Stunning natural open space
One of the potentially little-known, but hugely significant highlights of Frankston City is its enormous expanse of natural reserves and green open space.
With over 800 diverse and uniquely gorgeous open spaces, the totality of Frankston City green foot print exceeds 21,000 hectares, which is over 16 per cent of its total land area. The conservation of these natural spaces and the wildlife which abounds, defines the character of our blended Bush-Bay-City. Benchmarked against varied International, State, and Metropolitan Melbourne standards, Frankston City stands out as a rarity in the extent and diversity of natural open space within a single Municipality.
Frankston City’s abundant natural outdoor spaces and attractions make it an ideal destination for exploration and discovery.
While our natural environment is predominately coastal or near coastal, the full diversity includes manicured botanic gardens, hidden waterfalls, lush nature conservation areas, woodlands and forests, heaths and scrubs, internationally significant wetlands, waterways, state parks, sports grounds, cultural and heritage spaces, playgrounds, urban forest, natural parklands and trails.
Just a few of the highlights include:
- The Frankston foreshore reserve - significant both for its Aboriginal cultural history, geological and geomorphological features and its biodiversity values.
- The stunning one mile loop trail of Sweetwater Creek - a hugely popular hiking trail and protected for its flora, fauna, geological and cultural heritage values.
- KananookCreek - running for 7.5 km parallel to the coastline, this beloved walking trail links Seaford Wetlands to Frankston Foreshore.
- Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve - a stunning 98 hectare park, perfect for quiet recreational activities including walking, jogging, cycling, photography and nature appreciation.
- The 259 hectare Edithvale-Seaford Wetland (Seaford 158 hectares, Edithvale 101 hectares) - the largest natural wetland of its type in the Port Phillip and Westernport basins and listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve - a 214 hectare sanctuary to many threatened species. It provides a home for half the plant and animal species indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula.