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
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Luna Park is an amusement park in St Kilda that has been operating since 1912. |
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The world famous Luna Park is at par with Coney Island in the U.S. |
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Ticket booth for the Spider ride |
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Spider ride is one of the thrilling rides at Luna Park. |
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4 teens trying a ride at Luna Park |
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Most machines and structures used at Luna Park are made by the famed Moserides. |
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See the ocean view and the rest of St Kilda upside down. |
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There are many entertainment booths at Luna Park. |
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The durable, dependable heritage Carousel built in 1913 |
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Sky Rider Ferris Wheel |
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A fantastic view of St Kilda and Port Philip Bay |
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Ghost Train is not for the faint of heart. |
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Ghost Train is perhaps one of the most popular thrilling rides |
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The Pharaoh's Curse |
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Boy dips into his pocket for another ride. |
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Maximus is contented with the kiddie rides. |
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The Scenic Railway is the oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster in the world. |
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A view of the whole of St Kilda and the beach |
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Lady Mascot of Luna Park |
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Beautiful Mascot |
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Main Street of St Kilda |
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Nice bikes |
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Another nice Harley Davidson bike |
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Harley Davidson is popular in Australia |
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St. Kilda is a favorite tourist destination |
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More bikes |
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The popular Palais Theater built in 1927 is now used as venue for musical concerts. |
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The overpass that takes you to St Kilda Beach |
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Ocean view from the overpass |
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Preferred by strollers and fishing enthusiasts |
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Kite surfing at St Kilda |
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The ramp at the Pier |
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A yellow marker indicating rocky portion of the beach |
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Waves pounding the big rocks |
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Adjusting his fishing rod |
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Patiently waiting |
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A kite surfer displaying superb skills |
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St Kilda's coastline |
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Three teens watching kite surfers in St.Kilda Beach |
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A lady cyclist takes a rest near St Kilda's pier. |
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Bathers like the sun. |
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St Kilda is one of the most popular beach resorts in the state of Victoria |
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Family outing |
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The Light house of St Kilda |
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Taking a walk at the jetty |
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Clean beach of St Kilda |
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Sun bathing for a beautiful tan |
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Alex with friend Macky from Sydney |
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There are many fine bars and restos at St Kilda Beach |
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The famous Stokehouse Restaurant at St Kilda Beach |
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Having a nice time |
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On a leisure walk near the bay |