Knowing Frankston – Week 29

13–19 July 2026

Every week, Frankston writes another chapter of its story.

Here’s a look back at the people, places, changes and stories that shaped the week.

BOUNCE Frankston Is Now Open

BOUNCE Frankston has officially opened at Bayside Shopping Centre, bringing a new indoor action-adventure playground to the heart of Frankston. The venue features trampolines, an Infinity Wall Climb, dodgeball courts, Cliff Jump, Hamster Wheel, X-Park obstacle course and Slam Dunk basketball area, with more attractions still to be announced. Party bookings are available from 8 August.

Level 2, Bayside Shopping Centre, 28 Beach Street, Frankston
Monday to Wednesday: 9am–7pm
Thursday and Friday: 9am–9pm
Saturday: 9am–8pm
Sunday: 9am–6pm

General Games Levels Up with Move to Beach Street

One of Frankston’s best-known specialty retailers has expanded into larger premises, with General Games Frankston relocating from Keys Street to 24 Beach Street, in the former Aussie Disposals building. The move gives the popular retailer more space for its extensive range of board games, trading cards, puzzles, collectibles and hobby products, while providing an even larger venue for gaming events and the growing local community.

The relocation breathes new life into another vacant Beach Street shopfront and reflects the continued growth of a successful local business that has been part of Frankston for more than 20 years.

Kickin’Inn Opens at Bayside

Seafood restaurant Kickin’Inn has officially opened at Bayside Shopping Centre, bringing its signature seafood boil experience to Frankston. The new venue adds another dining option to the city centre and reflects continued investment in Frankston’s growing hospitality scene.

Cotti Coffee Opens in Shannon Street Mall

International coffee chain Cotti Coffee has opened in Shannon Street Mall, adding another café option to Frankston’s city centre and expanding the growing choice for coffee lovers.

Olivette Pizza & Pasta Preparing to Open

Work continues on Olivette Pizza & Pasta, with signage now in place as the new restaurant prepares to welcome its first customers. Once open, it will add another dining option to Frankston’s growing hospitality scene.

Roccella Lido Nears Opening

The countdown is on for the opening of Roccella Lido, the new southern Italian-inspired restaurant overlooking Port Phillip Bay above Oliver’s Corner Café and the Frankston Yacht Club. Expected to open in August, the venue has already attracted strong interest with wedding bookings, private function enquiries and recruitment well underway.

Frankston Boat Hire Enters a New Era

After more than 20 years under Pete’s ownership, Frankston Boat Hire appears to be entering a new chapter, with the long-established business now under offer as Pete prepares for retirement. If the sale proceeds, it will mark the beginning of a new era for one of Frankston’s iconic waterfront businesses.

Development & Infrastructure

Frankston’s Biggest Outdoor Gallery Takes Shape

Frankston’s Regional Arts Trail continues to take shape, with new public artworks appearing across the city as work progresses on the nine-kilometre route linking the waterfront with McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery.

The trail will connect destinations including Beauty Park, Ballam Park, Peninsula Health, Monash University Peninsula Campus, Nairm Marr Djambana and the Peninsula Link Trail. Alongside the artworks, new shared paths, seating, landscaping, drinking fountains and wayfinding signs are being installed, creating an accessible outdoor gallery for residents and visitors.

When completed in 2027, the Regional Arts Trail will become one of the region’s largest public art experiences and another landmark attraction for Frankston.

Pier Promenade Moves Forward

Plans continue to progress for the former Sofia’s Restaurant and Visitor Information Centre site, with Council assessing a proposal for a Mediterranean-style restaurant, outdoor bar, fish and chip shop and ice cream venue. While planning and government approvals are still required, the proposal represents another important step in the ongoing revitalisation of Frankston’s waterfront.

Events & What’s Happening

FOX FM Brings Delta Goodrem to Frankston

Frankston welcomed a national spotlight as FOX FM’s Fifi, Fev & Nick broadcast Brekky in the Burbs live from The Cheeky Squire. Fresh from her Eurovision appearance, Delta Goodrem performed a free set for the early morning crowd, while locals enjoyed complimentary coffee and prize giveaways.

The live broadcast attracted visitors from across Melbourne and showcased Frankston’s waterfront to a statewide audience, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a destination for major events and entertainment.

