We had hit quite a few of Melbourne’s high spots already.
We had seen, shopped and supped.
Now it was time to dial it back a little and just stroll. What better place to do that than at an al fresco market?
Melbourne is really spoilt for choice when it comes to markets – both indoor and outdoor. We could have visited the historic Queen Victoria Market adjacent to Melbourne’s CBD or the South Melbourne Market, just a little further out of town. With such a glorious, blue-sky day we decided we would head even further out of town to the beachside suburb of St Kilda.
Initially, I thought we could walk out to St Kilda, but when I consistently received puzzled looks from local people when I mentioned our plans for the day (including a sceptical look from the Husband), common sense took over and we opted for a tram ride.
I love Melbourne’s trams. There is something about their ‘ding, ding’ bell that brings out the little kid in me. Yes, admittedly that little kid is not too far below the surface.
All aboard! Ding, ding! We are off to St Kilda!
When we travel to new destinations, I really enjoy getting out of the heart of cities and out to the suburbs. Somehow it makes a place more ‘real’ as you are mingling with the local residents as they go about their normal lives. Not that we were far off the beaten track in St Kilda as there were plenty of other tourists about, but the more chilled Sunday vibe was welcome.
St Kilda Markets set up on the footpath in the esplanade area. Despite that slightly beachy description, it’s not actually right on the beach. The sand is a short walk away and the flat blue water provides a peaceful backdrop to the colourful stalls.
I don’t know if it is a trick of time or a failing memory, but I was sure that the Markets were bigger last time we visited about 18 years ago. Maybe it was all brand new and exciting for us way back then. Unfortunately, today’s visit was slightly disappointing.
Yes, there was a range of delicious-smelling international food, arts and crafts, honey, jewellery, woodwork, children’s clothes, handbags, soaps, hats and knitwear. And they were all on the very expensive side. There was absolutely nothing I had to have.
Our market stroll stretched for about 70m and we were already at the end of the line. What now? There was nothing for it but to keep walking down to St Kilda itself, past the Palais Theatre, the famous grin of Melbourne’s Luna Park and into the heart of St Kilda – Acland St.
This was more like it. The place was busy with a vibrant café and coffee culture. Locals and visitors alike were out to get their caffeine fix, and to be seen in this groovy part of Melbourne. Despite this part of St Kilda being much busier than the markets, the street oozed a chilled Sunday atmosphere. Locals stood chatting on the footpath with their dogs using their leashes to tangle themselves around their owners’ and sundry chair legs. Tourists strolled, checking out the quirky book and record stores, or stood drooling at cake shop windows.
OMG! The cake shops! I understand that in the ‘olden’ days, St Kilda was a bit of a working-class suburb which became the new hometown for a large number of European migrants. Fortunately they brought their professional skills with them, including patisserie/baking prowess. Many of the cake shops promoted the fact that they were still using their family’s old Continental recipes. Yep, tasty history on a plate. They had even retained the retro décor of the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 1960’s. Maybe you don’t need to upgrade the look of your shop when the cakes are so enticing?
We successfully resisted the siren calls of the many delicious cake shops – no mean feat, I can tell you – however we succumbed to the lure of a large and attractive bookshop. Who can resist a bookshop anyway?
With arms full of books, we were ready for another ‘ding, ding’ tram ride back into the Melbourne CBD. Luckily, we were getting on the tram at the end of the line and could nab a seat. Within a few stops the tram was heaving with people and was at standing-room-only capacity. Where did that chilled Sunday vibe go?
I am not sure if there was a big footy game on or some other attraction, but as we got to the edge of the CBD, I simply couldn’t take the human crush anymore. To add insult to injury, our tram could not adhere to its usual route as it had to divert to avoid yet another street march. I support people’s right to protest, but surely these folks have better things to do with their Sunday afternoons?
With a ding of yet another bell, we jumped off the tram to walk back to the hotel. What a relief and release to be out of that sardine-can-on-wheels and walking again. Maybe I had reached my urban-break threshold? Too many people in too small a space? It was definitely time to head back to the Bush.
Our mini-Melbourne break was at an end and we would have only one more chance for a tram ride. Yes, they will still be there waiting to carry us away next time we visit Melbourne and there will be plenty of other markets to explore. Maybe a cake shop or two, too!
Happy strolling and shopping to you.
Do you have a favourite market?
The Basics
What: The St Kilda Esplanade markets have been operating for 54 years and started out as a cheap way for artists, potters and makers to promote their artworks.
Where: The Esplanade, St Kilda.
When: The Markets are open every Sunday of the year from 10am – 5pm.
Why: A very relaxing way to spend a Sunday.
