How to Spend 48 Hours in this Booming Beachside Melbourne Suburb

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Frankston has had a major glow up in recent years. Walking around town, you'll now find stacks of busy cafes and restaurants, unique street art at every turn and all kinds of local community events — think film festivals, block parties and monthly markets.

The beachside life is also booming. Kids and adults alike head to the famous Frankston Pier to jump into the calm waters, or simply choose to lay on the long stretch of beach with a book in hand. Restaurants and bars also line the shore, perfect for tucking into fish and chips or sipping on sunset spritzes.

To celebrate the locale's best bits, we've teamed up with Frankston City Council to create this 48-hour guide that will take you from the sun-soaked seaside to the hidden laneways and rooftop bars.

Oliver's Corner

FRIDAY

One great way to spend your first afternoon in Frankston is by hitting up the Beer and Spirits Trail. This self-guided tour takes you to a series of local breweries and distilleries — from Seaford Pier all the way down to Frankston Pier. It's the perfect way to get acquainted with the beachside 'burb.

Follow this up with dinner at Oliver's Corner. This waterside restaurant and bar sits within the newly refurbished Frankston Yacht Club and is one of the best places to be when that sun starts setting. Grab some fresh oysters, locally caught seafood and a few cocktails as locals go on their evening stroll along the boardwalk.

Alternatively, if you're in Frankston on Friday, March 24, you've got to go to The Block Party. The free event will see food trucks, live bands, street performers and local alcohol vendors descend on Frankston's laneways for one night only. It is all about celebrating the local arts scene – especially the street art.

And if you're keen for a kick-on, head to The Deck for live music and DJs on the rooftop. It's the ideal way to spend a balmy evening in Melbourne — dancing through your evening as the wind blows and the cocktails flow.

SATURDAY

The monthly Little Beauty Market is not to be missed (if you're in Frankston on the right day). Head down in the morning to check out design, art, food and craft stalls selling local wares. It's a standout way to experience, and financially support, Frankston's flourishing community spirit.

Once you're done with the market, you'll be in need of a morning brew. Thankfully, you're spoilt for choice in these parts. Two Boys, One Beagle and Mr Frankie are both brilliant laidback brunch spots — with the latter open for live music nights on Fridays and Saturdays, too.

A trip to Frankston is not complete without taking a street art walking tour, either guided or solo. You'll find colourful art down laneways, in car parks and etched across multi-level buildings — we think you'll be surprised by just how much there is to see. Frankston City Street Art Tours was even named the Australian Street Art Awards' Best Street Art Tour in 2022, so you're pretty much guaranteed a brilliant experience with them. And in celebration of all things street art, the Frankston City Council is throwing a huge festival from Monday, March 20 until Sunday, March 26. The Big Picture Fest 2023 will include live music nights, free street art tours, night walks, digital projections, street performances and nine new large-scale artworks by a selection of local and international artists. It's gonna be a big week.

Once you're done with your afternoon jaunt around Frankston, a refreshing bev is a must. We recommend making your way over to Hotel Lona for rooftop drinks with a side of live music.

For dinner, we couldn't decide between two truly great options — so here are both. First, there's Geon Bae, the spot where you'll feast on top-notch Korean barbecue dishes — cooking up your own dinner on a hot plate. But if you're in the mood for seafood and tapas, give Spanish Bar a go. This unassuming beachside restaurant serves up authentic Spanish grub — expect empanadas and croquettes for starters, share-style serves of paella and jugs of sangria for big groups, and the obligatory churros for dessert.

Once you're done feasting, sit back and digest while hitting up a show at Frankston Art Centre. Here, you'll find comedy gigs, theatre performances and all other manner of entertainment throughout the year.

G Mckenzie (Unsplash)

SUNDAY

Kick off your Sunday morning in Frankston with a coffee from Common Folk Coffee, or get some hearty and healthy brunch from 6 Nutrition.

Next up? Sneak in a late-morning trip to the McClelland Gallery sculpture park, exploring art and nature together. Walk around the 16-hectare property to see large sculptures seamlessly set within wild surrounds or come for one of the temporary exhibitions or special events.

Now, we have saved the best for last. Our hot tip is to spend the rest of your Sunday down at Frankston's waterfront. Start at the famous Frankston Pier, jumping into the water with locals who'll spend the whole day waterside — listening to music and paddling about the cool waters. You can also walk along the coast to the Seaford Foreshore for more laidback swimming and relaxing on the beach.

Learn more about Frankston's Big Picture Fest 2023, running from Monday, March 20 until Sunday, March 26, by visiting the Frankston City Council website.

Images: Frankston City Council