Acland Street

Everyone knows the way to Melbourne’s heart is through the stomach and this famous dining strip in St. Kilda has been winning hearts for nearly a century.

St. Kilda’s Acland Street is one of Melbourne’s premier culinary precincts, featuring some of the city’s finest historic patisseries and bakeries. Linger longer than afternoon tea in Acland Street and you’ll find an exciting nightlife strip, filled with busy modern restaurants and atmospheric bars. This street is also home to St. Kilda’s iconic Luna Park and the Palais Theatre.

Acland Street’s dining precinct begins at Luna Park and the pretty O’Donnell Gardens. Head south down the street to get a feel for its unique history. The area was influenced by the wave of European immigrants, who moved here in the early 20th century, and the precinct’s favourite patisseries and Jewish bakeries date back to this era. Wander along the street and gaze into patisserie windows filled to the brim with mouth-watering treats. Grab a sweet treat and a cup of coffee and watch St. Kilda go by.

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, take a seat at one of cafés, outdoor terrace restaurants, pubs or bars and enjoy some of Melbourne’s most exciting new cuisine. Try local seafood, expertly mixed cocktails or locally produced wines.

The precinct is also known for its stylish boutiques, including stores stocking cutting-edge fashion, homewares and accessories. Pick up arts and crafts on Sundays at the St. Kilda Esplanade Market, held on the waterfront esplanade east of Acland Street. Experience a piece of St. Kilda’s living history at the Esplanade (Espy) Hotel, a historic pub and home to some of St. Kilda’s rock ’n' roll legends. The pub looks out over the St. Kilda Beach foreshore and the historic St. Kilda Sea Baths.

Near Acland Street’s southern junction, find the heritage Village Belle Hotel and the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the suburb.

Acland Street is accessible via four different inner-city trams that depart from Melbourne’s CBD, Malvern, Kew and Richmond.