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.
Frankston Memorial Park (Frankston Cemetery) is located on the corner of Cranbourne Road and Moorooduc Highway (McMahons Road), Frankston. Land was set aside for a cemetery in Frankston in 1864-65. The first recorded burial was 1878, although there were almost certainly burials prior to this date before the keeping of records.
According to the 2021 census the Frankston City population is 139,281.
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 $845,000 for sale and $590 per week rent.
The commercial centre of Frankston incorporates the Bayside Shopping Centre and the Bayside Entertainment Centre that includes cinemas, eateries, recreation, and fashion outlets. A short distance east is the Karingal Hub and Star Zone, a leisure complex featuring Village Cinemas, restaurants, an outdoor play area, gym, TAB, and free parking.
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 wonderful for the whole family.
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.
Eeny Meeny
96 Young Street
Winning over the hearts of foodies and coffee aficionados since 2012 and sourcing quality, local ingredients wherever they can, your breakfast and brunch cravings are covered all day long either inside the cosy café, or in the glorious all-seasons courtyard out back.
Virgo Espresso
4 Wells St
Jaffles for days from just cheese to bacon and brie to roast veggie and everything in between. Explore their all-day menu and extensive drinks menu dotted with staff faves and Virgo classics served by friendly staff.
Mr Frank’s Cafe
101 Wells Street (up the escalator)
Serving up the magic of an authentic English breakfast experience, indulge in a feast of flavors with their chili scramble, fluffy pancakes topped with a berry storm, or refreshing berry breeze smoothie with a breathtaking view.
What to do
Stroll 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.
Take a walking tour through the city streets and take in many building exteriors adorned with eye catching murals.
Enjoy the views across Port Phillip Bay, shopping at Bayside or head down to one of the many eateries and pubs for a bite or a drink. Watch a movie, play a round of mini golf, try throwing a strike or catch a live performance at Frankston Arts Centre to cap off an action-packed day for the whole family in Frankston.
Photos Yanni
