St Kilda Esplanade Market, Melbourne - empty road between stores
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St Kilda Esplanade Market Melbourne

4.3
·2k reviews·St Kilda, Australia

A vibrant Sunday market on Melbourne's coast, offering unique handmade crafts, delicious food, and beachside charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Beat the crowds, find best items

CrowdMedium
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St Kilda Esplanade Market, Melbourne - empty road between stores

St Kilda Esplanade Market Melbourne

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Beat the crowds, find best items

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Sunday market on Melbourne's coast, offering unique handmade crafts, delicious food, and beachside charm.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"The hustle and bustle is heavily dependent on the weather. Good, chilled vibes with Stkilda beach as it's backdrop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Sunday Only Market

Remember, this vibrant market is exclusively open on Sundays. Plan your trip accordingly!

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be tricky; consider public transport or arrive early for better chances.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Handmade Treasures

Handmade Treasures

Discover unique artwork, crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs from over 140 stalls. Perfect for finding that special memento.

Reddit
Culinary Delights

Culinary Delights

Sample delicious food from various stalls, including Colombian sweets and hot sauces. Great for a market snack or light meal.

InstagramReddit
Beachfront Ambiance

Beachfront Ambiance

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with St Kilda Beach as your backdrop. Perfect for a leisurely Sunday stroll.

Reddit
Penguin Spotting

Penguin Spotting

Keep an eye out for the adorable little penguins that frequent the St Kilda Pier, especially around sunset.

TikTok+1

Planning Your Visit

Sunday Funday Essential

The St Kilda Esplanade Market is a Sunday-only affair, so plan your Melbourne visit accordingly! It's a fantastic spot for unique finds and beach vibes, but the crowd and vendor selection can depend heavily on the weather. Aim for a pleasant day to experience the market at its best. Instagram

Getting There & Around

Easily accessible by tram (routes 16 or 96 from the CBD) or with nearby parking, the market is a breeze to reach. Many visitors enjoy combining their market visit with a stroll along St Kilda Beach or exploring the shops on Acland Street. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, find best items
Crowd
Medium
When
Pleasant weather days
Why
More vendors, better vibes
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the cutest 😭 #melbourne #stkilda #penguin #australia #australiatravel
@ellierose30
112.1K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Sunday Only Market

Remember, this vibrant market is exclusively open on Sundays. Plan your trip accordingly! InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be tricky; consider public transport or arrive early for better chances. Instagram

Introducing the newly renovated St Kilda Pier that’s just reopened 🥳 #melbourne #melbournethingstodo #melbourneactivities #australia #melbournedateideas #stkildapier
@biancainmelbourne
44.2K likes • 646K views
Looking for a perfect Sunday outing? 🌞 Head to St Kilda Market on the Upper Esplanade! Only 15 minutes from the city on trams 16 or 96, or easy parking nearby! With unique stalls, tasty eats, and beach vibes, it’s the perfect start to a Sunday 🏖️ #melbournemarket #stkilda #melbourne #market #thingstodomelbourne #fyp
melissatravels25
0 likes • 114.4K views

🛍️ Treasure Hunting

Explore diverse stalls for unique handmade goods, art, and souvenirs. You might find unexpected gems! Reddit

🐧 Penguin Watch

Visit St Kilda Pier near sunset for a chance to spot the resident penguins. TikTok

Do not miss visiting St. Kilda Esplanade Market, I promise, you wont regret it! 🤩 Popular spot hopping in Melbourne ☕ #hymkpropertyplace #travel #travelvlog #melbourne #realestateagent #shorts #propertyagent #lifestyle #australia #family #holiday
maggie_hymkpropertyplace
3 likes • 79 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Sunday Only Market

Remember, this vibrant market is exclusively open on Sundays. Plan your trip accordingly! InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be tricky; consider public transport or arrive early for better chances. Instagram

🛍️ Treasure Hunting

Explore diverse stalls for unique handmade goods, art, and souvenirs. You might find unexpected gems! Reddit

🐧 Penguin Watch

Visit St Kilda Pier near sunset for a chance to spot the resident penguins. TikTok

🐶 Pet-Friendly Vibes

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, making it a great outing for pet owners. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love the St Kilda Esplanade Market for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse handmade crafts, and prime beachfront location. It's a cherished Sunday destination for finding unique treasures and enjoying the relaxed St Kilda vibe. Some reviews note that the market's scale and vendor variety can fluctuate, particularly with weather conditions, and that parking can be challenging.

"The hustle and bustle is heavily dependent on the weather. And i guess it also dictates the better vendors. The nicer days (around 18-25 degrees) is where it's at. Good, chilled vibes with Stkilda beach as it's backdrop."

Sam Sevilgen

"Located on The Upper Esplanade, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
I have been about 3 or 4 times to these markets. I love them 😍. Every time I come to Melbourne, I never fail to come here. I always love the great range of handcrafted souvenirs, gifts, arts, clothing and other items. The market is held every Sunday from 10.00am. There’s always something new to look at. The markets has been running since 1970 .
There’s some food trucks to grab something to eat and drink. It’s not really a large market but it’s still nice to come have a look if you’re coming to St Kilda. There’s a direct tram ride (No 16 or 96 tram) from Melbourne CBD to get to the market. It takes about 15 -20 minutes. Very easy. The views over the ocean are amazing. You can also walk around to the shops where there’s some really nice shops and if you want a nice meal, there’s plenty of places to pick from. If you wanted, you could take a walk along the beach and to the wharf. It’s a really cool walk. Overall, I really like these markets, always makes for a great day in St Kilda. A big Thumbs up!!! 👍👍👍"

Nerine Cummins

"the market has a nice variety of stalls which include homewares, food, art etc. We got Breaky and had a nice walk. The market is pet friendly with plenty of dogs on leash and spots for the dogs to have a drink.

