Can you imagine a small fishing village transforming into a vibrant bayside destination? This is the story of Frankston. Frankston stands as a testament to time. It has reinvented itself to become one of Melbourne’s most lively seaside spots.
Let’s start with the early days of Frankston. Before European settlers arrived the Kulin people called this place home. The Mayone-bulluk clan of the Bunurong tribe lived here. They were the traditional custodians of this land. We acknowledge their deep connection to this area.
Europeans first arrived in Frankston on January 30 1803. Captain Charles Grimes led an expedition searching for fresh water. They met about 30 local Indigenous people near Kananook Creek. This was a significant moment. It occurred 32 years before Melbourne was founded.
Permanent European settlement began in 1835. James Davey acquired a large land holding in 1846. His property stretched from Olivers Hill to Daveys Bay. James Oliver. A fisherman inspired the naming of Olivers Hill. He watched for schools of fish from his cottage atop the hill.
Official land sales started in 1853. Frank Liardet established Ballam Ballam estate in 1854. Liardet’s estate is the earliest recorded settlement in Frankston. It is located in what we now know as Karingal. His home Ballam Park still stands today. The Frankston Historical Society is based here.
Early growth faced obstacles. Poor soil and distance from Melbourne hindered development. A large swamp between Mordialloc and Seaford also posed challenges. Thomas McComb arrived in 1852. He bought land in what is now Frankston’s CBD. McComb significantly boosted the local fishing industry.
The first pier was built in 1857. Frankston evolved into a small fishing community between the 1850s and the 1880s. This was before the railway arrived from Melbourne. An Anglican church and school appeared in 1855. The first post office opened in 1859. Around 30 people lived in Frankston in the 1860s. Another 200 lived in the surrounding areas. A state school was built in 1874. A Mechanics Institute and free library followed in 1880. The first savings bank opened in 1881. By the 1880s two brickworks and a cordial manufacturer were in operation.
The Melbourne railway arrived in 1882. Frankston began to develop into a seaside resort. The electrification of the railway in 1922 boosted Frankston. It reduced travel time from 90 to 62 minutes.
Frankston hosted the first Australian Scout Jamboree in 1935. Sir Robert Baden-Powell attended. He founded the Scouting movement. Several streets in Frankston South are named after the event. Baden Powell Drive is the most prominent. The original grandstand stood at Frankston Park for 72 years.
Frankston’s population boomed after World War II. It increased from 12000 in 1947 to 82000 by 1982. This was due to government housing estates. They housed families of military personnel.
Hollywood came to Frankston in 1959. The film On the Beach was filmed here. Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner starred in it. Nevil Shute wrote the novel. He lived in Langwarrin.
The origins of the name Frankston are debated. One theory suggests Frank Stone. He supposedly ran a hotel. Another theory suggests Frank Liardet. A more credible theory says British army general Sir Thomas Harte Franks inspired the name.
Frankston won a Bronze Award in the LivCom International Awards for Liveable Communities in 2004. This was for environmental management and quality of life. It was named Victoria’s most sustainable city in 2008. In 2022 and 2023 Frankston was awarded Bronze at the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.
Frankston’s Street Art Tours won gold at the Australian Street Art Awards for three years running. The Block Party won Silver for Best Street Art Festival.
Frankston has been home to many inspiring people. They have excelled in sports science medicine and entertainment. You can learn more about Frankston’s history at the Frankston Historical Society at Ballam Park Homestead. Frankston continues to evolve. It honors its past. It embraces the future.