Curtains Up! Here’s All You Need to Know About Palais Theatre in Melbourne
Perched by the St Kilda foreshore, the Palais Theatre is an iconic venue that offers a world of history, glamour, and entertainment. From the dazzling Art Deco design to the electric buzz of world-class performances, the theatre itself is as much of a masterpiece as the shows it hosts.
Looking to dive into Melbourne’s cultural heritage while soaking up stunning views? The Palais Theatre is the perfect spot!
Where is Palais Theatre?
The Palais Theatre is located at 12 Lower Esplanade in St Kilda, right by the picturesque St Kilda Beach. It’s a short 6-kilometer drive from Melbourne’s CBD and sits in the heart of St Kilda’s entertainment precinct.
What are some things to know about the Palais Theatre Melbourne?
Contact: +61385377677
Operating hours: Mon–Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to get to Palais Theatre?
By tram: Take tram routes 3a, 16, or 96, which run directly to St Kilda. Alight at the Luna Park or The Esplanade stops—both are just a short stroll to the theatre.
By train: The nearest train station is Balaclava Station on the Sandringham line. From there, it’s a 10-minute tram ride or a 20-minute walk to the Palais Theatre.
By car: Driving is a convenient option, with parking available nearby at the Palais Theatre car park or other facilities along St Kilda’s Esplanade. Just arrive early if possible as spots can fill up quickly during events.
What to Do and See in Palais Theatre
Enjoy a world-class performance
– Media credit: palaistheatre
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Mon–Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Palais Theatre is renowned for hosting an impressive variety of performances. The shows include international music acts, stand-up comedians, theater productions, and film screenings.
The venue’s state-of-the-art acoustics ensure that every note, laugh, or line resonates perfectly throughout the grand hall. The atmosphere inside feels immersive and intimate despite its large seating capacity of over 2,800.
Attending a concert here feels like stepping into another era, with the rich Art Deco interiors adding to the magic of the performance. The combination of plush seating, ambient lighting, and excellent sightlines elevates every event into an unforgettable experience.
Admire the theater’s ornate architecture
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The Palais Theatre is one of the most stunning places to catch a show. The moment you see its Art Deco facade, you know you’re in for something special—it’s all sweeping curves and intricate detailing that make it stand out, even in a city like Melbourne.
Inside, it’s just as impressive. The chandeliers, the detailed plasterwork, and the warm, vintage vibe make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the 1920s.
Where to Eat and Drink near Palais Theatre
Lady Of St Kilda
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Address: 204 Barkly St, St Kilda
Distance from Palais Theatre: 8 minutes
Phone: +61382567064
Pricing: $$
Good to know: Perfect for relaxed gatherings or an intimate evening out
Operating hours:
- Mon–Fri, Sun: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Lady of St Kilda brings Mediterranean-inspired dishes to life with a menu that’s all about fresh, vibrant flavors.
Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted, starting with the chargrilled octopus, which is tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned. The lamb souvlaki is another standout—juicy, flavorful, and paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki that ties it all together beautifully.
The small plates are just as impressive, with options like fried calamari that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside, or roasted vegetables bursting with natural sweetness and drizzled with olive oil.
Topolino’s
– Media credit: topolinos_stkilda
Address: 87 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Distance from Palais Theatre: 6 minutes
Phone: +61395341925
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Mon–Sun: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Good to know: Great for family dinners or catching up with friends over pizza
Topolino’s is one of those places that feels like stepping into a warm hug—if that hug came with pizza and pasta. The menu is full of Italian comfort food, and they don’t try to overcomplicate things, which is what makes it so good.
The wood-fired pizzas are a must. The crust has just the right amount of crisp, with a slight char that adds a smoky flavor. The margherita is simple but perfect, with fresh tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant basil that make every bite satisfying.
The pasta dishes are just as hearty and satisfying. The spaghetti carbonara is creamy without being overly rich, with smoky pancetta that gives it depth.
Cher Thai St.Kilda
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Address: 62 Acland St, St Kilda
Distance from Palais Theatre: 5 minutes
Phone: +61370163151
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Fri: 5:00 PM – 9:45 PM
- Sat-Sun: 12:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Good to know: Perfect for a cozy dinner or takeaway night
Cher Thai St Kildav nails authentic Thai food—bold, fresh, and full of flavor. The menu is packed with all the classics, and they do them so well that it’s hard to pick a favorite.
