We are finding now more than ever, people are searching for some great local walks to try with their family. Frankston City is home to some truly amazing walks and trails.
We sat down with a local resident and Team Leader at the Visitor Services for Frankston City Council; Rebecca Gregory. She has tried and tested some of our legendary local trails and has some tips to share with you all.
Top 4 local walks - A guide to family friendly walking tracks
Rebecca is a local resident of Frankston City and a mum of two young children. She has like many of us, been on the lookout for some great local walks to keep the kids entertained and has shared with us some great tips and tricks to get the most out of your daily exercise activity.
Please ensure you are following all Victorian State Regulations and use common sense when it comes to traveling and avoid driving with passengers outside your household. For more information, please visit The Department of Health and Human Services website by clicking HERE.
Q: What is your favourite thing about this trail?
A: This trail is a family favourite in our house. The kids absolutely love our walks along the Peninsula Link Trail. The trail itself is super safe for all ages, as there are no roads to navigate along the way. During the walk the kids love to spot the different animals in the paddocks along the trail. Horses, alpacas, cows and sheep to name just a few! It is a trip to the zoo and a great walk in the fresh air all at once.
Q: How long does the trail take?
A: There are 6 trails to choose from that all vary in length. We choose to do the Moorooduc to Baxter Trail. This is approximately 2.2km total. Given we have little legs racing along the way, we choose to turn around after a little under a kilometre and make a round trip of about 1.5km. This usually takes us about 1 hour, however, it would be much quicker for those without small children.
Q: Who is the walk best suited for and can we take our pets?
A: We love this walk as a young family. My mother also enjoys the walk and we see many bike riders along the way. It really is an all age's activity.
Q: What's your hot tip?
A: If you park near Moorooduc Train Station, you can easily grab a coffee for your walk at the nearby Mooroduc Coolstores.
Q: What is your favourite thing about this trail?
A: Walking through the coastal banksia trees and tea-tree scrub vegetation. The kids just love crossing the suspension bridges over Kananook Creek.
Q: How long does the trail take?
A: There are many different entry and exit points to this walk depending on your desired distance as the trail runs for 7.5km and follows the creek from Frankston Pier to Eel Race Road in Seaford. We just do a small portion of the walk starting at Waves On The Beach Restaurant carpark and walk along the creek trail until we reach Nepean Highway, then we loop back. This usually takes us about an hour.
Q: Who is the walk best suited for and can we take our pets?
A: We often walk here with my two children under four. We pass many people on our way of all ages. It's a great simple walk close to all amenities. The trail is bike and pram friendly. Dog's are welcome to come along on a lead. We bring our puppy with us when we use this trail. Just make sure you bring bags with you to clean up after your furry friend.
Q: What's your hot tip?
A: Grab a coffee at One Pear Tree Cafe or Mr Frank's Cafe along the walk. You can loop back along the beach to really make it a super fun walk with a beachcomb.
Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve
Q: What is your favourite thing about this trail?
A: Honestly, there is so much to love about this Reserve. Lots of bird life and bell bird songs, it is what we like to call our 'secret little gem' as it has been closed to the public for 95 years until recently and it really is an exciting new discovery for the whole family.
Q: How long does the trail take?
A: There are several walks to choose from. My favourite walk is the Kookaburra Bush Circuit which takes you right around the reserve and is a little more challenging with a steep incline and undulating hills. This circuit is 3.1km and takes me around an hour to complete, however this track is not pram or bike friendly. When I have the pram, we love to walk along the dam wall, explore the lookout point and boat launching area for kayaks and SUPs, then we do the Heathland Bush Circuit which is 1.8km and takes us an hour, however would be much quicker without small children.
Q: Who is the walk best suited for and can we take our pets?
A: Unfortunately, no pets are permitted so they have to stay home when we take this incredible walk. The Reserve is a conservation site and is managed by Parks Victoria. You can take your bike on some of the trails although, always ensure you check the map to check the track that you have chosen is suitable. Some paths are less suited for bikes and prams, as I discovered the hard way. A quick check of the map before commencing would be a great idea.
Q: What's your hot tip?
A: Before entering the reserve at Jeremy Way, take a moment to enjoy the landscaped gardens. Also keep in mind there are no toilet blocks or amenities on site. Prepare accordingly.
Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve
Q: What is your favourite thing about this trail?
