Achieve 10,000 steps and explore your local city all in one day
As the warm weather kicks in, bask in the inviting sunlight along the bayside and surrounds to build up your steps
Start your day with a morning swim at the Port Melbourne Foreshore – or, if you’re not ready for a swim so soon, there are many spots along your walk where you can stop for a quick dip or a refreshing swim.
When you’re ready to embark on your journey, follow the Bay Trail towards South Melbourne Beach. Along the way, keep an eye out for the Solar System.
Yes, we are serious! Starting with the model of Pluto you will take a journey through the planets as you walk, until you reach the Sun (tip, below right), with every metre you walk representing 1 million kilometres.
Following the Bay Trail around Port Phillip Bay, passing through Port Melbourne Beach, Middle Park Beach and St Kilda West Beach – you might spot people playing beach rugby here – you will find Neptune near the Dog Beach (you can thank us later) and Lagoon Pier, with Uranus and Saturn following before you enter the beautiful heritage listed Catani Gardens.
You’ll quickly be mesmerised by the rows of palm trees along the St Kilda foreshore in the gardens. Named after their Italian-born designer, Carlo Catani – a prominent landscape designer in the late 19th century – you will find people relaxing in the calm gardens, playing a game of football and even some sunbaking in the warmer weather. While you’re there, take a moment to sit down in the gardens to enjoy a few snacks, or tuck into your lunch, picnic-style, before carrying on.
Rejuvenated and ready to go, continue through the gardens towards the St Kilda Cenotaph, and take a moment to remember those who served in both World War One and Two.
Providing panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline, the St Kilda
History, fun and exercise all in one lovely walk
Pier (circa 1853) is your next stop, and is one not to be missed, whether you visit now or return at dusk after visiting the Sun.
Heading out along the pier you will notice dozens of people enjoying their afternoon stroll, rollerblading or cycling down the boardwalk, and even a few people hoping to catch a fish or two. Also keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in the bay – look out for seabirds, jellyfish, schools of baitfish and, if you’re lucky, dolphins.
Whether you’re continuing on the Bay Trail from the cenotaph, or after visiting the pier, be sure to stop at the St Kilda Sea Baths.
People have been drawn to these baths for their location and offerings since the 19th century. Today, upon entering through the glass doors, you have the choice of a heated seawater pool, a hydrotherapy spa pool, steam room and a gym. However, if you’re not up for adding a workout or swim to your walk, be sure to climb the stairs from the inner courtyard to enjoy spectacular views of Hobsons Bay, St Kilda, the Melbourne skyline and Williamstown. And, just past the baths, you will spot Jupiter.
Continuing down the Bay Trail, you reach the iconic Catani Arch. Built in 1916, not only does this miniature Italian-style bridge provide an excellent stop to enjoy the view of the foreshore, if you’re lucky you might also get to see a couple getting their wedding photos taken there.
After admiring the view – or
the stunning wedding dress – you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Luna Park. Whether you want to simply walk through the historic amusement park that opened in 1912 (entry is free!), or buy a pass to enjoy a few rides, be sure to get a photo at the entrance before leaving.
Head back down to the foreshore, continuing your journey along the Bay Trail, where Mars, Earth and our moon, Venus, Mercury and the Sun will all quickly follow. And there you have it – you just walked the whole Solar System (well, at least the model version). If you’re up to returning to the St Kilda Pier from here, or you saved your visit there till now, be sure to walk to the end of the pier, where you will not only have the opportunity of watching the sun set from the sea, you will also find St Kilda’s penguin sanctuary. At dusk, be on the lookout for popular penguins returning home from a day’s fishing in the sea! And, if you’re lucky, you may even spot some rakali (native water beavers) swimming around here, too.
Not interested in the penguin watching but need to get those last steps in for your daily count?
From the Sun you can either continue following the Bay Trail along the foreshore, or head inland to the historic St Kilda Botanical Gardens. Dating back to 1859, this is one of the bestm-aintained botanic gardens in the city, bringing a sense of serenity to the metropolis. And, by the end of your walk, if you’re ready for dinner, the Carlisle Street and Chapel Street restaurants aren’t too far away!