In more modern times, St. Kilda was settled by Ben Baxter in 1839 who settled on a grazing lease. The high ground above the beach was cool and refreshing when compared to Melbourne’s hot summer months.

In St. Kilda, the area was home to Melbourne’s first quarantine station for Scottish immigrants in 1840. Within a few years, the area became fashionable for wealthy settlers and the indigenous people were driven out of the area. St. Kilda settled itself as a separate municipality in 1857 and the railway connected it to Melbourne city.

During the land boom of the 1880s, it became the site of great stone mansions and huge hotels, particularly along the seaside streets. It began its decline during the depression of the 1890s.

In the 1930s, it became a center for Melbourne’s growing Jewish community with the formation of several synagogues and schools. This center has moved a bit and in the 1960s, the gay and lesbian population moved to the area.

See also

• St. Kilda
• St. Kilda Landmarks
• St Kilda tourism

It was favored by Melbourne’s elite in the Edwardian and Victorian eras and there were many enormous mansions created in the area. Much later, it became Melbourne’s red light district and has now just recently been remade over to become one of Melbourne’s greatest tourist attractions with sites like Luna Park, Acland Street, Fitzroy Street and Esplanade Hotel. St. Kilda’s Beach is another attraction and is home to many of Melbourne’s big events.

St. Kilda Pier is another local landmark and tourist attraction. It includes St. Kilda Pavilion, an Edwardian building in the mold of the English pier pavilions. It was recently reconstructed after a severe fire. The pier itself has a long breakwater which shelters St. Kilda Harbor and hosts a little penguin colony. It is also the starting point of the ferry between St. Kilda and Williamstown.

St. Kilda Beach is a gentle beach popular with swimmers and sunbathers in the summer. While it does have some pollution, recent efforts have been made to clean it up.

St Kilda tourism is helping the Melbourne, Australia region make a comeback. In its heyday, St Kilda saw Melbournites lounging on sandy beaches and living the life of leisure. The grand homes and affluent residents made it Melbourne’s most fashionable district. As time passed, the area become entrenched in prostitution and drug trafficking. Today, St Kilda is experiencing an unmistakable rebirth. It is now a well known vacation spot with photographic views of the bay, great beaches and lively shopping and dining areas.

Attractions

Luna Park is a St Kilda icon. Walk through the mouth of the laughing face entrance, into a world filled with wonderment and thrill. The Grand Carousel, built in 1913, still has all of the original 68 horses, 36 cherubs, 2 chariots and 26 scenery paintings on the centre panels.

For those seeking that ultimate adrenaline rush, Pharoah’s Curse, Shock Drop and Metropolis are sure to please. The park offers numerous rides for the entire family, plus great carnival food, games and souvenirs.

Acland Street

A major St Kilda destination, Acland Street is full of life, colour and great food. The Bohemian, energetic atmosphere of the street is due to the large number of outside cafes, cake shops and European architecture. Some of the quaint eateries include:

• The Vineyard
• Big Mouth
• Banjo’s Bakehouse
• Veludo’s
• 189 Espresso Bar

St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Also known as Blessington Gardens, this beautiful botanical reserve is registered with Heritage Victoria. Eight of the 810 mature trees that grow in the park are significant enough to be registered with the National Trust. Whether it’s a leisurely picnic in the park, or perusing the displays in the Alistair Clarke Rose Garden, the Sub-Rainforest Conservatory, or any of the many plant and flower displays, a trip to St Kilda is incomplete without a visit to the Botanical Gardens.

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, the RMYS is one of the world’s leading yacht clubs. Over 120 years old, the club was the base for the 1956 Olympic yachting events.

• Social club races
• Competitive inter-club races
• Cruising division (lunch outings ; weekend cruises ; extended ocean cruises)
• training programmes
• junior sailing programmes for children

Lodging

• The Esplanade Hotel-Landmark, historic and iconic-3 star
• Sixty Two on Grey-historic, 4 star
• Marque Hotel-boutique, 4 star
• Tolarno Hotel-boutique, 4 star
• Quest on St Kilda Road-rental apartments, 4 star
• Charnwood Motor Inn-AAA Tourism award finalist, 3 star
• Clyde Apartments-boutique, 3 star