What's So great About Frankston Beach?
    Gateway to The Peninsular   

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To get to Frankston Beach, drive along the beautiful coastal Beach Road south-east of Melbourne until you reach the suburb of 'Frankston'.

The drive travels past picturesque seaside mansions, delicious seaside cafes, soft sandy beaches and tantalizing shallow inlets.

This coastal drive is thoroughly enjoyable any time of the year.

The Beach Road is a winding road that hugs the natural coastline and access to any of these beaches is either by side streets or sandy pathways.

The blue waters of Port Phillip bay to your right and the seaside homes to your left provide you with plenty to see and admire as you drive along the foreshore.

Crossing over the bridge at the seaside suburb of Mordialloc, the road moves inland a little separating you from the ocean scenery and taking you through the beachside suburbs of Aspendale, Edithvale, Chelsea, Carrum and Seaford. 

Side roads take you on down from Beach road to safe swimming beaches where you can picnic or BBQ all year round.

If you keep on driving along this beach road you will eventually reach my favourite beach right at the beginning of the Mornington Peninsular.

Frankston beach foreshore compliments of https://flic.kr/p/ajJcR4Frankston beach foreshore with storm approaching

All along the Frankston beach foreshore you will find stretches of soft sand that flows on down to stretches of clear, shallow water. Looking out to sea and to the left of Frankston Pier the waves create a sandy ripple effect as the tide starts to go out. This beach is a tidal beach with the best swimming done at high tide.

Where Is Frankston Beach?

Check out my Google map here. If you would like to see the larger map just click the link beneath this map.

Click onto the icon and follow the prompts for directions.


View Frankston in a larger map

History Of Frankston

  • The Frankston area prior to any European discovery, was populated by the aboriginal Kulin people
  • Europeans came ashore to find fresh water as early as 1803
  • And in 1846 the first land holding was established between Olivers Hill and Davey's Bay
  • The first settlement was Ballam Ballam in the locality of Karingal and the original Australian homestead named Ballum Park remains today.

The Homestead is situated next door to the fantastic adventure playground on the Frankston/Langwarren road, here you can enjoy a family BBQ or picnic as well as research some early Australian History.

  • With the arrival of the Melbourne to Frankston electric railway line in 1882, saw the beginning of the Frankston seaside resort, a place for the fairly wealthy to enjoy. Since those early days the area has become a fantastic place for all the family to enjoy.

These days the rail trip from Melbourne to the Frankston beach takes around 60 minutes, this makes the area easily accessible to people from all over Melbourne.

Check the link here for an up to date timetable ... Plan your rail trip with Metlink - http://ptv.vic.gov.au/

There are buses that also link to the rail, use the Metlink site to plan your next trip, why not take your bike with you and ride the boardwalk.

The Frankston beach is patrolled on the weekend and during the busy summer months these generous and dedicated lifeguards are patrolling up and down the sandy shores.

For more details you can visit the Victorian Lifesaving website - http://www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/www/html/7-home-page.asp

The Foreshore Facilities

The native flora and sand dunes along the Frankston beach foreshore area have been protected with the building of an extensive raised timber boardwalk.

Joggers, bikers and strollers, young and old, enjoy the easy, well maintained walk.

The beach boardwalk At Frankston in Victoria, Australia compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesscross/4242863799/The beach boardwalk At Frankston in Victoria, Australia

Taking in the scenery of the Frankston beach as you clear the head and the lungs, enjoy the boardwalk that starts at the bottom of Olivers Hill.

It winds its way along the foreshore past the Emergency Services and playground and onto the pier entrance. Here you can stand at the top of the arched bridge and watch the fishing boats as they take off out through the mouth of Kananook Creek.

Sometimes you can even spot sea creatures as they swim underneath the bridge.

Footbridge over the Kananook creek at Frankston Port Phillip bay Melbourne AustraliaFootbridge over the Kananook creek at Frankston Port Phillip bay Melbourne Australia

Continue crossing over the arched bridge and follow on through a natural tea-tree reserve. You can continue your stroll all the way to the Seaford Life Saving Club.

