Frankston City is a local government area in Victoria about 40 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD. It has an area of 130 square kilometres.
The first individuals who occupied the land of Frankston City were the Boon Wurrung and Bunurong Aboriginal citizens
Despite its similar area and name, Frankston City is a different entity to the former City of Frankston which existed from 1966 until 1994 It was a continuation of the former Shire of Frankston and was abolished by then premier Jeff Kennett under local government reforms.
The George Pentland Botanical Gardens, named after a former Shire Secretary and Town Clerk, were established in 1975 on part of the old nine holes golf course. It is home to a large array of Australian native plants with a focus on plants from South Eastern Australia and plant communities from the Mornington Peninsula.
The major part of the City was first incorporated in 1860 as the Mornington Roads District, which became a shire in 1871 and was renamed Shire of Frankston and Hastings in 1893, losing its western riding to form the Shire of Mornington, which has since been amalgamated into the Shire of Mornington Peninsula. On 19 October 1960, the Shire of Frankston and Hastings split in two, with the western part remaining as the Shire of Frankston, and the eastern part being incorporated as the Shire of Hastings.
Frankston City is one of six Central Activates Areas (CAA) being developed by the State Government. It has attracted significant public funding for urban renewal, landscaping and community facilities with some exciting projects planned.
Median house price in Frankston is $620,000 for sale and $390 per week rent.
Frankston is a modern city, fronting Port Phillip Bay. The commercial centre of Frankston incorporates the Bayside Shopping Centre and the Bayside Entertainment Centre that includes cinemas, eateries and fashion outlets. A short distance east is the Karingal Shopping Centre and Star Zone, an entertainment precinct featuring Village Cinemas, restaurants, indoor play centre, gym, TAB, hair and beauty stores and free parking.
Frankston has a thriving arts and theatre scene with the popular Frankston Arts Centre and several galleries. A visit to the McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery is a great experience.
The beaches around Frankston are mainly calm and sandy, ideal for swimming, boating and other aquatic activities. To the south, the sandy beaches make way for rocky cliffs and headlands. Panoramic views can be enjoyed across Port Phillip Bay and north along the beachside suburbs from vantage points such as Olivers Hill.
The Frankston Waterfront precinct incorporates Frankston Pier, a visitor information centre, restaurant/cafe, a scenic boardwalk that extends to the boat ramp at the base of Olivers Hill to the south and crosses the Landmark Bridge to the north and ends at the Waves restaurant.
The Frankston City population is forecast to grow to 163,610 by 2041.
Coffee Safari
Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have for weekends away and the Mornington Peninsula’s coffee haunts are second-to-none. Here are just a few to check out when you head down to this beautiful part of the world.
Two Boys one Beagle and a Coffee Shop
59 Kareela Road
A boutique café nestled in the Karingal neighbourhood serving local coffee roasters Commonfolk coffee, an all-day brunch menu and home baked cakes. Expect a relaxed and friendly vibe and some super cute pink décor.
Parcha
36 Wells St
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a Turkish twist! The coffee is made from specialty espresso blend ‘Rose St’ and single origin beans from Industry Beans. Pair with the Parcha Stack, or the housemade baklava for best results.
Wildness
135 Beach Street
Cafe by day and restaurant by night, Wildness serves a specialty fair trade and certified organic coffee blend alongside an all day breakfast.
The lunch menu is broad ranging including toasties, wraps and burgers, and more substantial mains.
What to do
Take a walk along the Frankston waterfront precinct extending from the boat ramp at the base of Olivers Hill, crossing the Landmark Bridge, and ending at Waves restaurant.
Enjoy the views across Port Phillip Bay or head down to Bayside Shopping Centre to browse some of the 250 specialty stores and major department stores.
Stroll through the Frankston city lanes and take in eye-catching street art murals, or picnic in the family-friendly, lush Botanical Gardens which are equipped with barbeque facilities and a playground.
If you’re looking for something on the screen or stage, catch a movie at Hoyt’s cinemas or a live performance at the Frankston Arts Centre.