Make the most of this beautiful weather and take the family or that special someone for a picnic to reconnect and relax while taking in beautiful scenery and spectacular gardens.
Picnic Etiquette
As we transition into this new era, each of us need to play our part to keep one another safe, there are a few changes to our typical park etiquette that Frankston City Council would like us all to bear in mind when using these amazing outdoor spaces;
- Stay 1.5 metres apart from others outside of your group
- If it's too busy, come back another time or try another park
- Be courteous and kind to others – everyone has their own version of what is and isn't safe right now, give people space and the benefit of the doubt
Suggestions and Tips:
- Pack some hand sanitizer, mask and disinfection wipes (remember to take home what you brought with you)
- If you use a bench or picnic table, wash your hands afterward or why not pack a picnic table cloth or use a picnic rug
- Consider going in non peak times, early in the morning or late afternoon
- If you see a family with small children, give them some extra space (toddlers = don't understand social distancing)
George Pentland Botanic Gardens
Williams St, Frankston (near the Frankston Hospital)
Melways Ref: 102 E5
Discover George Pentland Botanic Gardens, a hidden treasure in the centre of Frankston. Why not grab a picnic and relax on the grass near the Ornamental Lake or take a walk and experience some of Australia's beautiful native flora and observe the many bird species that reside within the gardens. Plenty of large open spaces for the kids to run around, explore the fern gully and kick the footy.
Features:
Walking tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Native vegetation and plant collections
Ornamental lake - children require supervision
New playground
Picnic tables, toilets (disabled access) and barbecue facilities
Pets, bikes or skateboards not permitted
Opening Times:
April to October 7am - 6pm.
November to March 7am - 9pm.
Download brochure
Hot tip: watch out for your lunch as the ducks will be eyeing it off!
Frankston Waterfront
Pier Promenade, Frankston
Melways Ref: 100A A9
Grab some fish and chips from Sofia's Family Restaurant or one of the nearby cafes on Nepean Highway and take in the view of Port Phillip Bay from the beach or shaded picnic areas. Take a wander along the raised boardwalk through the Tea Trees and Banksias, over the Landmark Bridge which connects to Kananook Creek Trail to the north or Oliver's Hill to the south. If the kids want to have a play after the picnic, there is the newly redeveloped Frankston Regional Playground, or they can try and decode the 'secret message' on the 22 pier flags.
Features:
Walking tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
New playground with Liberty Swing
Ample car parks
Picnic tables, toilets (disabled access) and barbecue facilities
You can extend your wander by crossing the Nepean Highway to enter Sweetwater Creek Nature Reserve at Liddesdale Avenue at the bottom of Oliver's Hill.
Hot tip: Car parking fees and limits apply. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach December-March between 9.30am-7.30pm. Dogs are welcome from April-November at all times, provided they are on a lead.
Ballam Park
260R Cranbourne Rd, Frankston
Melways Ref: 103 B4
Features:
Walking/cycling tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
2 playgrounds and skate park
Car parks
Sporting fields (AFL, soccer, cricket, athletics track, basketball)
Undercover shelter
Off lead dog area and dog agility park
Picnic tables, toilets (disabled access) and barbecue facilities (shaded areas)
Ballam Park Homestead (historic home and museum)
Beauty Park
Spring St, Frankston
Melways Ref: 100A C9
Features:
Walking/cycling tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Playground
Ornamental lake with viewing platform
Car parks
Pavilion
Outdoor fitness stations
On lead dog walking area
Picnic tables, toilets (disabled access) and barbecue facilities
Frankston War memorial
Iconic 'Power of the community' sculpture
Little Beauty Market
Seaford Foreshore
Melways Ref: 97 D11
Seaford Foreshore Reserve is one of the oldest in the local area, and it includes 5km of coastal paths through remnant Coastal Banksia and Tea Tree woodlands from Keast Park to Mile Bridge. Grab an ice cream at Gelato Unou or a bite to eat in one of the cafes in the Seaford Village and cross the road to the picnic areas. Take a wander along Seaford Pier or check out the 'Intervention' sculpture near the Beach Cafe Seaford.
Features:
Walking tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Ample car parks
Picnic tables, toilets and barbecue facilities (Keast Park and Seaford Village)
Playground (Keast Park)
Train Station (Seaford Village)
On lead dog walking area
Beach access
Download brochure
Keast Park
Nepean Hwy, Seaford
Melways Ref: 97 D10
Located in Seaford, Keast Park is a great picnic spot with amazing views of Port Phillip Bay. Nearby is Crackerjack Beachfront Cafe where you can grab something to takeaway while the kids are playing on the natural space themed playground.
Features:
Walking tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Ample car parks
Picnic tables, toilets and barbecue facilities
Playground
Beach access
Overport Park
159 Overport Rd, Frankston South
Melways Ref: 106 C1
Wide open spaces for dogs and kids to run around. Grab a bite to eat at Flourish Cafe on the way.
Features:
Walking tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Ample car parks
Picnic tables
Toilets (disabled access)
Playground (fenced)
Free roam for dogs
Walking trail to Sweetwater Creek
Tennis courts
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Arboretum
Edward St, Langwarrin
Melways Ref: 103 F5
The 1 hectare Arboretum is planted with native and exotic plants and trees. This local park is very popular for outdoor weddings and photographs.
Open:
April to October: Sunday - Friday 6am - 6pm
November to March: Sunday - Friday 6am - 8pm
Features:
Walking tracks suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Off street parking available at the Edward Street entrance and the service lane of Cranbourne Rd.
Toilets
Picnic tables
Playground
Dog friendly on leash
No bicycles permitted