Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
700 m
Frequently asked questions
St Kilda Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +18.0°C, warms up to +21.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
St Kilda Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
St Kilda Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
St Kilda Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 700 metres.
St Kilda Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
St Kilda Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — moderate. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
St Kilda Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
St Kilda Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
St Kilda Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
St Kilda Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: St Kilda Beach House, Lentil as Anything, Donovans. Cuisines available: Seafood, Modern Australian, Vegetarian, Cafe and Breakfast. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
St Kilda Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Hat, Sunglasses, First aid kit, Picnic blanket.
St Kilda Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is from December to April when the water warms up to 18–20°C. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — the perfect time for penguin watching and sunset.
St Kilda Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim only between the red and yellow flags in the patrolled zone. Do not feed the penguins or use flash photography. Do not leave litter.
St Kilda Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
St Kilda Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children, lovers of urban beach holidays and those who want to combine swimming with visiting restaurants and attractions. Suitable for watching penguins on the pier. Not suitable for those seeking solitude and warm water.
St Kilda Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The St Kilda Pier is home to a colony of about 1,400 little penguins — the world-s smallest penguin species. Every evening at dusk they return from fishing to the rocks at the breakwater. This is one of Melbourne-s most popular free experiences.
St Kilda Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Melbourne-s main beach with a lively atmosphere, Patrolled by lifeguards in summer, Little penguin colony on the pier, Many restaurants, bars and cafes nearby, Historic Luna Park amusement park, Beautiful sunsets over the bay, Easy tram access from the city centre. Cons: Cold water even in summer (18-20°C), Crowded on hot days, Water can be murky after rain, Waves and currents near the pier, Limited parking on weekends, Noise from traffic on the esplanade, Jellyfish present in late summer.
St Kilda Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: St Kilda Pier and Penguin Colony, Luna Park, Acland Street, Palais Theatre. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
St Kilda Beach: how do I get to the city of Melbourne?
The beach is located near the city of Melbourne. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Melbourne.