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What do you get when you combine live music, carnival rides, tons of food booths, comedians, interesting films, cultural programs, a beautiful beach and cool foreshore, dancing, sports, and over 350,000 people? You get Australia’s biggest *free* outdoor festival: the St. Kilda Festival! I had the great pleasure of attending the St. Kilda Festival earlier this month and had a fantastic time. The festival takes place annually in February and more information can be found at http://www.stkildafestival.com.au/. There are all kinds of activities during the day and there are loads of things to do for singles, couples, and families. Though some of the programs and rides shut down in the evenings, the local shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs are jumping and there’s still much fun to be had. Expect road closures, so public transportation is your best bet. I appreciated the discounted tram tickets from downtown Melbourne (a.k.a. Central Business District, CBD) to St. Kilda. The #16 tram ride did not take long and dropped us off within walking distance of the heart of the action. Travel may be difficult for those with disabilities and families with baby carriages/prams, however. While walking around the festival, I also noticed some folks with dogs, but it’s not the best environment to bring pets if you ask me. They can either get stepped on by the crowds or step on something that they probably shouldn’t. There is no shortage of places to eat and drink at the festival. If you are into carnival or fair food, you’re in the right place. Eat as many hot dogs, corndogs, meat pies, french fries/chips, ice creams, and cotton candy/fairy floss as you want. There’s even some “gourmet” carnival food like the Belgian chocolate sweets available from one stand called “Chocolate Orgasm.” You can take your food to any of the grassy areas for an impromptu picnic and I recommend hanging out by the music stages. If you want to chill out in a restaurant, just walk along Acland Street (and the side streets) until you find something that tickles your fancy. I really enjoyed the cozy Scheherazade café for coffees. The proprietor George Szarach did not smile much, but the service was quick, the coffee good, and prices fair. Scheherazade is located at 99 Acland Street and their phone number is (03) 9534-2722. I later had dinner at Tandoori Times, which is at 194-196 Barkly Street. Just head down Acland Street and then turn left onto Barkly. Their phone number is (03) 9593-8166. Akash Tuteja is the proprietor and struck me as a jolly man. Food and drinks were a bit pricey, but not that bad. My partner and I had a great meal for less that A$50.00. I loved the Chandigarh chicken tikka masala and paneer naan in particular. Take in all the different sights and sounds at the festival, too. One of my favorite activities was just people-watching. I saw a beat boxer gathering a small crowd, a woman in a nurse costume, men with extensive tattoos and piercings, cute kids in funky clothing, a guy with a pet rabbit riding his shoulder, elderly couples holding hands, and gaggles of teenagers hooting and hollering. What fun! As for minuses, I did not like all the littering. Watch where you step to avoid broken beer bottles or yucky leftover food. Additionally, as the evening wears on, you are more likely to see people in drunken states. Some folks might look funny, but others are a tad scary. Be careful with the latter. Finally, keep hydrated and wear sunblock during the festival. Tags for this Travel Tip: fair festival fun food carnival rides music comedians films culture beach foreshore |
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Comments (64)
2008-04-26 17:05:54
from Taina18
I like this comment!and nice photos!
My, sounds like a very interesting occasion to attend! Thanks Jen!
Nice report, lots of details. I love St Kilda so I guess a festival there must be just great!
Hm have a friend in Perth, but me thinks I will have to do a whole tour of the country :)
Very helpful, will definitely check it out when I visit Aussi land! thanks!
as probably the only born Bavarian who has never seen the Oktoberfest - here comes yet another unfulfilled dream for me....thanks a lot
Thanks for this helpful tip. I enjoyed reading it
I miss Melbourne !
Great review! I've been to dozens of music and art festivals in the states, this sounds like a blast. Very informative and helpful...wish I was there now!
sounds great. I will remember when I travel one day to australia!
Good advise, thanks. I have been to St. Kilda and thought the hype was not justified, but will give it another chance next time, thanks to you.
This was a really good travel tip. It seems like a fun festival. If I ever travel to Australia I hope I can go to St. Kilda Festival.
wow! There are really a lot going on in that festival! It just sounds so lively, inviting, and happy. Ü
It's an amazing travel tip, so long and so informative.
I like it a lot ! :-)
Wow..Jenn..hope I will make it here one day
thanks for all the great tips..
This is an excellent tip! Very informative and interesting. Especially appreciate the web link, which makes exploring that much easier. Thanks Jenny!
Very informative Jenny! Nice job. I am looking forward to visiting your country one day. Thanks for contacting me.
Hey Jenny, it`s a great tip. And so much informations. I hope one day I will be there and see it by my own.
sounds like fun, but I might have to wait for my baby to grow up a bit
Nice one! I like that you include lots of helpful information, like parking options and family stuff. Keep going...
Very helpful tips for all travellers. Also well written.
Great pictures!!
Very nice description. When I finished reading I checked my foot, I thought I`m bleeding from the broken botle. Good tip and wrighting.
This kind of festivals can really make your day. Although you can`t avoid the mess and garbage in such crowded happenings it´s usually very "users friendly". What about the music styles on the festival? That also defines alot the crowd.
Loads of info! I hope to visit Australia for the 1st time this year and this definately whetted my appetite!
Your an awesome writer!Like the way of your writing! This Festival sounds like fun!For me the best part is where you describe which kind of people you've watched out!
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