Frankston beach to become Australia’s ‘most accessible’ thanks to French trial

The country that gave us baguettes, berets and burgundy is about to transform a bayside beach with the French Riviera coming to Frankston.

The world's most accessible beach in Antibes, France. A similar program featuring daybeds, cool cabanas, beach wheelchairs and special matting will be trialled at Frankston beach this summer. Picture: supplied

The country that gave us baguettes, berets and burgundy is about to transform a bayside beach.

This summer Frankston will follow in the footsteps of the French Riviera, trialling a program designed to make it easier for the elderly and people living with disabilities to spend a day at the beach.

The Australian-first pilot is modelled on an Antibes beach, which is regarded as the world’s most accessible.

Special matting will be rolled out to the water’s edge and daybeds and cool cabanas will line the sand between Frankston pier and the mouth of Kananook Creek.

Other free equipment, including beach wheelchairs, will be available and trained staff will be on hand to help.

Frankston beach between the pier and Kananook Creek is set to become Australia's most accessible beach. Picture: supplied

The trial is a partnership between the local council and Accessible Beaches Australia.

Accessible Beaches Australia founder Shane Hryhorec proposed the idea to Frankston mayor Kris Bolam after experiencing what was on offer at Antibes.

Shane Hryhorec using beach matting to access the beach. Picture: supplied

He said while many Victorian beaches had small amounts of beach matting more needed to be done to ensure the millions of people living with disabilities could experience what many Aussies took for granted.

Accessibility advocate Shane Hryhorec at the world's most accessible beach in Antibes, France. Picture: supplied

“Often what happens is the wheelchair user can get onto the beach using the matting but if they don’t have a support person or carer with them can’t transfer from their chair onto a day bed or into a beach wheelchair,” Mr Hryhorec said.

“And not all carers and support people are trained or able to assist.”

He said the trial would also allow the friends and family of people living with disabilities to experience a day at the beach with their loved one.

“Parents with disabilities will be able to take their children to the beach.

“It’s a game changer.”

Frankston mayor Kris Bolam and accessibility advocate Shane Hryhorec at Frankston pier. Picture: supplied

Frankston Council allocated $125,000 to the program in the 2025/26 budget.

“Our beach is our greatest asset but I think one of the biggest challenges we’ve had over the years is making sure its accessible to all our residents.,” Mr Bolam said.

“There are over 30,000 residents that identify as a person with a disability.

“We can’t wait to be Australia’s most accessible beach.”

The program begins on December 5.