Postcode 3199: Frankston

McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park

The largest city on the Mornington Peninsula and only 40 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Frankston is home to one of Victoria’s most popular beaches, attracting huge crowds every summer. Frankston has grown into a thriving mini-metropolis with growing retail, foodie, arts and cultural scenes. An abundance of walk ways enable visitors to enjoy the stunning wetlands, creeks and natural reserves, and the view across Port Phillip Bay from Oliver’s Hill at sunset is not to be missed.

Frankston hosts major annual sport and entertainment events, including the Bloody Big Swim, the two-day Frankston Waterfront Festival and the Christmas Festival of Lights. Every October and November, fishermen flock to Frankston for snapper season. Here is our pick of Frankston’s finest:

McClelland Sculpture Park + GallerySet on 40 acres of bushland, lakes and landscaped gardens, McClelland features more than 100 outdoor sculptures created by leading artists. With a rich program of contemporary art exhibitions and a selection of food and wine from the McClelland Café, it is not hard to spend an entire day here. 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin. Ph: + 61 3 9789 1671Sand Sculpting Australia’s exhibition ‘A Day at the Zoo’Frankston’s waterfront is renowned for hosting of an annual Sand Sculpting exhibition which showcases work from the best sand sculptors from across the globe. This year’s exhibition A Day at the Zoo (until 25 April) has been crafted from more than 3500 tonnes of sand, and showcases a range of zoo animals that are larger than life and in exquisite detail. 510 Nepean Highway, Frankston Waterfront. Ph: +61 3 5986 6684.

Return to Hanging Rock at Mulberry HillTo celebrate 40 years since its publication, the National Trust presents Return to Hanging Rock (until 27 March), a multimedia exhibition, at Mulberry Hill – author Joan Lindsay’s former residence. Featuring original costumes and props from the National Film and Sound Archive, historic images and postcards, set installations and contemporary artworks, the exhibition explores the mysteries of the Australian landscape, time and sensory perceptions that inspired the novel. 385 Golf Links Road, Langwarrin. Ph: +61 3 9656 9889.

Coastal Arts Discovery TrailThe Coastal Arts Discovery Trail highlights the city’s contemporary art, inspired by Frankston’s coastal heritage. Using a provided map, visitors can traverse from Frankston Pier, across bridges and up to vantage points with enviable views across the Bay, and discover plenty of sculptural and architectural gems along the way. Ph: 1300 322 322.

Kananook Creek walking trailStarting near the Frankston Yacht Club, visitors can follow Kananook Creek along a 7.5 kilometre walking trail, through urban Frankston and Long Island, into the peace and serenity of rural Seaford and Carrum. Trains at Seaford and Carrum can provide transport back into Frankston. Starts near the Frankston Yacht Club, Pier Promenade, Frankston.

Langwarrin Flora and Fauna ReserveHome to half the plant and animal species indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula, Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is a 528-acre natural oasis. Visitors can escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and experience the heathland and eucalypt reserve via a network of walking tracks that wind throughout it. 233N Warrandyte Road, Langwarrin.

Cruden FarmThe homestead of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch features one of Australia’s most iconic and aesthetically pleasing gardens. 84 years of hands-on involvement from Dame Elisabeth has created a long-lasting legacy. Situated on 133 acres, the property consists of a stunning seasonal garden, rolling paddocks, a lake and pockets of indigenous vegetation. 60 Cranbourne Rd, Langwarrin. Ph: + 61 3 9789 1676.

The Boathouse RestaurantThis historic boathouse nestled on the banks of Kananook Creek opens from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. With a down-to-earth menu based on fresh local produce, the Boathouse Restaurant is an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon and watch the occasional kayaker pass by. 366 Nepean Highway, Frankston. Ph: +61 3 9770 5330.

Cosy Tasty Dumpling Chinese ResaurantWith fresh white walls and fire-engine red details, this unassuming eatery offers a selection of dumplings, made with skins that are light and elastic. It also offers an array of other popular Asian delicacies, from satay skewers to nasi goreng and curry laksa. Just as its name promises, ‘Cosy Tasty Dumpling Chinese Restaurant’ is a licensed and BYO restaurant that offers a tasty meal in a cosy environment, which is easy share with friends after a day at the beach. 489 Nepean Highway, Frankston. Ph: +61 3 9783 6668.

Southside SocialCreated by the team that brought Melbourne’s food truck revolution further ‘south of the Yarra’ than South Melbourne, Southside Social have set up shop in Frankston. Boasting a large outdoor terrace, Southside Social is the Peninsula’s newest hotspot specialising in American gourmet burgers, fancy fries and spiked shakes. Diners can relax to hip-hop beats and may even catch a DJ spinning a turntable. 433 Nepean Highway, Frankston.