9.18.2012

St Kilda: A Lovely, Lively Place



St Kilda:  Such A Lovely, Lively Place

          St Kilda here does not refer to a saint. It refers to a suburb of Greater Melbourne. It is only 6 kilometers away from Melbourne's Central Business District. If one takes the Tram at Swanston Street near Flinders Train Station, in 15 minutes he is at St Kilda. It is near the shores of Port Philip Bay.


          In the early days when life was not as complicated as it is today, St Kilda's early settlers belonged to the upper class, having built big, beautiful houses with balconies that overlooked the bay. But with the onset of the Great Depression in the late 1890s, owners of these palatial residences converted their properties into several units of apartment-style dwellings and rented them to people from the lower class. This I learned by reading brochures handed out to tourists.


          Today, St Kilda is populated mostly by migrants from different countries as they look at St Kilda as an ideal place to settle down. From these dwellers, there are notable musicians, poets and writers, painters and entertainment figures. One outstanding writer who grew up in St Kilda and considered it as his base was Morris West who wrote the best selling novel The Shoes Of The Fisherman.


          St Kilda is home to the famous Luna Park where one can spend the day riding the Ferris Wheel or the thrilling Ghost Train. Luna Park is a favorite weekend destination of families from other townships. Very near Luna Park is the historic Palais Theater which has become the most preferred venue of stage plays and concerts.


          A few meters away from Palais Theater is the renowned St Kilda Beach where hundreds frolic in its blue refreshing waters and take advantage of the sun. Kite surfing is a preferred activity at St Kilda Beach. Along the stretch of the bayside, there are restaurants, cafes and watering holes. No doubt, St Kilda is a lovely and lively place. And if you are in St Kilda, why not visit Port Melbourne which is only a few minutes away?Then you can truly tell yourself that it is, indeed, a well-spent day.


- Konted



Luna Park is an amusement park in St Kilda that has been operating since 1912.


The world famous Luna Park is at par with  Coney Island in the U.S.


Ticket booth for the Spider ride


Spider ride is one of the thrilling rides at Luna Park.


4 teens trying a ride at Luna Park


Most machines and structures used at Luna Park are made by the famed Moserides.


See the ocean view and the rest of St Kilda upside down.


There are many entertainment booths at Luna Park.


The durable, dependable heritage Carousel built in 1913

Sky Rider Ferris Wheel


A fantastic view of St Kilda and Port Philip Bay


Ghost Train is not for the faint of heart. 


Ghost Train is perhaps one of the most popular thrilling rides


The Pharaoh's Curse


Boy dips into his pocket for another ride.


Maximus is contented with the kiddie rides.
The Scenic Railway is the oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster in the world.


A view of the whole of St Kilda and the beach


Lady Mascot of Luna Park


Beautiful Mascot


Main Street of St Kilda


Nice bikes


Another nice Harley Davidson bike


Harley Davidson is popular in Australia


St. Kilda is a favorite tourist destination


More bikes

The popular Palais Theater built in 1927 is now used as venue for musical concerts.


The overpass that takes you to St Kilda Beach


Ocean view from the overpass


Preferred by strollers and fishing enthusiasts


Kite surfing at St Kilda


The ramp at the Pier


A yellow marker indicating rocky portion of the beach


Waves pounding the big rocks


Adjusting his fishing rod


Patiently waiting


A kite surfer displaying superb skills


St Kilda's coastline


Three teens watching kite surfers in St.Kilda Beach


A lady cyclist takes a rest near St Kilda's pier.


Bathers like the sun.


St Kilda is one of the most popular beach resorts in the state of Victoria


Family outing


The Light house of St Kilda


Taking a walk at the jetty


Clean beach of St Kilda


Sun bathing for a beautiful tan


Alex with friend Macky from Sydney


There are many fine bars and restos at St Kilda Beach


The famous Stokehouse Restaurant at St Kilda Beach


Having a nice time


On a leisure walk near the bay


The once popular St Kilda Sea Baths.  Sea Baths became popular in St Kilda in the late 1890s when swimming at the beach at daytime was considered as illegal.  Sea Baths offers an alternative to sea swimming.


Providing better facilities and offering other services


Beautiful bike parked in front of St Kilda Sea Baths


Unique bike in front of St Kilda  Sea Baths


Porsche Carrera 


Providing a good view of Port Philip Bay


King Alfred's Park


Condominium near Esplanade St.


With balconies for clear ocean view


The historic Esplanade Hotel built in 1878


Yacht Club at St Kilda Beach founded in 1876


Good ocean view at Bayside Apartments


Hotel with good facilities near the main road


Marli Place built in the 1850s


Tram service to the city proper


Classic Mustang


Bazaar at St Kilda


Mother and child being painted on canvass


Souvenir items


There are many painters residing at St Kilda


Made of Australian leather


Small framed paintings


Australian hats for sale at St Kilda bazaar


Made from good Australian timber


VW Kombi


More hats


Fine wood carvings


Painted vases


Nice paintings of famous Australian landmarks


Made from high quality timber


Beautiful paintings of Nature


This is now Port Melbourne and this is the tram station. Port Melbourne is only about 4 kms away from St Kilda


High rise condos at Port Melbourne


Black Harley parked at Port Melbourne


A fine resto by the bay


The Station Pier at Port Melbourne


You ride the ship here bound for Tasmania


The side portion of the Station Pier


Spirit of Tasmania ship takes passengers to the island of Tasmania.


Clean and peaceful surroundings at the pier


Souvenir shot


Near the main road of Port Melbourne


Beautiful park of Port Melbourne


Park situated between the main road and the foreshore


The board walk at Port Melbourne beach


Board walk extending farther to the sea


A good view of the coastline


Good for family outing


Sharing a box of pizza


Feeling the cool sea breeze
Lady biker near the station pier


Mobile ice cream vendor


Positioned near the main road


Dogs are pampered animals in Australia


The Holden Kingswood


Ferrari sighted at Port Melbourne


Big Bikers waiting for green light


Classic cars near Port Melbourne beach


Chevrolet Camaro 350


Another Chevrolet Camaro 350


Classic Dodge Challenger Muscle Car


Taking advantage of the sun


Kite surfing at Port Melbourne


Kite surfing near the wharf


With a good view of the City Proper
Additional pics:

The Altona Beach Promenade.  Altona Beach is only 13 kms away from Melbourne City Proper. In the  late 1800s,  it was called "The Miami Beach"of Victoria.
Warning Signage
Fishing at the Pier


Two friends meeting at the Pier


About to take a dip


Students whiling the time away


Students having fun



Bonus pic:


Very old car seen at Melbourne's Central Business District