The green curry is a standout. It boasts tender chicken (or tofu for vegetarians), perfectly cooked vegetables, and a creamy, aromatic sauce that has just the right balance of heat and sweetness.
If you’re a fan of spice, the Tom Yum soup is a winner. It’s packed with fresh prawns, mushrooms, and herbs. The broth is tangy, spicy, and addictive.
Cher Thai gets the little things right, too. Their spring rolls are crispy and light, and the dipping sauce is a perfect mix of sweet and tangy.
Rococo St Kilda
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Address: 85/91 Acland St, St Kilda
Distance from Palais Theatre: 5 minutes
Phone: +61395253232
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Mon–Fri: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sat–Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Good to know: Excellent choice for casual brunches, family dinners, or group celebrations
Rococo St Kilda is where you go when you’re craving fresh, flavorful, and just a little indulgent Italian food. The menu is packed with familiar favorites, but everything is made with a little extra care and flair that makes it stand out.
The wood-fired pizzas are incredible. The mushroom and truffle pizza is a standout—it’s earthy, rich, and has just the right hint of truffle without being overpowering.
For pasta lovers, the slow-cooked lamb ragu is perfection. The lamb is tender, the sauce is rich and hearty, and it clings to the pasta just right.
The seafood linguine is as impressive. It features fresh prawns, mussels, and calamari in a garlicky sauce that tastes like the sea in the best way.
Leo’s Spaghetti Bar
– Media credit: leosspaghettibar
Address: 55 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Distance from Palais Theatre: 6 minutes
Phone: +61395345026
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Mon–Thurs, Sun: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Good to know: Perfect for late-night cravings or nostalgic Italian comfort food
Leo’s Spaghetti Bar is a St Kilda classic, serving hearty Italian dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. This is the kind of place where the food is simple, satisfying, and all about flavor.
The spaghetti Bolognese is a must-try. The sauce is rich and full of meaty goodness, clinging to perfectly al dente pasta. It’s a dish that feels like it’s been perfected over decades.
Pizza lovers will be in heaven here. The Margherita pizza has a crisp yet slightly chewy base, tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. If you’re after something a little heartier, the pepperoni pizza is loaded with spicy, savory slices.
Where to Shop near Palais Theatre
Acland Court Shopping Centre
– Media credit: aclandcourt
Address: 158 Acland St
Distance from Palais Theatre: 5 minutes
Phone: +61395939600
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Acland Court Shopping Centre may not be massive, but it’s packed with everything you need for a quick, hassle-free shopping trip.
The Coles supermarket here is the main draw—it’s well-stocked and clean. Plus, it has a great variety of fresh produce, pantry staples, and ready-made meals.
What’s surprising is the mix of specialty shops that add a bit of character to the center. There’s a great bakery offering fresh bread and pastries that are hard to resist, especially the sourdough and croissants that feel bakery-fresh every time.
Where to Stay near Palais Theatre
Bayside House
– Media credit: baysidehouseaus
Address: 14/16 Punt Rd, St Kilda
Distance from Palais Theatre: 5 minutes
Phone: +61370645148
Pricing: $$
Bayside House is one of those places that knows how to keep it simple while getting the essentials right. The rooms are basic but practical, with comfortable beds and clean linens that feel fresh after a long day of exploring St Kilda.
The shared lounge is another great feature. It’s bright, cozy, and set up perfectly for meeting other travelers. There’s plenty of seating, and it feels inviting without being too crowded.
But what really stands out is the bike rental service. It’s a convenient way to explore St Kilda, especially since you can ride along the foreshore or zip to local spots like Acland Street or the beach in no time.
The Prince Hotel
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Address: 2 Acland St, St Kilda
Distance from Palais Theatre: 4 minutes
Phone: +61395361111
Pricing: $$$
The Prince Hotel feels thoughtfully curated to make your stay feel luxurious yet comfortable. The rooms are modern and chic, with plush bedding that feels like sleeping on a cloud.
One of the highlights is the Aurora Spa Retreat, where every product they use feels like it’s been chosen to melt your stress away. Everything screams quality, from the calming oils during treatments to the lotions that leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.