How: The St Kilda tram is a very enjoyable way to get to the Markets and around town. Tram 96 from the CBD takes about 30 minutes to get to St Kilda. You need a Myki card to use the tram network. The card costs $6 ($3 concession) and then you load it with money to cover trips. The card are valid for four years.
Who: Shopper, visitors, coffee and cake lovers.
Related Posts: Another absolute cracker of a market is the Salamanca Market in downtown Hobart, Tasmania. It would probably be one of the best markets in Australia.
Related Blogs: St Kilda blows its own trumpet about its markets. Yes, they are a little biased, but you can’t deny their passion.
Read About It: For a taste of old Melbourne, grab a copy of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume. First published in 1886, it could be considered one of Australia’s earliest murder-mysteries with a corpse found in the back of a hansom cab on a misty and murky Melbourne street. An oldie, but a goodie.
#destinationvictoria #melbourne #travelinspo #stkilda #freethingstodo #stkildamarkets #marketday #beachvibes #cafeculture #coffeeculture #touristattraction #sunnysundays #weekendwanders #urbanwalks #cakeshops #bookstores #sundayvibes #walkingtour
Life...one big adventure 
Love visiting markets and St Kilda in general.
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It is a lovely part of your city, especially on a sunny day. 🙂
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True. And the cake shops are to die for.
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Those calories hit my hips just thinking about them! 🙂
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🤣
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I did enjoy the tram ride, Mel. After all, you said it was a lazy Sunday! I might have been tempted by a sock puppet. Think how many people I could annoy with one of those! And I do know what you mean about people and crowded places. Ugh!
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I am glad you enjoyed your little trip to St Kilda. I am sorry l let the team down cake-wise. 🙂
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You’re forgiven 🤣🩵
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Thank goodness for that! 🙂 I promise I will do better next time! 🙂
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I remember being stoned and finding myself having a whale of a time at Luna Park. Well, it was the 80s. Crazy times😄
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🙂 – Too funny! You wild and crazy thing!!
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Yep, now it’s time for a game of basketball. Sport the new high 😀
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and probably includes the same amount of laughter as Luna Park! Enjoy.
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Definitely and perhaps a few more bruises 😉
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🙂
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A place with quirky book stores and record stores is right up my alley.
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Yep, I think you would like it there.
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I love the look and the feel of the mall seafront town located in Melbourne. Watching the penguins from St. Kilda Pier at sunset has been on my travel wish list for a while. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Bugger! I didn’t know there were penguins at St Kilda pier! Oh well, that means another trip to Melbourne to check them out. Thanks for the tip, Aiva. Have a good day. Mel
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You are welcome. I’ve never been to St Kilda, but my Australian friend from Melbourne is a frequent visitor and that’s how I know about the penguins 🥰🥰 xx
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Well, you have something special to look forward to when you do visit one day. Have a good day.
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I was particularly taken by that boat in the sky 😀
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🙂 Sky blue as far as the eye could see!
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Too bad the market didn’t live up to your memory, but Luna Park sounds like fun. But no cake!! 🙂 Maggie
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Hmmm, on the law of averages, I think I do pretty well in the cake-stakes! 🙂
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Cake shops? Ding ding trams? Several markets (even disappointing ones)? Melbourne just went on the “Return to Oz” list. By the way, the Rocks Market in Sydney was good, but not as great as I had hoped. (Just commiserating with you.)
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🙂 I am looking forward to that return trip. I will do my best to complete some additional reccies prior to your arrival.
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It looks lovely!
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Yep, it’s a nice spot.
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I can never resist a good bookshop. But I applaud your ability to resist the cake shops. I’m not sure I’d have had the willpower, those cakes look delicious 🙂
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🙂 – maybe I had overindulged the days prior so I had to be ‘good’ for once! Cakes that is…I can never resist a bookshop! 🙂
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Great photos Teresa. I love the markets at St Kilda and I have picked up some really cool things in the past.
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Good for you. You can’t beat handmade stuff, especially when it is made with love and care.
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Totally agree. The vendor was a very friendly older lady, I even had my picture taken with her so I could remember her.
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Nice. Good shopping and you made a friend. A successful day out, I would say.
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Absolutely, that’s a nice way to put it 😊
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I think it is often the human connection that makes something special and memorable. Have a good day.
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That’s so true and you may never remember that person’s name or how they looked but you will always remember how they made you feel. Have a great day also.
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I really enjoyed St Kilda. I didn’t know about the markets, but it doesn’t sound like I missed much. I was a little underwhelmed as a whole as we walked past Luna Park et al, but like you, we turned onto Acland Street and went “this is more like it”. Also they have tiny penguins, which is an instant selling point for St Kilda!! (And yes, definitely too far out to walk, I think! Haha.)
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I wish I had seen the penguins. I didn’t know they were so close to the heart of Melbourne. Oh well, plenty to plan for a return visit. Thanks for reading.
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