Frankston is a waterfront suburb of Melbourne that is known for its thriving cultural scene, exciting night spots and wealth of natural attractions. With a modern urban landscape set against miles of sandy coastline, the area offers a diverse experience for visitors that can mean anything from rooftop cocktails to watching the sunset on a pleasure boat. It is also just a short journey from Melbourne centre, meaning all the attractions of Victoria’s capital are within easy reach for those staying in Frankston.
Where to stay in Frankston
As a suburb of Melbourne, Frankston is a popular commuter location and as such features a great selection of accommodation, ranging from high-end hotels to backpacker hostels. However, if you are planning an longer stay in the area, then serviced apartments may be a more practical solution for your needs, as these offer a kind of home-from-home, whilst still benefiting from many of the benefits of a traditional hotel, such as room cleaning and reception services. These properties also have the advantage of full kitchen facilities, with everything you need to self-cater your trip.
What to do in Frankston
Frankston is a unique and fascinating suburb that blends a thriving alternative cultural scene with the hustle and bustle of a working city locale. Visitors will find that the area is replete with everything they could need - a kind of city within a city, with plenty of dining and shopping experiences to be had, as well as a host of local landmarks.
Being a coastal location, much of Frankston’s appeal lies within its waterfront attractions. Tour companies offer everything from powerboat rides, to water sports and even marine life spotting trips. There are also plenty of bars and cafes along the promenade, making the beachfront a great place to relax and unwind.
Frankston is also just a short bus ride from Melbourne city centre, meaning anyone staying in the suburb can enjoy all of the city’s attractions without having to travel far. Melbourne offers everything from world class dining and leisure experiences, to contemporary and fine art galleries and a diverse range of historical landmarks. However you choose to spend your time, you will find Frankston not only offers its own unique atmosphere, but also offers easy access to one of Australia’s most intriguing cities.
Tips for staying in Frankston
Places to eat
There’s a great selection of places to eat in Frankston, from fine dining to grill shacks and street food. Those looking for something more upmarket can head to Waves on the Beach, Frankston Waterfront Restaurant or The Cheeky Squire. Alternatively, for international cuisine, there’s Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant, Kasturi Indian Restaurant or Seagull Greek Taverna.
Shopping
Frankston has a great selection of modern shopping facilities. The Bayside Centre, on Beach Street is one of the most popular destinations - a one-stop shop housing some 250 retailers, ranging from famous fashion brands to cutting edge gadgetry and homewares. There’s also the Frankston Power Centre - a department store focused on furnishing and household goods.
Attractions
Frankston offers plenty to see and do without the need to travel into Melbourne central. The area is particularly noted for its outdoor spaces, with places like Ballam Park and Beauty Park perfect for families, whilst McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery offers something a little more refined. Another popular attraction is the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre, which offers watersports, swimming and games.
Transport
As a Melbourne suburb, Frankston benefits from the city’s extensive public transport network, comprised mainly of buses and a light railway service. The area is served by several dedicated bus services, running to and from the city centre as well as out towards Frankston and Mornington. There are also plenty of taxi and private hire firms operating locally, making for a convenient way of getting around.
Local Business
The finance, manufacturing, and tourism sectors are the main drivers behind Melbourne’s thriving economy. Several large domestic firms operate in the region, such as ANZ - an international banking and financial services group, Telstra - one of the Australia’s largest telecommunications groups and a major local employer, and Bhp Billiton. Manufacturing is represented by firms such as Amcor and BlueScope.
