St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025 to Feature Premier Craft Distillers from Australia, Japan, and Around the world this August

Melbourne is raising its glass this winter as the inaugural St Kilda Spirits Festival makes its highly anticipated debut from August 15–17, 2025, at the historic St Kilda Town Hall. Expanding on the success of last year’s gin-focused event, this year’s festival goes bigger and broader—celebrating not just gin, but the full spectrum of premium craft spirits. Over the course of three flavour-packed days, guests will have the chance to explore and taste from more than 200 spirits presented by 30+ Australian and international distillers. From small-batch whiskies and botanical-forward gins to vodka, rum, coffee liqueurs and more, the festival promises a rare opportunity to sip directly from the source and meet the passionate makers behind the labels.

Discover the World of Whisky at Whisky Live Melbourne

Whisky Live Melbourne is a premium tasting event exclusively for adults (18+), offering guests the chance to explore and enjoy a wide variety of high-quality whiskies from around the world. From classic Scotch and Irish expressions to distinctive Australian, Japanese, and other international styles, the event is a celebration of global whisky culture. Attendees can deepen their appreciation through guided tasting sessions and informative masterclasses, led by expert distillers and brand ambassadors who share insights into the craft, character, and stories behind each pour.

St Kilda Spirits Festival Set to Welcome Spirit Lovers and Exhibitors for a Flavour-Packed Experience

The St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025 offers multiple general admission sessions across the weekend, running from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The event is expected to attract around 1,000 visitors and will feature an impressive lineup of 120 exhibitors, showcasing a wide variety of spirits from across Australia and beyond. The festival promises a lively and flavour-filled experience.

St. Kilda Gin Festival: A Favourite Among Melbourne and Regional Visitors
The St. Kilda Gin Festival mainly attracts visitors from Australia, with a strong majority coming from Melbourne and its neighboring regions. This local focus highlights the event’s popularity within the Melbourne community and its appeal to gin enthusiasts in the surrounding areas.

St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025: Event Schedule & Masterclasses

Date	Session Time	Masterclass	Masterclass Time
Friday, 15 August	5:30 PM – 8:30 PM	Hugo Vodka Masterclass	4:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Saturday, 16 August	1:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Ancient Wisdom Whisky Masterclass	12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Saturday, 16 August	5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Naught Distilling Gin Masterclass	4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, 17 August	12:00 PM – 3:00 PM	—	—

Highlights of the St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025

What’s Happening	Details
Unlimited Tasting Sessions	Over 200 premium spirits from 30+ Aussie & international distillers. Includes tasting glass, tote bag, and Long Rays mixers.
Gourmet Food Trucks	Two local food trucks offering tasty bites to complement your tastings.
Masterclasses	Expert-led sessions including: – Hugo Vodka Masterclass (with caviar bump) – Ancient Wisdom Whisky Masterclass – Naught Distilling Gin Masterclass
Bottle Purchases	Buy your favourite spirits directly from the distillers to take home.
Exclusive Merchandise	Complimentary branded tasting glass and tote bag with ticket purchase.

Distillers and Brands Attending the St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025

The St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025 will feature an impressive lineup of over 30 Australian and international distillers, offering a diverse array of spirits for attendees to explore. While the complete list of participating distillers has not been fully disclosed, some notable names include:

Ancient Wisdom Distillery
Hugo Vodka
Naught Distilling
Mrs Baker’s Still House
Hobsons Distillery
White Light Vodka
Prohibition Liquor Co
Metcalf Distilleries
Heaps Good Spirits
The Farmer’s Wife Distillery
Starward
Waverley Distillery
Willling Distillery
Nil Desperandum
Organic Bay Distillery
New Norfolk Distillery
Gippsland Distilling Company
Finders Distillery
Brix Distillers
Alba Whiskey
Camden Valley Spirits
Ester Spirits
Gindu
Kabina Distilling Company
JMJ Imports
JimmyRum
Brix Distillers
The Gin Boutique
White Oat Distillery

Airports Serving St Kilda Spirits Festival Visitors

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine – MEL)
As Victoria’s largest and busiest airport, Melbourne Airport is the primary entry point for both domestic and international visitors heading to the St Kilda Spirits Festival. It operates 24/7 and offers excellent connectivity to major cities worldwide. Travelers can easily reach St Kilda via SkyBus, taxi, rideshare, or public transport. The airport also features car rentals, currency exchange, and visitor information—making it perfect for festival-goers arriving from afar.
Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)
This smaller, city-adjacent airport is used for private jets, corporate charters, and regional flights. It’s ideal for VIP guests or regional attendees of the St Kilda Spirits Festival looking for a quick and hassle-free arrival. Essendon also houses luxury lounges and concierge services, making it a more exclusive option for business travelers and industry professionals.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
A growing airport located near Geelong, Avalon is known for low-cost domestic flights, especially via Jetstar. It’s a smart option for budget-conscious festival-goers coming from cities like Sydney, Brisbane, or Adelaide. Airport shuttle services and car rentals make the journey to St Kilda simple, offering a relaxed start to your festival weekend.

