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Things to do in Frankston, VIC
Frankston Beach & Waterfront
Stretching along Port Phillip Bay, Frankston Beach is a celebrated coastal destination known for its pristine golden sands and family-friendly atmosphere. The 500-meter iconic pier offers excellent fishing spots and becomes a photographer's paradise during spectacular sunsets. The recently revitalised waterfront precinct includes a stunning boardwalk with viewing platforms, multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, and modern BBQ pavilions perfect for gatherings. The beach hosts volleyball tournaments and water sports activities during summer, while the foreshore park comes alive with food trucks and twilight markets. The safe swimming conditions and regular patrols make it ideal for families, while the nearby Yacht Club adds to the vibrant maritime atmosphere.
George Pentland Botanical Gardens
This ten-hectare botanical wonderland is a peaceful retreat showcasing native Australian and exotic plant species. The gardens feature themed areas, including a native bushland section, a rose garden, and an interactive sensory garden with aromatic plants and textural elements. Winding pathways lead visitors through ecosystems, from rainforest sections to drought-resistant Australian natives. The gardens host regular botanical workshops, guided tours, and educational programs for schools. Facilities include wheelchair-accessible paths, multiple picnic areas with shelters, a newly installed nature playground, and dedicated spaces for community events and weddings. The gardens also play a crucial role in local conservation efforts, featuring several rare plant species and serving as a habitat for native birds and wildlife.
Frankston Arts Centre
As the cultural cornerstone of Melbourne's southeast region, the Frankston Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art performing arts complex that has entertained audiences since 1995. The venue features an 800-seat main theatre with cutting-edge technical facilities, the flexible 194-seat Cube 37 performance space, and multiple exhibition galleries showcasing local and national artists. Regular programming includes professional touring productions, comedy shows, musical performances, and dance recitals. The centre also houses the Frankston Theatre Company, numerous art studios, and workshop spaces for community arts programs. Its modern architecture, designed by Daryl Jackson, is complemented by a vibrant café serving pre-show dining and an expansive foyer that hosts rotating art exhibitions. The centre runs extensive educational programs and artist residencies, making it a hub for creative development in the region.
Beauty Park
Steeped in local history, Beauty Park has been a cherished community space since the early 1900s. The park's magnificent heritage-listed trees, some over a century old, provide abundant shade and create a peaceful urban oasis. The centrepiece is a significant war memorial that hosts annual ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. The children's playground features traditional and modern play equipment, including accessible options for all abilities. Regular events include the monthly Frankston Sunday Market, community festivals, and outdoor cinema screenings in summer. The park has several walking paths, exercise stations, dedicated picnic areas with tables and BBQ facilities, and a rotunda popular for community gatherings and performances. Recent upgrades have added water-sensitive garden designs and improved lighting for evening safety.
Frankston Waterfront Festival Ground
This premier outdoor event space serves as the heart of Frankston's community celebrations throughout the year. The purpose-built venue features a modern amphitheater with excellent acoustics and bay views, capable of hosting audiences up to 5,000 people. The grounds include permanent market infrastructure, multiple power access points, and sophisticated lighting systems for evening events. Major annual events include the Waterfront Festival, which attracts over 25,000 visitors with live entertainment, food stalls, and carnival rides, and the Christmas Festival of Lights, featuring spectacular illuminations and community performances. The space includes a state-of-the-art playground with water play features, extensive lawns for picnicking, and viewing platforms offering panoramic bay vistas. Recent additions include sustainable design elements such as rain gardens and solar lighting, while maintaining flexibility for various event configurations.
Ballam Park Homestead & Heritage Area
A significant historical landmark dating back to 1855, Ballam Park stands as one of Frankston's oldest surviving homesteads. The two-story Victorian mansion, built for local pioneer Alexander Baxter, has been meticulously preserved and now operates as a living museum showcasing colonial life. The homestead is surrounded by 19 hectares of parkland featuring heritage gardens, ancient red gums, and native wildlife. Regular historical reenactments and guided tours bring the colonial era to life, while the grounds host vintage car displays and heritage festivals. The park includes extensive recreational facilities including tennis courts, cricket ovals, and multiple playgrounds. The recently restored heritage gardens feature period-appropriate plantings and a kitchen garden maintained by local volunteers. Educational programs run throughout the year, teaching visitors about early settlement life, traditional crafts, and indigenous history. The site also includes a modern function center popular for weddings and community events, while retaining its historical atmosphere through carefully preserved outbuildings and period furnishings.