Didn’t they say that the best views come after the hardest climb? Well here in Seaford, the rewards are plentiful without the climb. Seaford is a beachside suburb. It sits 36 km south-east of Melbourne’s Central Business District. We are in the City of Frankston. In 2021, Seaford had a population of 17215.
Before European settlement, this area was the Karrum Karrum swamp. The Bunurong Aboriginal people used it for food. In the early 20th century, the swamp was drained for farming. Some wet areas still exist, including the Seaford and Edithvale wetlands.
The name “Seaford” was decided in 1913. Local residents met to name the settlement and the new railway station. They wanted a name that referenced the sea. Councillor Sydney Plowman suggested “Seaford”. He dropped the “l” from his hometown of Sleaford in Lincolnshire, England. The suggestion was adopted.
The Seaford Post Office opened in March 1914. During the 1950s and 1960s, Seaford grew. It was affordable and close to the beach and Frankston.
Seaford is known for its public park spaces. Several parks have barbecue facilities and playgrounds. The Seaford Foreshore Reserve is a notable feature. It’s a long stretch of natural coastal vegetation near Melbourne. This reserve separates the beach from Nepean Highway along the suburb’s length.
In 1972, the Port Phillip Authority started the “Seaford Experimental Project”. It aimed to restore the dunes. Fences were installed. The area was revegetated. Walking tracks, seats, tables, and shelters were added.
Keast Park is a 2.5-hectare public park. It is at the northern end of the Seaford foreshore on Port Phillip Bay. Designed in 2004, the park protects the foreshore environment. It also serves the public. The park includes the Carrum Bowls Club, sea scouts, public toilets, a community space and a café.
The Seaford Wetlands is a 305-hectare nature reserve. It is listed on the Register of the National Estate. Many bird species live here, including rare migratory birds. These birds are protected by international agreements. Bird watchers enjoy visiting the wetlands. Migratory birds from Siberia arrive between October and March. River red gums grow around the wetlands. Some are about 300 years old. Some trees have scars where the Bunurong people stripped bark.
The Kananook Creek runs through Seaford. It flows southwards to Frankston, where it enters Port Phillip. A popular walking trail passes by the Seaford RSL. It continues in both directions.
There are several schools here. Seaford is serviced by bus and commuter rail. The suburb has two railway stations, Seaford and Kananook, on the Frankston railway line.
The St Kilda Football Club opened its training venue at Belvedere Park in Seaford in 2011.
Seaford offers a blend of natural beauty and community spirit. From its history as a swamp to its vibrant present, Seaford continues to evolve. It remains a special place on the Port Phillip Bay. So take a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air. Think about the stories that have unfolded here. Seaford welcomes you.