Getting Here
Located in the heart of Balaclava, Carlisle Street is one of Melbourne’s most well-known local shopping and dining precincts. Whether you’re visiting for coffee, restaurants, bakeries, shopping or local services, getting here is easy by train, tram, car, bike or on foot.
Carlisle Street is conveniently positioned just minutes from St Kilda, Elwood, Ripponlea and Melbourne’s inner south-east, with excellent public transport connections and a range of nearby parking options.
By Train
Balaclava Station lies at the heart of Carlisle Street. Catch the Sandringham Line for an easy trip to the street.
By Tram
Catch the No. 3 or No. 16 tram, which travels directly down Carlisle Street.
By Bus
Catch the 603 Bus to the corner of Carlisle Street & Hotham Street.
By Car
With some limited parking on the street, there is also ample parking lots, including Balaclava Station Car Park, Alfred St Coles Carpark, Daniella Lane Parking and Camden St Parking Lot.
Plan Your Visit To Carlisle Street
Getting Here By Train
Sandringham railway line services Balaclava directly, making train travel one of the easiest ways to reach Carlisle Street.
Balaclava railway station is centrally located on Carlisle Street, placing you within walking distance of cafes, bakeries, restaurants and local businesses throughout the precinct.
Approximate train travel times:
- Flinders Street Station: around 15 minutes
- South Yarra: around 10 minutes
- Brighton Beach: around 12 minutes
Trains run regularly throughout the day and evening.
Getting Here By Tram
Several tram routes service Carlisle Street and surrounding areas, making it easy to visit from nearby suburbs and the Melbourne CBD.
Route 3 Tram: Melbourne tram route 3 travels along parts of Carlisle Street and connects Melbourne University, St Kilda East and Balaclava.
Route 16 Tram: Melbourne tram route 16 also services Carlisle Street and provides direct access between the CBD and Melbourne’s bayside suburbs.
Route 78 Tram: Melbourne tram route 78 runs along nearby Chapel Street and is only a short walk from Carlisle Street.
Getting Here By Car
Carlisle Street is easily accessible via Nepean Highway, Dandenong Road and nearby arterial roads.
Parking is available throughout Balaclava, including a mix of street parking, public car parks and shopping centre parking areas.
Parking Near Carlisle Street:
| Parking Location | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Balaclava Station Car Park | 50 Marlborough St, Balaclava VIC 3183 | Convenient access near the centre of Carlisle Street |
| Coles Balaclava Car Park | 2 Alfred Street, Balaclava VIC 3183 | Ideal for short visits and grocery shopping |
| Camden Street Parking (Woolworths) | 39 Camden Street, Balaclava VIC 3183 | Additional nearby parking within walking distance |
| Daniella Lane Parking | 22 Daniella Lane, Balaclava VIC 3183 | Free parking with convenient for cafes, takeaway and central Carlisle Street access |
| Side Street Parking | Various surrounding streets | Time restrictions may apply |
Walking & Cycling
Carlisle Street is designed to be explored on foot, with much of the precinct easily walkable from Balaclava Station and nearby tram stops.
Cyclists can also conveniently access the area from surrounding suburbs including St Kilda, Elwood, Ripponlea and Elsternwick.
Bike parking hoops and bicycle access points are available throughout the precinct.
Accessibility
Many businesses along Carlisle Street offer ground-level entry and accessible access.
The precinct also features:
- Wide footpaths in many areas
- Nearby accessible parking spaces
- Public transport access via train and tram
- Pedestrian crossings throughout the shopping strip
Visitors are encouraged to check directly with individual businesses regarding specific accessibility requirements.
Explore Carlisle Street
Once you arrive, take the time to explore everything the Carlisle Street precinct has to offer, from cafes, bakeries and restaurants through to specialty retailers, health services, cultural businesses and local favourites.
Browse the local business directory to discover businesses throughout Carlisle Street and Balaclava or check out our upcoming events.