Here enjoy a cool, refreshing pick me up at the award winning Cafe/Restaurant/Kiosk. There are plenty of clean, well maintained conveniences scattered throughout the area.

Free use of the electric BBQ's is encouraged, just be mindful to remove your rubbish and leave the area clean for the next lucky family.

seagull sculpture on the frankston foreshore compliments of https://flic.kr/p/v2M7meSeagull sculpture on the Frankston foreshore i Victoria, Australia

At the mouth of the Kananook Creek you will find a large public carpark.

Amazing and clever bronze sculptures depicting bird life, family favourites, Australian personalities etc are scattered around the beach carpark area. The Artists are Anne Ross and David Murphy - see how many you can find.

Tables and covered picnic areas are available with clean electric BBQ's making this area a favourite place for all the family to get together. Consider a family reunion or perhaps a theme birthday party.

You can also access the most amazing fairytale playground. Here your children can slay dragons, rescue fair maidens and fight the enemies army.

  • Castles
  • forts
  • sea-faring adventure sandpit
  • electric BBQ's
  • swings, slides and climbing frames

A great place for the kids to let off steam, use their imagination and generally have a great time. There is also a Liberty Swing for people in wheelchairs.

All this just a few meters from the sandy beach and cooling waters of Port Phillip Bay.

Collecting Seaglass at Frankston Beach

A little further along the beach, at the base of Oliver's Hill, is a small outcrop of rocks and at low tide you will find a rock platform offering a great opportunity to view starfish, crabs, sea anemones, fish life and plenty of sea shells. This is a favorite place for me to collect sea glass, especially after a great storm.

You can even snorkel the reef and view star fish, crabs, sea anemones and other sea life.



I, personally, started my collection of sea glass several years ago and I am so proud of some of the amazing pieces of glass that I have found, this just might be something that would interest you or your children.

Why not take a look at this little book as an introduction to Sea Glass collecting.

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sea glass hunters bookSea Glass Hunters book - an introduction to sea glass collecting

Did You Know ...

In 1959, the Hollywood Film, On the Beach, starring Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner was filmed partly in Frankston.

The Novelist, Nevil Shute actually lived in the Langwarren area southeast of Frankston.

The book, as well as the movie have proven to be classics, well worth adding to your collection.

The original film locations were ... 

  • Canadian Bay Beach, Melbourne region, Victoria  
  • Frankston Railway Station, Melbourne region, Victoria    
  • Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Philip Island region, Victoria  
  • Queenscliff Lighthouse, Melbourne region, Victoria  
  • Williamstown Naval Dockyard, Melbourne region, Victoria
On the Beach Novel written by Nevil ShuteOn the Beach Novel written by Nevil Shute

On The Beach - Novel by Nevil Shute

After the war is over a radioactive cloud begins to sweep southwards on the winds, gradually poisoning everything in its path.An American submarine captain is among the survivors left sheltering in Australia, preparing with the locals for the inevitable...

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on the beach dvdOn the Beach film remake on DVD

The On The Beach - Remake 2000 Film - DVD

From Nevil Shute's gripping bestseller, adapted for the screen by David Williamson and visionary director Russell Mulcahy , comes a post-apocalyptic action-packed story of survival and hope.

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Please note that some links on this page are to companies that I have an affiliation with. By that I mean that if you purchase a product through them I receive a very small commission. This way of earning income is termed Monetization and it is a way for me to keep my site out here for you to enjoy. I will only affiliate with companies that I feel offer value for money and excellent back up service. These are Companies that I personally have used to purchase products for myself, my family and my friends. To learn more please refer to my Disclaimer page

Take in the amazing and breathtaking view over Frankston beach from Oliver's Hill. Look out over the huge expanse of water of Port Phillip Bay and watch the cruise ships and tankards heading into port or out to sea.

On a clear day you can see all the way to the Mount Dandenong TV Towers and across the bay to the Westgate Bridge and the City of Melbourne.

View Over Frankston beach From Olivers Hill in Victoria, AustraliaView Over Frankston beach From Olivers Hill in Victoria, Australia

A well stocked Visitors Information Center is situated within the carpark area. Here you can find lots of local information, local crafts, souvenirs, slip-slop-slap essentials and all offered by friendly and well informed local staff and volunteers.

