What we love about Frankston: Celebrating Victoria’s southeast seaside suburb
FRANKSTON has always had its critics, but it has come a long way in recent times. Take a look at all the festivals and fun that Frankston has to offer.
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FRANKSTON. Those who have never been there love to rag on it.
But if you’re still calling it ‘Frankghanistan’, you clearly haven’t been there lately.
It’s changed a lot over the years, and these days the suburb by the bay is quickly developing a thriving mini-metropolis with a growing retail, foodie, arts and cultural scene.
The city’s long-time slogan “I Love Frankston” shows how much their community loves where they live, and they’ve recently changed it to “enjoy every moment”.
Below we’ve highlighted some of the many moments that Frankstonians get to enjoy, visitors will be impressed by, and what you need to check out if you’ve never been before.
Festivals
Frankston has become a hotspot for family-friendly events and festivals, with the announcement of a new month-long celebration of all things Spanish and Latin-American, that’s kicking off on the February 26th called ‘Ventana Fiesta’.
Some of the other popular festivals that draw large crowds throughout the year are:
The Frankston Waterfont Festival
Held over two days, the Waterfront festival is a bit hit for people of all ages, with Live music, markets, beach activities, amusement rides and water sports.
There’s also the chance to indulge in great food, wine, beer and cider at various pop-up vendors, and peruse the market stalls showcasing locally and handmade products.
Sand Sculpture Australia
Frankston’s Waterfront is renowned for hosting of the annual Sand Sculpting exhibition which showcases work from the best sand sculptors from across the globe, crafted with over 3,500 tonnes of sand.
Every year from Boxing Day to Anzac Day the waterfront is transformed into a fascinating tour of life-size sand sculptures, with this year’s theme ‘A Day at the Zoo” showcasing monkeys, giraffes, elephants, lions and meerkats, orang-utans, zebras, gorillas and many more.
Christmas Festival of Lights
Frankston plays host to the largest Christmas festival in Victoria, where the streets are transformed into an enchanted land, visits from Santa and Mrs Claus, and the traditional lighting of the 100-year-old Norfolk Pine tree opposite the Frankston Arts Centre.
Pets Day Out
Locals get the chance to treat their pets and the family to a fun free day of entertainment and giveaways at Ballam Park.
Eats
With more and more apartments going up around the Frankston CBD, new restaurant entrepaneurs are moving in bringing a vast range of different cuisine. Here’s our selection of places to try.
The Boathouse Restaurant
This historic boathouse is nestled on the banks of Kananook Creek.
With a down-to-earth menu based on fresh local produce, the Boathouse Restaurant is an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon and be greeted by the occasional kayaker who passes by.
Cosy Tasty Dumpling Chinese Resaurant
This unassuming eatery offers diners a wonderful selection of dumplings and offers an array of other popular Asian delicacies, from satay skewers to nasi goreng and curry laksa.
As its name promises, ‘Cosy Tasty Dumpling Chinese Restaurant’ offers a tasty meal in a cosy environment, which is easy share with friends after a day at the beach.
Southside Social
The recipients of Frankston Council’s Small Business Grant this year have used the money to open a trendy burger joint in the Nepean Highway.
The streetart-covered eatery has a vibe that feels like something you’d find in the heart of South Melbourne, and their burger selection and quality is outstanding.
Love Frankston? Think of some more great things to do there that we forgot? Let us know in the comments below.
Walks
Sightseers can enjoy an abundance of scenic walks through wetlands, creeks and natural reserves around the greater Frankston area.
Kananook Creek
Starting near the Frankston Yacht Club, the 7.5km trail along Kananook Creek along through urban Frankston and Long Island gives you a great look at the changing landscape of Frankston.
It leads into you into the peace and serenity of rural Seaford and Carrum. Trains at Seaford and Carrum can provide transport back into Frankston.
Coastal Arts Discovery Trail
This will take you a few hours, but its one of the best ways to capture how Frankston become the city it is today. The Coastal Arts Discovery Trail highlights the city’s contemporary art, inspired by Frankston’s coastal heritage. From Frankston Pier, across bridges and up to enviable vantage points across the Bay, the Discovery Trail features plenty of sculptural and architectural gems along the way.
Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve
Home to half the plant and animal species indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula, Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is a whopping 214 hectare natural oasis.
Visitors can escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and experience the heathland and eucalypt reserve via a network of walking tracks that wind throughout it.
Markets / Shopping
From the weekly produce markets on Thursdays that shut down Wells Street, to the trash and treasure markets on Sunday, if you’re looking to find a bargain and enjoy a chat with the friendly locals. And don’t forget to try the delicious jam doughnuts from the doughnut truck while you’re there.
Playgrounds / Child-friendly activities
Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre
The PARC provides first-class health, fitness and wellness services to the Frankston community, and offer hours of entertainment and leisure opportunities for children. With two feature waterslides which includes the world’s first AquaSphere Family Raft Ride, and an aquatic playground, this is the perfect place to take the kids when the temperature starts to soar.
Frankston Regional Playground
An award-winning castle-themed playground with equipment suitable for all ages.
There is also a Liberty swing with children with disabilities.
Pier Promenade, Frankston
Pines Forest Swim Centre
The outdoor waterside runs from noon to 4pm on weekends and school holidays when the temperature is over 30C. Riders must be taller than 110cm. And there’s no extra charge for the waterside.
Forest Dve, Frankston North
pinesfrankston.com.au
Ballam Park
The iconic park provides a great day out for people of all ages, with two regional playground areas, along with shade and barbecues provided in the large picnic areas.
In total there is 30 hectares of open areas, including a premier athletics track, AFL, soccer and cricket fields and even dog free roam areas.
Best place to take a photograph
Oliver’s Hill.
You can get an absolutely stunning view of the entire city of Frankston, Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline from the top of Oliver’s Hill.
Or, if you venture down the to beach, you’ll get a great view of the scenic hill and panoramic shots of the bay. It doesn’t matter if you head there during the day or at sunset, you’re bound to get an amazing photo.
Other things to see and do
The Bloody Big Swim
The annual event conducted by the Mornington Life Saving Club with the aim “to promote interest in open water swimming for fun and fitness. Rather than be an event for the best swimmers in town, as competitors can choose to swim as duos or in teams of four, giving a chance for all swimmers of all abilities to swim with their friends.
Cruden Farm
The homestead of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch features one of Australia’s most iconic and aesthetically beautiful gardens. 84 years of hands-on involvement from Dame Elisabeth has created a beautiful legacy that is a delight to experience.
The Gnome
It’s been dressed in football jumpers, Christmas colours, and has been defaced multiple times, but the might chrome gnome continues to stand proudly over Frankston’s Peninsula Link.
McClelland Gallery
Tucked away on 16 hectares of land 4km east of Frankston, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery is set on landscaped gardens and bush trails in Langwarrin. Any art lover will discover a real treasure trove of exhibitions and public lectures, and the unique Sculpture Park plays showcase to over 60 works by major artists.
Love Frankston? Think of some more great things to do there that we forgot? Let us know in the comments below.
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