Lisa bakes had great cookies 🍪"

Taylah c

What People Like

Unique handmade crafts
Beachfront location
Relaxed Sunday vibe

What People Dislike

Weather dependent
Parking can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take tram routes 16 or 96 directly from the Melbourne CBD. The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes. InstagramReddit

Parking is available nearby, but it can be competitive, especially on busy Sundays. Arriving early or considering public transport is recommended. Instagram

The market is open every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Instagram

The market is generally accessible, with a flat promenade along the esplanade. However, some stall areas might have uneven surfaces. Reddit

Yes, the market is conveniently located near St Kilda Beach, Luna Park, and the shops on Acland Street, making it easy to combine with other activities. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the St Kilda Esplanade Market is free. You only pay for any items you wish to purchase from the stalls. Instagram

There are no entry fees for the St Kilda Esplanade Market. It's a public space open for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

The St Kilda Esplanade Market operates exclusively on Sundays. InstagramReddit

Yes, the market's vibrancy and the number of vendors can be significantly influenced by the weather. Pleasant days tend to attract more stalls and visitors. Reddit

The market has a long history, running since 1970, making it a well-established part of the St Kilda community. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience

You'll find a wide array of handmade goods, including artwork, jewelry, clothing, homewares, souvenirs, and unique crafts. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are food trucks and stalls offering various treats, from Colombian sweets to hot sauces and other snacks. InstagramReddit

The market is pet-friendly! Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, and there are often water bowls available for them. Reddit

The market offers a relaxed, chilled vibe, especially with the backdrop of St Kilda Beach. It's a great place for a leisurely browse. Reddit

While not a dedicated kids' zone, the market's lively atmosphere, unique items, and proximity to the beach and Luna Park can be enjoyable for families. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the colorful market stalls, the scenic beach views, and the iconic St Kilda Pier. Sunset can offer beautiful lighting. TikTokReddit

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their detailed work. Instagram

The St Kilda Pier, Luna Park entrance, and the general beach landscape provide excellent photo backdrops. TikTokReddit

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while sunset provides dramatic colors and a romantic atmosphere. TikTok

Look for unique handmade crafts, vibrant food displays, and the chance to photograph the local penguins near the pier. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The St Kilda Esplanade Market offers a fun and engaging outing for families. While there isn't a dedicated kids' play area, the lively atmosphere, colorful stalls, and proximity to St Kilda Beach provide plenty of entertainment. Kids will enjoy browsing the unique crafts and perhaps finding a special souvenir. Instagram Combine your market visit with a trip to Luna Park for classic amusement rides or a relaxed beach walk. Instagram The market is also pet-friendly, so well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, adding to the family fun. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The St Kilda Esplanade Market is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the market is free, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and browse without spending a dime. Instagram You can find affordable handmade souvenirs and unique gifts that are often more meaningful than mass-produced items. Reddit For food, look for market stalls offering tasty snacks at reasonable prices, or consider packing your own picnic to enjoy by the beach. InstagramReddit

couples

For a charming date, head to the St Kilda Esplanade Market on a Sunday. The beachfront location and relaxed vibe create a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand. Reddit Browse the unique stalls together, perhaps picking out a special piece of art or jewelry. Instagram Afterwards, enjoy a sweet treat from one of the many cake shops on Acland Street or catch the sunset over the bay. TikTokInstagram The chance to spot penguins at the pier adds a touch of magic to the experience. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The St Kilda Esplanade Market Experience

The St Kilda Esplanade Market is a beloved Sunday tradition in Melbourne, offering a vibrant atmosphere right on the waterfront. Since its inception in 1970, it has grown to feature over 140 stalls, showcasing a diverse range of handmade goods, from intricate jewelry and unique artwork to stylish clothing and homewares. It's a fantastic place to find souvenirs or simply browse for inspiration. The market's appeal is amplified by its stunning location, providing a picturesque backdrop of St Kilda Beach and the bay. Reddit

Beyond the crafts, the market is also a culinary destination. You can find various food trucks and stalls offering delicious treats, making it easy to grab a bite while you explore. Visitors have raved about everything from Colombian sweets and pastries to spicy hot sauces. InstagramReddit The pet-friendly nature of the market is another highlight, with many visitors bringing their dogs along to enjoy the seaside stroll. Reddit

While the market is a constant draw, its energy can fluctuate. Reviews suggest that the hustle and bustle are heavily dependent on the weather, with nicer days (around 18-25 degrees Celsius) bringing out more vendors and a livelier crowd. Reddit Despite potential variations, the market remains a cherished spot for both locals and tourists seeking a relaxed and engaging Sunday outing. Reddit

Beyond the Market: St Kilda's Charm

A visit to the St Kilda Esplanade Market is often just one part of a larger St Kilda adventure. The market's location on the Upper Esplanade means you're steps away from the iconic St Kilda Beach, perfect for a refreshing walk or even a dip. Reddit Nearby, the historic Luna Park with its famous clown face entrance offers a touch of old-world amusement. Instagram

For those with a sweet tooth, a stroll down Acland Street is a must. This vibrant strip is renowned for its European-style cake shops and bakeries, offering an array of decadent pastries and desserts. Instagram It's the perfect place to indulge after browsing the market stalls. Reddit

St Kilda is also famous for its little penguins, which can often be spotted at the St Kilda Pier, particularly around sunset. TikTok+2 While the pier has undergone renovations, the chance to see these charming creatures adds a unique wildlife element to any visit. The area also boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes, ensuring you can find a great meal or a relaxing drink to cap off your day. Reddit

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