Inquire about the Route 12 Cultural Drive see some amazing art works, sculptures, gardens, rare plantings etc. The new brochure is now available.

If you are an early riser and enjoy a friendly chat over a warm cuppa you can do so here from 9:00am. By the way some of the local artists' works are displayed on consignment. Always changing and offering a constant supply of wonderful pieces. Log onto The Visitors Center - http://www.visitfrankston.com/  to see what is on at the moment.

If you plan to visit Frankston beach then why not make a weekend of it and perhaps stay locally. Ask the staff at the Visitors Center to help you find some accommodation.

When the sand sculptures are on at the foreshore you can purchase your tickets here also.

Phone: 1300322842

Email: tourism@frankston.vic.gov.au

My Personal Experience

Have you seen the amazing Sand Sculptures? If not this is a must experience for all the family to enjoy.

They are created by very clever artist sculptors who, seasonally build amazing sand pictures. These are always based around a specific theme.

The sculptures I observed in 2013/2014 where the Sandevents' team of talented International and Australian sculptors brought to ‘life’ in meticulous detail “Story Land”, were truly amazing.

Reality and fantasy combined as they brought to life popular Penguin book titles including

  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
  • The Mr. Men and Little Miss Books
  • Angry Birds
  • Postman Pat
  • Angelina Ballerina
  • Flower Fairies and so many more!

For information on the sand sculptures telephone (03) 5986 6684  or contact admin@sandstormevents.com.au

sand sculpting tools compliments of https://flic.kr/p/9crqqTsand sculpting tools

Where To Eat In Frankston

There are electric BBQ's for a great family picnic scattered throughout the Frankston beach foreshore area, the playground and the main carpark area near the pier.

There are also several award winning restaurants that offer a delicious array of fine foods to eat in or to take away. Near the pier entrance you will find 'Sofias' restaurant. Enjoy sitting outside in the fresh air or inside taking in the beautiful scenery that Frankston beach is famous for.

At the northern end of the Frankston Beach waterfront you come to the award winning 'Waves on the Beach' restaurant.

There is also the Waves on the Beach Cafe/kiosk right at the sand for that quick pick-me-up or cool-me-down. A great little place to just sit and watch as the kids frolic in the sea or build sand castles, simple pleasures and at a very little cost.

For general picnic supplies or fresh fish and chips, why not visit the Frankston Shopping Center - plenty of delicious deli delights, fresh fruits, freshly baked breads and sumptuous cakes.

Want a delicious counter meal? Then try the many pubs scattered throughout the Frankston Beach road area. Great food and let someone else clean up the mess.

Frankston is Full of Vibrant Colour

Wander through some of the streets of Frankston along the Frankston beach foreshore area as well as the township and check out some very clever street art.

Don't miss the colourful beach huts that line some of the shoreline, these make for excellent photographic subjects.

There is so much to see and do all year round at the Frankston beach. Wow, a fantastic place to visit not just once but over and over and over again.

Frankston beach has to be one of Melbourne's top beaches providing a safe, friendly and all season experience for every member of the family to enjoy, I put it up there as the number 1 of the 10 best beaches of Port Phillip Bay.

Would you like to explore further down the Mornington Peninsula? Then this could be just right for you.

Mornington Peninsula and Hot Springs Day Tour from Melbourne

Mornington-peninsular-back-beaches

Experience the best of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula with a day hike along the rugged coastline with stunning ocean views followed by a relaxing afternoon soak at the Peninsula Hot Springs. The day begins with a stop at the Arthur’s Seat summit for a morning tea with an ocean view before embarking on a scenic 8 km hike to Bushrangers Bay. With spectacular views, a picturesque lighthouse and kangaroos- what more could you want from a coastal hike?

The small group tour to Mornington Peninsula and the Hot Springs includes return transfers from Melbourne and promises an unforgettable day traversing the Victorian coastline showcasing the hidden gems of the region.

Inclusions

  • Guided 8km hike to Bushrangers Bay
  • Entry to Peninsula Hot Springs and towel
  • Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides
  • Snacks and morning tea
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