Frankston is a fascinating borough that has outgrown its once infamous reputation to become a gentrified seaside town with plenty of lovely things to explore.
Festivals on the Foreshore
The extensive refurbishment of the foreshore in Frankston has seen the area play host to an ever-increasing number of festivals happening all throughout the year. Peaking in the warmer months, you can take your pick from music festivals to cultural festivities, food truck extravaganzas and outdoor cinema events – there is always something happening in the many parks dotted around this area. Consult the local guides and find out what’s happening when you’re in town, and add something unforgettable to your itinerary.
Mural Magnificence
Frankston is known for its street art – there are many amazing murals and other street art adorning the streets here in an ever-changing display, illustrating the vibrancy of this area. Frankston Visitor Centre have a downloadable Street Art Map which will allow you to see all the best examples via the most efficient route, so make sure your camera is all charged to capture some urban beauty and marvel at some very talented artists.
Stroll down the Pier
No trip to Frankston is complete without a trip to the beautiful foreshore – and Frankston Pier might be the most well-known and beloved landmark in the area. Built in the 1860s, it has been a significant part of the local landscape for a long time now. The Pier has been modernised with the addition of some amazing artwork to marvel at as you enjoy a stroll down the pier – there is an installation called Sight Line by Louise Lavarack, which features a kinetic lighting display that responds to movement and sound.
Boardwalk Beauty
Frankston boasts a wide variety of walking and riding trails that encourage open-air exploration of the area. There’s a boardwalk that runs from the Visitor’s Information Centre across the Landmark Bridge, heading out to Olivers Hill. If you fancy a longer adventure, you can follow this boardwalk across the Nepean Highway and head into the Sweetwater Creek Nature Reserve, where a variety of bushwalking and biking trails are available. If you’re lucky you might spot some of the local wildlife.
A world of Crystals
If you have any geology or crystal fans in your group, this is an absolute must see. Crystal World houses the Prehistoric Journeys Exhibition Centre, with some fun dinosaur models for the little ones to be totally impressed by. It also has Australia’s largest exhibition of natural history, crystals, fossils and minerals. There are literally hundreds of tons of minerals and rocks here and best of all; almost all of it is for sale. No matter what your preference is, you will be able to find the perfect new addition to your crystal collection here. They are also part of a larger complex with a very large and well-stocked nursery. Crystal World have direct agreements with a variety of crystal miners and have their own lapidary facility to ensure only the highest quality of stones are part of their selection.