Airlines Connecting You to the St Kilda Spirits Festival

Qantas Airways
Australia’s national airline offers exceptional service on both domestic and long-haul international routes. Whether you’re flying in from Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles, or London, Qantas makes it easy for travelers to reach the St Kilda Spirits Festival in comfort and style.
Virgin Australia
This major domestic airline connects all Australian capital cities and key regional centers to Melbourne. With competitive fares and quality service, Virgin is a favorite among local attendees of the St Kilda Spirits Festival, especially for weekend flyers.
Jetstar Airways
Jetstar is Australia’s leading low-cost carrier and a popular choice for students, young travelers, and families attending the St Kilda Spirits Festival. It operates from both Melbourne (MEL) and Avalon (AVV), offering flexibility and affordability.
Rex Airlines (Regional Express)
Rex provides regional flights across southeastern Australia, including into Melbourne. It’s ideal for festival visitors coming from country towns or small cities in Victoria and New South Wales. Rex is a solid, no-fuss choice for getting to the St Kilda Spirits Festival efficiently.
Emirates
A global leader in luxury air travel, Emirates operates direct daily flights between Dubai and Melbourne. It connects travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with ease. For international guests attending the St Kilda Spirits Festival, Emirates offers a seamless travel experience and premium comfort.

Featured Hotels for St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025

Parkdale Motor Inn
Parkdale Motor Inn offers clean, budget-friendly accommodation with free parking and Wi-Fi. It’s a convenient base for travelers planning to attend the St Kilda Spirits Festival, providing easy access to the city while staying in a quieter suburban setting. Ideal for those who prefer a simple and restful stay before or after enjoying the festival’s premium tastings and masterclasses.
Beaumaris Bay Motel
This cozy motel near the bay offers a peaceful seaside experience, complete with comfortable rooms and close access to local cafes. It’s a relaxing retreat for festival-goers looking to balance vibrant spirit sampling sessions at the St Kilda Spirits Festival with tranquil mornings by the water. A great option for a mellow weekend escape with a spirited twist.
Nightcap at Sandringham Hotel
A modern hotel with a lively bar and bistro, Nightcap at Sandringham Hotel offers stylish rooms and a social atmosphere. It’s a perfect match for guests attending the St Kilda Spirits Festival, offering a welcoming space to unwind, gather with friends, and keep the celebration going after the event. Comfortable, connected, and festival-friendly.
Casey on Princes Motel
Casey on Princes Motel provides simple, affordable accommodation with all the essentials. It suits travelers attending the St Kilda Spirits Festival who are planning a broader trip through Melbourne or regional Victoria. A practical choice for those seeking flexibility and value during their festival weekend.

Top Tourist Attractions Near the St Kilda Spirits Festival

St Kilda Beach & Pier
A golden-sand bayfront icon, St Kilda Beach is perfect for sunbathing, paddleboarding, or a refreshing seaside walk. Don’t miss the stunning sunset views or the adorable colony of little penguins that return to the rocks at the pier every evening.
Luna Park Melbourne
No visit to St Kilda is complete without a photo in front of the grinning entrance to Luna Park, Melbourne’s most historic amusement park. Ride the Scenic Railway, the world’s oldest operating wooden roller coaster, and enjoy carnival games and treats with nostalgic flair.
Acland Street & Esplanade Markets
Spend a Sunday browsing the St Kilda Esplanade Market, filled with handcrafted art, jewelry, and local souvenirs. Just around the corner, Acland Street is famous for its European-style cake shops, cozy cafés, and relaxed shopping vibe.
St Kilda Botanical Gardens & Catani Gardens
Escape the bustle of the city with a peaceful walk through the St Kilda Botanical Gardens, featuring ornamental ponds, exotic plants, and shady paths. Nearby, Catani Gardens offers open lawns and palm-lined avenues ideal for a picnic.
St Kilda Sea Baths & Water Activities
Unwind at the St Kilda Sea Baths, where you’ll find a 25-metre heated saltwater pool, steam room, spa, and beachfront restaurants. Outdoor lovers can also try stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing on the calm bay waters.
Coastal Flyer Ferry to Williamstown
For a scenic change of pace, hop on the Coastal Flyer Ferry and cruise across the bay to the historic suburb of Williamstown. The ride offers spectacular views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay — a relaxing way to explore beyond St Kilda.

The St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025 promises to be a standout addition to Melbourne’s cultural calendar, bringing together an impressive array of local and international distillers in one vibrant coastal setting. With over 200 premium spirits, exclusive masterclasses, and a curated selection of food, accommodation, and nearby attractions, the event offers more than just tastings—it delivers an immersive celebration of craft, community, and global flavour.

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