Make the most of your midweek break this Australia Day

Drinks, art, rides, water and slides this Australia Day.

Australia Day is a well-known day to sit back, relax and unwind with family and friends over a few drinks and a summertime favourite, Aussie style BBQ. 

With the absence of a long weekend, relaxation can still be achieved if you use your rare midweek break as an opportunity to celebrate locally, try something new and of course still get together with your nearest and dearest.

To be honest, the bump in the week, hump-day, is not a day for cooking, cleaning or hosting. Instead take advantage of the opportunity to focus on the fun, laughter, traditions and creating memories with the following unique Australia Day 2022 experiences. All you need to do is bring along your bathers, appetite, sense of adventure and excitement. Send a text, invite your friends and meet them there!

It’s easy, fun, thrilling and flavoursome. What a rarity!



Sustainably riding around town

Have a bike? Don't need one. 
Now, thanks to Frankston City Council, our city is home to 150 e-bikes to help you conveniently and sustainability make your way around town. Hot of the press, the e-bikes which only launched in 21st January can be found in various locations across the city. This Australia Day give these new e-bikes ago for yourself or with a mate.  Two trails we suggest to get started on would be the Frankston to Baxter Trail and Frankston Boardwalk. 

Click here for more information on the bikes. 

Australia’s largest indoor play center is a must this Australia Day

Have you been to Funtopia? This is your excuse to head back and experience it like never before. This Australia Day, Funtopia Carrum Downs are hosting a special event between 11am-3pm. Between 12-2pm the day will include face painting and a live reptile show (crocs, lizards, turtle and more) and beyond that they will be playing Australian music and having a sausage sizzle.  They invite guests to dress up in classic Australian gear to help celebrate. Their onsite restaurant, Mr Spriggins will be open serving up barista made coffee with a fresh gourmet menu options for all ages.

The best thing about this day, in true Australian style Funtopia will be giving back by donating 100% of ticket sale proceeds to Beyond Blue in an effort to aid mental health awareness in children and adults. Have fun, while supporting a great cause. Funtopia, Carrum Downs is located at 586 Frankston-Dandenong Road, see you there. 

Hours of fun in the water at PARC’s summer splash

Rain, hail or shine, hours of fun can be had indoors at PARC this Australia Day on the popular Splashtown obstacle course, the green water slide, as well as the multilevel aquatic playground. After your session, settle in for lunch the PARC Café, a great place to relax and meet friends or pick up a snack or beverage to recharge after exhausting yourself in the water. They have an extensive range of food and beverage options available, including great coffee, take home meals, delicious sandwiches and wraps, fresh fruit, yoghurt and hot food. With Splashtown running from 11am-3pm, not matter the forecast, book your spot today, limited available. Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre is located on the corner of Cranbourne Road and Olive Grove, Frankston.

Summer season pool party!
If you haven’t yet had enough time in the water head to the gorgeous outdoor Pines swimming pool, for a fun family day out. Visitors can enjoy FREE entry between 12-4pm and will be entertained for hours with a much loved free BBQ sausage sizzle, the Pines outdoor water slide and face painting! If you haven’t been to the facility before you are sure to be amazed. Features include 50m heated outdoor six-lane pool, toddler’s pool, giant water slide, barbecue area and shaded picnic spots, change rooms, playground area and half-court basketball. All this alongside ample car parking that is free. If you’re looking for a great day out and trying something new, this Pool Party is for you! Pines Forest Aquatic Centre is located on Forest Drive in Frankston North.

Scoop up iconic Aussie flavours

It’s hit 4pm and after a massive day in the water it’s time to dry off and whet you pallet on traditional Aussie day flavours at Gelato Unou. Our recommendation is to try Splice; a milk based gelato with pine lime or Lamington, a classic Aussie favourite that has recently been restocked! That is of course if you don’t get distracted with everyone’s favourite chocolate or vanilla or branch out to try the pistachio, zabaione, cherries or hazelnuts. If ice cream isn’t your style go for a cake, Dutch pancakes, smoothie or shake! Vegan, Gluten Free, Coeliac and nut free options available. On Australia Day Gelato Unou will be open from 11.30am-10.30pm, located at 125A Nepean Hwy, Seaford. Their products are also available on Menulog. 

Extended celebrations, meals and drinks!

Whether you make it on Australia Day or the days following, the Frankston RSL have extended drink, cocktail and meal specials between 26-30 January. You could can try their newly created ‘True Blue Aussie’ cocktail or even an ‘Aussie Gold’.
Frankston RSL is located at 183 Cranbourne Road, Frankston.

Opening day at the Summer Carnival

Lastly, finish off your day with the thrill of a ride at the Summer Carnival at Frankston's Waterfront. Dodgem Cars, Dumbo Elephants, Skyflyer, Fun Factory, Sizzler, carnival food and of course show-bags are all among the mix. Entry is $2 per person, pay as you go for the rides, games, food and show-bags OR buy a 2 hour all you can ride wristband for $35. Purchase online and save! Summer Carnival starting Australia Day will be in town until 20th February, running from 12-9.30pm daily, at McCombs Reserve, Frankston Waterfront, Nepean Highway, Frankston



Indigenous Plants Trail

McClelland is proud to introduce you to its brand new online Indigenous plants trail. Developed in partnership with Living Culture, and in consultation with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, this resource invites you to discover five Indigenous plants from McClelland bushland. This project is part of Encounters, a learning program proudly supported by Crown Resorts and Packer Family Foundations. McClelland Gallery is opened from 10am-4pm, located at 390 McClelland Drive in Langwarrin. 



Bunurong artist display at the Frankston Visitor Information Centre 

Heather Kennedy is a proud Palawa woman descending from the Trawalway, Plairmairrener and related clans of North East Tasmania and the Bunurong Clan of Port Phillip Victoria.
Auntie Heather is a well respected Aboriginal Artist and has a passion for creating visuals and stories sharing culture through art. Heather's art is currently on display at the Frankston Visitor Information Centre and available for purchase. Head in store today and see these inspiring artworks for yourself. The Frankston Visitor Information Centre is located at  7N Pier Promenade, Frankston and currently opened Thursday - Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

Door prizes, dress ups and drinks 

It will be all happening down at General Public Frankston this Australia Day. Guests have been requested to dress in your finest Aussie attire.. think cork hats, Aussie flags.. they want you to get creative. Door prizes will be awarded for best dressed, but more importantly sausages will be sizzlin' from 12-2pm. Jugs of beer, arcade game cards, Tenpin bowling and endless fun to be had for you and all your mates. As one of the newer venues in Frankston we encourage you to head down, check out all the action and make the most of your midweek break!

If you're chasing more this Australia Day discover the best walking and bike trails, sculptures or street art you can find in Frankston or some of our other natural attractions to enjoy with family and friends.