Catch a no. 94 tram to St Kilda to experience a variety of Australian cultures in one suburb. Walk down Ackland St 'window shopping' at all the cake and pastry displays. Have an excellent coffee at any one of the cafes. Stroll along the beach, watch the boats, ships and yaughts go past. At the corner of The Esplanade and Fitzroy St is a tiny triangle park. There is a memorial to some of the local Koorie identities here.
The Espy Hotel is about to be modernised and lose its character, be sure to stop in for a drink and check out some of the rooms. Compare this faded, but exciting builing with the modern Marq in Fitzroy St. Then cross Fitzroy St to check out the Gatwick Hotel. This is in its original condition. Although they no longer keep horses in the basement, as they did in years gone by. Ten years ago St Kilda had many cheap rooming houses and hotel. Genrification has removed most of them. The Gatwick is one of the few remaining. Past the Gatwick you will see Tolarno's ontinue to the corner and turn left at Grey St. Again you can compare the poverty and the riches. On the left is the Salvo's, emergency relief and accomodation for the homeless. Many of the building on the left originally had land surrounding them that went right to the beach.Further up the hill you will find Sacred Heart Mission, where an average of 400 homeless people enjoy a free lunch every day. Call into the church. It has been beautifully restored and is well worth a peak.
Walk back down to Fitzroy St and stop again for some refreshments. Sit outside at one of the many excellent cafes. Here you will see an eclectic mix of people walking the street. They are likely to be actors, artists, eccentrics, prostitutes, wealthy, poor and all other manner of person. Here in St Kilda everyone is accepted and can feel at home.
This suburb is unique. It is a real melting pot of culture. As you catch the tram back to the city, reflect on every variety of experience that you have been offered in this tiny spot in wonderful Melbourne.
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