St Kilda Foreshore

Lonely Planet review

Palm-fringed promenades, glassy water, grassy parkland and a perky crescent of sand epitomise the foreshore's pleasure-zone status. Replete with a number of historic buildings, a low-key marina and upmarket restaurants, the St Kilda foreshore is at the forefront of weekend activity. Two popular St Kilda restaurants are superbly located in converted foreshore buildings: the stylish Donovans, once a bathing pavilion, and the Stokehouse, originally an Edwardian teahouse.

Tread the boards of St Kilda Pier to the iconic kiosk - an exact replica of the original, which burnt down in 2003, one year short of its centenary. The kiosk was best known as Kerby's between 1938 and 1987; owner Colin Kerby became a local celebrity for rescuing over 500 people before there were police and rescue boats along the bay. On weekends, a ferry (9682 9555; www.williamstownferries.com.au; adult/child return around 12 /around 6 ) runs from the pier across the bay to Williamstown , departing St Kilda hourly between 11:30 and 15:30 , and leaving Williamstown hourly from 11:00 to 16:00 . The breakwater near the pier was built in the '50s as a safe harbour for boats competing in the Olympic Games. It's now home to a colony of little penguins that have, incredibly, chosen the city's most crowded suburb in which to reside. Penguin Waters ( M014B; 9386 8488; www.penguinwaters.com.au; Berth 1; adult/child around 55 /around 30 ) offers a two-hour scenic tour, which passes the penguins. Tours depart every evening from Southbank and include a barbecue and beverage.

On the foreshore south of the pier, the Moorish-style St Kilda Sea Baths (9525 3011; 10-18 Jacka Blvd) is a spectacular flop. The complex contains a health club, shops and food outlets, but remains devoid of atmosphere and visitors. It also includes an indoor saltwater pool, though at 25m and $11 entry, the naturally occurring salt water in the bay looks more attractive.