Derinya Art + Craft Exhibition Celebrates 50 Years

One of Frankston South’s most anticipated annual events returns this weekend as the Derinya Art + Craft Exhibition celebrates its 50th year. Festivities begin with the Opening Night Gala on Friday evening, offering guests the first opportunity to view and purchase artworks while enjoying live music, food and drinks. The exhibition then opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday, showcasing hundreds of works by talented local artists. More than just an art exhibition, the event has grown from a small school fundraiser into one of the Mornington Peninsula’s premier community events, with proceeds supporting Derinya Primary School.

Opening Night Gala
Friday 17 July | 7:00pm–10:30pm

Exhibition
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 July | 10:00am–4:00pm

Derinya Primary School, Frankston South
Adults $5 | Children under 16 free

Arts & Culture

Matt Mirams Performs at Moon Dog Beach Club

Local filmmaker and musician Matt Mirams entertained crowds with a live acoustic performance at Moon Dog Beach Club on Sunday afternoon. Already known to many in Frankston for his work in independent horror films, Matt has also been championing the city’s growing film industry through his latest projects.
The performance added to a busy weekend of live entertainment across Frankston while continuing to raise the profile of one of the city’s creative talents. Matt is also behind plans to bring another feature film production to Frankston, further strengthening the city’s reputation as an emerging location for the screen industry.

Local Business

ExploreABLE Edges Closer to Launch

A new local tourism initiative is one step closer to launch, with ExploreABLE revealing its nearly completed website this week. The platform will allow users to search activities by both location and interest, making it easier to discover experiences across the region. The team is now adding the final guides ahead of an official launch, with a launch party also planned in the coming weeks.

Spectacle Warehouse Farewells Frankston

After 12 years on Wells Street, Spectacle Warehouse has announced it will close its Frankston practice on 15 August. Owner and optometrist Dheeran Makadia thanked the community for its loyal support over the past decade and says he hopes to open a new practice outside Frankston in the future. The clinic’s final eye test appointments will be held on 23 July before preparations begin for the closure.

People

Meet Max – Frankston’s Dancing Crossing Supervisor

If you’ve driven along Heatherhill Road near Frankston Heights Primary School, chances are you’ve seen Max. With a smile, a wave and a dance, he’s become a much-loved part of the school run, bringing joy to children, parents and passing motorists alike.

This week, locals flooded social media with messages of appreciation, describing him as a “legend” who brightens their day. One resident said he’d been dancing at the crossing for at least ten years, while another shared that their children affectionately call him “Papa”.

Sometimes it’s the everyday people who leave the biggest impression on a community. Thanks for making Frankston smile, Max.

Frankston Remembers Sarah MacDiarmid

The community marked the 36th anniversary of the disappearance of Sarah MacDiarmid, who was abducted from Kananook Railway Station on 11 July 1990. Her family again appealed for anyone with information to come forward, reminding the community that the investigation remains unsolved and that a $1 million reward remains on offer.

More than three decades later, Sarah’s disappearance remains one of Frankston’s most enduring mysteries.

Sports & Recreation

Walking Football Welcomes New Players

Looking for a gentle way to stay active and meet new people? Seaford’s free Walking Football sessions are held every Wednesday at the Healthy Futures Hub in the Belvedere Community Centre. Designed for all abilities, the game removes running and physical contact, making it an enjoyable way to improve fitness, build confidence and connect with others. No experience is needed—just bring a water bottle and give it a go.

When: Wednesdays, 1.00–2.00pm
Where: Healthy Futures Hub, Belvedere Community Centre, 151 East Road, Seaford

Dolphins Produce Remarkable Final-Quarter Comeback

12 July 2026

The Frankston Dolphins produced one of the club’s most memorable victories, storming home with a seven-goal final quarter to defeat reigning premiers Footscray by 13 points in the VFL. The dramatic comeback ended a long winless run against the Bulldogs and strengthened Frankston’s push towards the finals, giving Dolphins supporters plenty to celebrate.

Looking Ahead

As Frankston continues to evolve, several significant projects remain on the horizon. Roccella Lido is expected to open in August, work will continue on the Regional Arts Trail, and planning will progress on the Pier Promenade precinct. We’ll continue following these stories as they unfold and bring you the next chapter of Frankston’s story next week.