St Kilda

East St Kilda

Area: 2.24 km2
2001 population: 13,510
1996 population: 13,891
Average annual growth rate (1996-2001): -2.7%

Description

East St Kilda extends from Chapel Street, St Kilda, to Caulfield, and is 6 km south-east of Melbourne. Along its northern edge runs the Dandenong Road tram (1928) and another east-west tram (1913) runs along Balaclava Road to Caulfield. Near its eastern edge the railway runs from Windsor to Sandringham.

St Kilda

Once renowned only for its seedy side, St Kilda has undergone a resurgence of popularity and is now recognised as Melbourne's favourite playground for locals and tourists alike. A virtual melting pot of cultural and lifestyle diversity, St Kilda is where anything goes and anyone is welcome.

St Kilda is defined by two distinct retail strips, Fitzroy Street and Acland Street, with a magnificent Esplanade and the stunning St Kilda beach providing a natural link between the two precincts.

Fitzroy Street never sleeps, with the bright neon lights and constant hum of nightlife unfolding to lazy days of sidewalk cafes and parades of people. Home to an IGA supermarket and several boutique retail developments, Fitzroy Street is a contradiction of new-found chic alongside shabby charm.

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.

An even more fascinating past-time has emerged in Acland Street - people-watching. Sit at any of the outdoor cafes that line Acland Street and watch the unusual, the eclectic and the downright weird wander past - this is the place for displaying personal expression and your own sense of style! For the serious shopper, there's a wide range of clothing stores, quirky gift shops, retro and op shop treasures, funky home wares, art and collectables. And tucked away in the side streets are some fabulous designer fashion boutiques.

See also the St Kilda Esplanade Arts & Craft Market which operates every Sunday.