Seven Reasons to Put Frankston on Your Must-Visit List This Summer

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This summer we're getting out of the CBD and exploring some of the buzzing areas on Melbourne's fringe. With coastal walks, nature reserves and creative hidden gems, Frankston is a vibrant beach suburb that's only getting better as each summer rolls around and visitors begin flocking.

If you haven't ventured to this picturesque coastal region just 45 minutes southeast of the CBD, it's time to change that. We've put together seven reasons why you should put this severely underrated spot on your list for this summer.

FIND CREATIVE INSPIRATION

On the walls of unassuming buildings and streets around Frankston you'll discover a thriving street art scene, with works from local and international artists bringing the city to life. The best way to experience it is through the area's award-winning Street Art Walking Tour. Taking around 90 minutes, this tour shows off works from acclaimed international and local artists like Smug, PichiAvo, DVATE and more, while giving you a chance to get familiarised with the streets of the city. Tickets are only $15 — and that includes a coffee or tea from a local cafe. How good?

If the weather isn't playing ball or you haven't had your fill of art yet, check out a new exhibition at the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery. This modern public gallery sits on a 16-hectare property in neighbouring Langwarrin and houses more than 2,700 works — including more than 100 stunning sculptures you can discover in the park. The gallery's current exhibit Bridging the Gap is definitely worth checking out for history and art aficionados alike — it celebrates post-war Australian sculpture.

GET SPENDY

Looking to get a jump on your Christmas shopping, or want to give your home a freshen-up with some fresh flowers and locally made knick-knacks? Frankston has one heck of a market scene where you'll be able to find unique goods from local creatives and makers.

Our favourite is the Sunset Twilight Market, which runs every month until April on the picturesque Frankston waterfront — and where you can browse jewellery, art, homewares and unique gifts as the sun goes down. Roaming performers and live music provide the vibes‚ and it's the perfect chance to capture a classic bayside silhouette photo. Make a night of it by grabbing dinner at one of the many food trucks during the special Christmas edition of the Sunset Twilight Market on Sunday, December 18.

For daytime shopping, Little Beauty Market is a gorgeously curated market showcasing local art, gifts, fresh blooms, jewellery, crafts and more in Frankston's suitably named Beauty Park. You'll be able to find handcrafted natural skincare, plants, eco-friendly gifts and gourmet food options — head to the website to learn more about the market's regular makers and creators, and pop the next one in your diary — Saturday, January 21.

VIBES ARE ON

Pop the champagne — summer is a time for al fresco festivities and celebrations. Luckily Frankston has a stacked lineup of festivals and events this season so you can celebrate in style.

For all your summer vibes, The Waterfront Festival is returning in February after smashing local crowd records last year. The 2023 edition will be even better — think two days of live music, including Aussie rock legends You Am I (whose albums have regularly topped national charts on release) and fellow legends of rock The Casanovas, who have seen similar success in their 20-year career. Plus cultural performances, shoreline activities, a market and a stunning fireworks show over the water to cap things off. You'll want to pencil Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19 into your calendar — keep up to date with the programme here.

GO COASTAL

We couldn't write a guide to Frankston without mentioning its star attraction. If you're visiting Frankston this summer you're going to want to kick off those shoes and get your toes in the sand — the suburb has some of the best beaches in the region. We recommend making a day of it by beginning your stroll at the Frankston Pier. If you're feeling peckish, you can then mosey along the boardwalk toward Olivers Hill to grab a bite to eat. Three food trucks have set up for the summer at the base of Oliver's Hill Boat Ramp. Top off an early morning swim or surf with a coffee from Little Olly's — it opens at 6am on weekdays and 7am on weekends. For your arvo and evening eats, fuel up with a fresh feed from locally-owned Cripps Fish & Chips and wash it down with ice-cold treats like smoothies and gorgeous gluten-free ice creams from Picoletta (Mercetta).

We know locals in the know will be setting up for the day on the Seaford foreshore — this postcard-perfect beach boasts white sand, crystal-clear water and some of the best sunset views you'll find anywhere around Port Phillip Bay. Plus there's a whole stretch of sand dedicated to being dog-friendly — bring your four-legged best mate out for a day trip and let them frolic in the waves.

Lona Hotel

DRINK AND DINE IN STYLE

One of Frankston's best-kept secrets is its thriving hospitality scene — you'll find some delicious eats and drinks throughout the area. We recommend kicking off your day by grabbing coffee and brunch at Two Boys One Beagle, a super relaxed (and pastel pink) all-day eatery which was voted Frankston's best coffee in 2019 — and standards haven't slipped.

As of the new year you have a brand-new spot for your afternoon and evening hangs — bar and eatery Lona Hotel has opened its doors to the public. If the name sounds familiar it's because its sister venue can be found in St Kilda. Be one of the first to park yourself up in the beer garden when this new local fave opens this summer, and enjoy picks from the tapas-inspired menu and killer cocktail list.

And of course, street art trails aren't the only tour worth taking — Frankston has its very own seven-stop Beer and Spirits Trail, featuring a real who's who of local brewers and distillers from giant beer halls to smaller family-friendly haunts. Make it your mission to tick them all off the list this summer.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

After all that eating and drinking, you'll need to get out for a walk or two. There's nothing like a hefty dose of nature to shrug off the end-of-year stress, so get yourself to Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve and find 98 hectares of land suited to walking, jogging and biking, and is home to 300-odd species of native plants and animals.

If you're looking for a shady oasis to beat the heat, Sweetwater Creek Reserve offers picturesque walking paths and boardwalks under the cool canopy of trees. Be soothed by the sounds of waterfalls and wildlife as you meander along — and if little legs need a break, there are heaps of seats and rest points along the path.

HEAD OUT AFTER DARK

The sun has to set at some point, so take a date (or a mate) out for an evening to enjoy. Don't stress about planning it — we've got it sussed.

Start your evening at Pixar Putt — the popular openair mini golf course inspired by the Disney-owned studio's loveable films is popping up on Frankston's waterfront from December 16 to January 29. This kidult-friendly course takes you past childhood heroes like Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Elastigirl, and is sure to become a summertime favourite. Head in between 7–10pm on weekends for adults-only sessions with a fully stocked bar – that's date night sorted.

Once you've finished a friendly round or two, head for a round of a different sort at one of Frankston's local watering holes. Our favourite place to catch the sunset is the foreshore's walk-up-only sunset beach bar Oliver's Corner (that's Ollie's to the locals), an ideal spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down.

For great vibes and live tunes, there are acclaimed live music venues throughout the area to tickle your fancy — and maybe introduce you to your new favourite local acts. We're big fans of The Cheeky Squire (especially Monday's $6 pint nights) and historic venue The Pier Hotel, but for a cocktail list and bottomless brunch deal worth savouring, hit The Deck.

Frankston is delivering a stacked lineup of cultural activities, live bands, stage shows, fabulous food, twilight markets and more until May 2023. Find out more at Discover Frankston.