars and restaurants, and is less expensive(er) than other parts of the city. It also has fewer annoying wanker males.
• Due to its convenient location right in the heart of the activity, Footscray station is easily accessible by residents of the surrounding area.
• For a change of scenery, you might head west to the stations at Middle Footscray and West Footscray, respectively.
• Gordon Street may be reached from Barkly Street using the 82 tram.
• Yarraville and Seddon are located in the south, while Ascot Vale and Kensington are located in the north-east.
• The town of Maidstone and Highpoint Shopping Centre are both close by.
• Located at 45 Moreland Street in Footscray, the Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) is a well-known institution throughout Melbourne.
• Those interested in the arts can join as complete beginners or seasoned pros, and the centre offers a special day programme for people with disabilities.
• Various foreign and local exhibits are always on show in the centre.
• Footscray-based artists have a unique viewpoint on the West Melbourne area, which is showcased at local shows.
• After relaxing on the FCAC lawn, take a journey down the Maribyrnong River, which will take you through a number of parks, the harbour, and the Quang Minh Buddhist Temple, all while affording you with spectacular views of the city below.
• Maddern Square is a great place to meet in the Footscray neighbourhood (2 Chambers St).
• According to FCAC member Vy, it's a great area to get away from it all while still being close to all the city's restaurants.