St Kilda beach (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is St Kilda beach?
What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Kids get Luna Park rides, fenced Neptune St playground and safe patrolled swim zone; toilets and change rooms exist, yet rip currents and limited shade mean close supervision is vital.
![MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 [4K] St Kilda Beach & Pier — Walking Tour](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-scm2WrkMqc/hqdefault.jpg)
![🇦🇺 ST KILDA BEACH, MELBOURNE | 2023 SUMMER WALKING TOUR [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bcuY20sZpwg/hqdefault.jpg)
![[4K] St Kilda Melbourne Tour | St Kilda Beach | Melbourne Highlights](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wf1-sp-2qDE/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Free family fun: Beach access, playgrounds and penguin viewing cost nothing.
- Child-friendly facilities: Sea Baths and Neptune playground have safe, shallow play areas.
- Easy dining options: Open-air cafes and cake shops offer kid-friendly menus and shade.
Challenges:
- Busy weekends: Parking fills up early; tram is more reliable on peak days.
- Limited beach shade: Bring an umbrella or head to Catani Gardens for tree cover.
- Late penguin times: Penguin viewing starts after sunset, which may be late for young kids.
What is St Kilda beach?
- An urban beach fronting Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne’s St Kilda suburb, featuring a gently sloping expanse of golden sand
- A shoreline extending from the historic St Kilda Pier, whose circular pavilion marks its bayward terminus
- A coastal precinct that blends palm-lined promenades with adjacent foreshore gardens and open parklands
What is so special about St Kilda beach for with kids?
- Thrilling rides and arcade games at Luna Park
- Wild penguin encounter at dusk on St Kilda Pier
- Heated seawater pools and slides at Sea Baths
- Adventure Playground’s slides, trampolines and pirate ship
- Sweet treats on Acland Street
- Free beach, playground and wildlife viewing
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for rides, beach play, penguin viewing and a snack break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in St Kilda beach
Luna Park:
Ride roller coasters, play arcade games and enjoy carnival food.
Tip: Buy unlimited ride passes online for faster entry.
Adventure Playground:
Climb on slides, trampolines, flying fox and explore the pirate ship.
Tip: Bring spare clothes; the sand and equipment can get messy.
Little Penguins at St Kilda Pier:
Watch wild penguins emerge on the breakwater after dusk.
Tip: Check sunset times and arrive 15 minutes early for the best viewing spot.
St Kilda Sea Baths:
Swim in heated seawater pools, slide down the kiddie flume and relax in the spa.
Tip: Book family entry online for discounts and use the dedicated change rooms.
Acland Street Dessert Walk:
Sample pastries, ice creams and babycinos from famous cake shops.
Tip: Share mini treats so kids can try more flavors.
When is the best time to visit St Kilda beach (Melbourne, Australia)?
In summer, go early to beat heat and crowds. In winter, warm up in the Sea Baths’ heated pools.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of St Kilda beach (Melbourne)
Andri Senjaya
St Kilda Beach in Melbourne is an amazing area to visit! The beach is beautiful and clean, with soft, spotless sand. You can even spot penguins there—such a lovely experience. It’s also the best place for running, with fresh air and a relaxing atmosphere all around.
Hansel. S
I came to St Kilda Beach around 2 PM with a friend from uni — and even though it was my second time here, it felt like the first. There’s something about this place that instantly slows you down. The cold winter air, the quiet beach, the open view of the ocean — it makes you stop and breathe. Unlike when I visited in December (when it was packed and full of wild energy), this time it was calm. ...
Genevieve Murphy
Bit cold during winter but beautiful calm beach with a few dining places close by on the esplanade. Gorgeous on a summers day, and there’s usually a bit more ‘atmosphere’ at the local eateries and bars. Recommend visiting in the warmer months to get the best experience!
Phimphitchat K.
It’s one of my favorite places to relax. The weather is nice, and I love going in the evening to watch the sunset. I’ll definitely be back again.
Nomyen
Nice place to walk, relax, and watch the sunset. Plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. The pier is great and you might even see penguins at night. Can get busy on weekends but still a good spot to chill.
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Luna Park ride passes (2 kids) | AUD 100 |
| St Kilda Sea Baths family entry | AUD 30 |
| Acland Street snacks | AUD 20 |
| Tram tickets (return for 4) | AUD 16 |
| Cafe coffees and babycinos | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 186 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St Kilda beach
- Take the tram: Catch tram 96 to stop 137 to avoid parking hassles.
- Book passes early: Purchase ride and pool passes online for discounts and faster entry.
- Picnic in Catani Gardens: Use the shaded lawns for a break between activities.
Map of St Kilda beach
Address: St Kilda beach, Victoria, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides St Kilda beach (Melbourne)?
About St Kilda beach
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities