Being the first city on the Mornington Peninsula's northern tip, Frankston is often known as the “The Gateway to the Peninsula.” Settlers are purported to have arrived as early as 1840, carving, out of swamp and scrub, an existence raising livestock and their families. The indomitable settler's perserverance paid off and Frankston grew. The creation of the different District Road Boards in 1861 improved Frankston's transport system – Cobb & Co.'s coach from Mornington to Melbourne stopped at Frankston to change horses. With the railway coming to Frankston in 1882, Frankston continued to thrive and, by 1966, was flourishing.

The origins of Frankston's name is still under dispute – some claim the town was named after Charles Frank, a good friend of an early settler. Others however, state that Frankston was named after Frank Stone, a businessman who, depending on the version of the tale, owned either a hotel, general store, or shanty pub at the base of Olivers Hill. The said establishment stood at a major carters' intersection and was thus, a hub where the peninsula's goings-on came under discourse.

Olivers Hill is a well-known landmark in Frankston, the peak of which affords a panoramic view across Port Phillip Bay and beyond. Local legend has it that the hill is named after a fisherman who stood at the top, examining the water in the bay for fish.

When Frankston's pier was completed in 1860, it facilitated the increase of water traffic. Fleets of fishing craft and boats transporting Frankston's local exports plied the waterways more efficiently, significantly reducing the hereto lengthy turnover time for goods to be shipped out. Evidently, some things don't change...fishermen still moor their craft at the Frankston Pier. The Frankston Waterfront remains brisk, with the Frankston Information Centre, a boardwalk, art installations, a restaurant, and playground located there. In warmer weather, the beach is dotted with baking bodies, and the ocean, alive with swimmers and surfers. In the colder months, warm interiors of establishments offer a reprieve from the bite of sea wind, inviting cosy confabulation.  

A short way from the Frankston Waterfront is the Frankston Oval, home of the Frankston Dolphins. The Oval's gates formerly stood at the Old Melbourne Gaol. These huge gates were installed at the Frankston Oval, in stone pillars built by Thomas Ferbnache during WWII. The stones used in the gate posts were quarried locally.

Aesthetic expression in Frankston is not the sole province of the waterfront, artful experiences await enthusiasts elsewhere in Frankston. A landmark structure, the Frankston Arts Centre is the stage for various performances, and events. The Centre also showcases the works of single artists along its corridors. Alongside the Frankston Arts Centre is Cube 37, constructed to enable local artists to gain exposure. Eclectic oils, sculptures, installations, and works are displayed in the Cube, mute testimony to unlauded creativity.

Down the road from the Frankston Arts Centre and Cube 37 is the Civic Centre, in front of which is a War Memorial. Erected to commemorate 50 years after WWI, the memorial is dedicated to the boys and girls who served in the war. A button on the memorial triggers a recording which gives visitors further information.

Frankston's guests who do not fancy historical or artistic pursuits can always call in on one of  Frankston's cafés, shopping centres, or gardens. Beauty Park, which is located indirectly behind the Civic Centre on High Street has a small lake with observation point, and is home to many avians. The Park's grounds are ideal for biking, jogging, picnics, barbecues, or even just to take it easy. Beauty Park also has a fairly sizable playground.

Within walking distance is also the George Pentland Botanical Gardens, established in 1976. Sustained by the local council and volunteers, the popular gardens are located next to the Frankston Hospital on Williams Street and it too has barbeque facilities.

 

The town also enjoys a Sunday market, celebrations and events such as the Christmas Festival of Lights, the Frankston Sea Festival and the previous Frankston International Guitar Festival, which attracted musicians and music loversv  both locally and internationally.

For the younger, young at heart or the night owls, Frankston also also offers a variety of entertainment all year round. Whether it be live music or bands or dancing the night away, there's a choice of local pubs and nightclubs that are all within walking distance of each other.

Visitors really are spoilt for choice as far as Frankston's attractions go, and those stumped, can always visit the information centre. Open even in Winter, the Frankston Information Centre provides an abundance of material on the various things to see, do, and experience in Frankston, whatever the time of year.