
15 Things To Do in Melbourne When You’re in Town for the Australian Open
Add these off-the-court activities to your Melbourne itinerary for when you’re in between matches.
Visit St. Kilda to enjoy a day at the beach—complete with kitesurfing, windsurfing, and other water sports— and enjoy a stroll through the palm tree-lined paths near the beach, do some shopping at the Esplanade Market, or visit Luna Park, a historic amusement park. St. Kilda is included on some tours of Melbourne; alternatively, you can admire the suburb from above on a helicopter tour of the city.
The main drag for shopping and dining is Fitzroy Street, which turns into the esplanade when it runs into the shoreline.
Outfitters near the beach offer lessons in a variety of water sports from kite boarding to stand-up paddle boarding and also offer equipment for rent.
Many of the area’s cafes, restaurants, and cake shops are located on Acland Street between Carlisle and Barkly streets.
St. Kilda is just 4 miles (6.5 km) south of the Melbourne CBD via Kings Way; the drive takes about 20 minutes. To reach the area by tram, take the 67 to the Inkerman Street/St. Kilda Road (St. Kilda) stop, the 16 to the Barkly Street/Carlisle Street stop, or the 96 to the Canterbury Road/Fitzroy Street stop.
In general, St. Kilda is busiest on weekends and during Victoria’s school holidays (typically in April, July, September or October, and December–January). Luna Park is open every weekend and public holiday except for Christmas. The beach is very popular in the summer. For a festive visit, you can time your visit to the St. Kilda Festival, which takes place in February and features music, theater, outdoor movies, and more.
Open since 1912, Luna Park is an amusement park with a retro carnival atmosphere. Visit to enjoy with 20 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, thrill rides, kid-friendly rides, and a historic carousel. You’ll also find classic amusement park food from hot dogs to snow cones to fairy floss (aka cotton candy to all you non-Aussies).