St. Kilda

This is an interesting walk taking in the highlights of St. Kilda including the St. Kilda Pier, Acland Street, St. Kilda Botanical Gardens, Luna Park and the Peanut Farm Community garden.

Melway Map reference: 58A9 - 67A3

The Melway map reference is given above, however, since the map for this walk extends across more than one Melway map page, I haven't yet worked out how to display it here.

In the meantime, suggest you refer to your Melway or to get an online view of the location, refer to the Google map accessed by clicking on the Location link at the bottom of this post.

Toilet Facilities: Jacka Blvd
Coffee stop: St. Kilda Pier

Take tram 96 from corner Spencer and Bourke St. heading towards St. Kilda and get off at  Fitzroy St.    Walk down Fitzroy St towards Jacka Blvd and cross the road at the lights (toilet stop). 

Walk past the St. Kilda Yacht club to St. Kilda Pier to the coffee shop on the pier.
 

  St. Kilda Pier coffee shop

After coffee, return to the beach, turn right and follow the track past the marina to Point Ormond to enjoy the spectacular views. 

Return to cross Marine Parade at the Elwood canals. 

Follow the canal to Broadway, turn left at Broadway and continue along Broadway which becomes Mitford St. to Dickens St. 

Turn right into Dickens St. to enter the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens for lunch. The St Kilda Botanic Gardens were established in 1859 and now feature over 800 mature trees, rose gardens, extensive flower beds, an ornamental pond, gazebo, glasshouses, a nursery, and a sub-tropical rainforest conservatory. Take your time to enjoy this beautiful garden.

Exit the garden at Blessington St. , turn left into Barkly St.  and turn right into Ackland St. 

Acland Street is the cosmopolitan centre of St Kilda, originally home to the many European immigrants who brought with them the tradition of mouth-watering cakes and pastries from their homelands. Rows upon rows of indulgent cakes line the windows of Acland Street's famous cake shops, tempting those who stand three-deep outside the windows trying to decide which decadent treat to buy today.

Follow Ackland St. to Woolworths. and walk through Woolworths to the Peanut Farm Community Gardens,  an organic, chemical free garden run by volunteers. Formerly a lawn bowling green, the land this community garden is situated on is administered by the local council for the State of Victoria, and has been permanently reserved for public use since 1881. There are over 140 plots, where members, friends, families and community groups enjoy getting their hands into the soil. Many have little or no gardening experience, but they soon learn as advice, seedlings and friendships are readily shared. The garden paths curve and meander; flowers, vegetables and artworks have equal standing; the rabbits, chickens, budgies and quails add yet another dimension; and the friendships that have sprung up between gardeners, artists and visitors make the gardens an oasis of calm in one of Melbourne's busiest tourist precincts. A very fertile and creative place. 

Exit the community Garden at Spenser St. and go around Luna Park to the Esplanade. 

From there catch a tram or bus to the city or home.