Frankston
Quick facts

• Population approximately 110,000
• 42 kilometres south of Melbourne
• Regional shopping and entertainment centre
• Arts and culture
• Unspoilt beaches and bushland.

Frankston is on the edge of the Melbourne metropolitan area and denotes the entry point to the Mornington Peninsula. The town boasts one of the largest retail areas outside the Melbourne CBD, and hosts a healthy arts program at the $20 million Frankston Arts Centre, and the recently renovated McClelland Gallery+Sculpture Park.
Olivers Hill is the scenic high point of the city and is the province of many of Melbourne’s rich and famous. The imposing homes have outstanding views over northern Port Phillip Bay.
Frankston’s beaches also provide a wide and continuous stretch of clean sand for swimming and a range of water sports.

Activities and attractions
• Discover the historic Ballam Park Homestead. This French farmhouse style house was built in 1855 for the Liardet family
• Visit the renowned McClelland Gallery+Sculpture Park, featuring works by painters Russell Drysdale and Fred Williams, or stroll through the sculpture park
• Catch a performance at the Frankston Arts Centre
• Take a trip to the National Trust’s Mulberry Hill, the historic 1926 American-Colonial style home and former residence of artist, Sir Daryl and Lady Joan Lindsay, author of Picnic at Hanging Rock
• Take in the spectacular view over northern Port Phillip from the scenic high point of the city, Olivers Hill and discover the waterfalls in Sweetwater Creek Reserve
• Play a round of golf at Frankston’s Centenary Park, rated as one of the best 18-hole golf public courses in Victoria, or visit one of the four private golf clubs including the recently opened Sandhurst Club, home to the PGA
• Hire a canoe and paddle up Kananook Creek – the Boathouse Restaurant is perfectly positioned for afternoon tea.
• Fish from the Frankston or Seaford Piers or hire a boat from Kananook Creek and go chase the big ones
• Enjoy the seaside ambience as you stroll along the Frankston foreshore boardwalk, Landmark Bridge and pier
• Explore a wide collection of native plants at the George Pentland Botanic Gardens at the corner of William and Yuille streets
• Spot native birds and plants or just take in the views of the city and bay at Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve on Excelsior Drive
• Walk or ride through the Seafood Wetlands on Austin Road, Seaford. Listed on the National Estate, the wetlands feature 300-year-old river red gums and many rare and endangered migratory birds
• Enjoy a picnic at the picturesque foreshore and let the children climb and explore at the foreshore playground
• Dine out at one of the beachfront restaurants.

Major events
• Frankston Sea Festival incorporating Neptune’s Table Seafood and Wine Fair – January
• Frankston Golf Classic – May
• Pets Day Out – October
• Christmas Festival of Lights – November.

How to get there
Frankston is approximately 1 hour from Melbourne via the Nepean Highway or Monash Freeway. V/Line trains operate frequent services from Melbourne to Frankston.