A: I love how untouched all of the natural backdrops are and the opportunity to see a variety of local animals such as birdlife, wallabies and the occasional echidna and how at peace you feel here. Another great feature is the historical boards along the way. You can learn as you walk!
Q: How long does the track take?
A: There are lots of different tracks on offer. We take the Historic Trail which is suitable for prams and an easy walk with the children and their little legs. It usually takes us about one hour.
Q: Who is the walk best suited for and can we take our pets?
A: All ages and abilities. Some tracks are super flat and accessible for prams, wheelchairs and bikes alike. No dogs or pets are allowed due to the wildlife and sensitive nature of the natural reserve however on some tracks you can take your horses!
Q: What's your hot tip?
A: As you enter the park there is a map at the main entrance with all the walks you can choose from and lets you know where everything is. Take a photo on your phone so you can reference the map if required.
Try them for yourself!
With so many walks to try in Frankston City, there is sure to be one to explore close by.
Please ensure you are following all Victorian State Regulations and are not gathering in groups of more than ten to enjoy recreational activities (including hiking). Please use common sense when it comes to traveling and avoid driving with passengers outside your household. For more information, please visit The Department of Health and Human Services website by clicking HERE.
Frankston and Frankston South
Take in the Banksias, Wattle, Tea Trees and coastal bush, while exploring the natural beauty of the Kananook Creek Walking Trail. This reserve is home to history and a wide range of indigenous plant species, native birds, lizards, frogs and fish. Follow the creek which flows between Seaford Wetlands and the Frankston Foreshore.
George Pentland Botanic Gardens
One of the most known indigenous lands in Victoria, discover art symbolic of Aboriginal dream time. Walk the gardens enabling you to experience an expedition into some of the best Australian native flora. The open spaces allow for family celebrations, get-togethers and picnics whilst the kids explore the playground.
Opening Times: April to October 7am - 6pm | November to March 7am - 9pm.
Need a coffee or lunch to enjoy in the gardens? Wander up the Foot Street and see the team at Down the Street
Action-packed this is the way to experience this shared off-road trail as a cyclist and walker expending some energy while observing our rural landscapes, flora and fauna. At 7.5km, it's very manageable, making it a perfect choice for a bit of adventure.
Get everything you need for a picnic before you leave in Frankston's city centre. Pop into one of the city's many cafes or pack your basket with treats from Lucky's Deli.
Frankston Foreshore is the City's most iconic destination. Sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay set the scene for a quick walk along the boardwalk or the sand at any time of the day. Pets are welcome from April-November at all times, provided they are on a lead. Pets are not permitted from December-March between the hours of 9.30am and 7.30pm.
Grab a takeaway coffee and a snack from Sofia's Restaurant or one of the nearby cafes on Nepean Highway to enjoy on your walk.
A hidden beauty that lies behind the Nepean Highway. This beautiful nature reserve and boardwalk is perfect for a family adventure. Boardwalks follow the creek which meander through remnant woodland where you can observe native birds, frogs and the occasional echidna or lizard while crossing suspension bridges and relaxing by the granite rocks. Choose your entrance as some are steeper than others. If you enter or exit via Norman Avenue, you will find Mr Frankie and Flourish Café offering delicious take-away food and drinks to keep you going.
Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve
Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve is a 98 hectare park located in Frankston South. Take in a short walk to the dam (wheelchair accessible) for picturesque views or jog and cycle along trails up to 5km through the remnant bushland with connections to adjacent reserves including Sweetwater Creek. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way as the reserve is home to more than 300 species of significant native plants and animals including the Growling Grass Frog, Echidnas, Blue Tongue Lizards and the Blue Billed Duck.
Seaford
Take a relaxing walk in the tranquil surrounds of the Seaford Foreshore. The reserve includes 5km of coastal paths through remnant Coastal Banksia and Tea Tree woodlands from Keast Park to Mile Bridge. The walking track is part of the three waters walk which includes the Seaford Wetlands walk and the Kananook Creek walk. Part of the Frankston Coastal Arts Trail at the entrance to the Seaford Foreshore, is the wrought iron 'Hermitage', an archway that was built as a tribute to John Maddox.
Stop in for a bite to eat or a spot of shopping in Seaford Village. The strip of shops has cosy cafes, boutique clothing stores and deliciously good ice-cream to be enjoyed year-round.
The wetlands are significant habitats for endangered migratory and native water birds. The remnant wetland areas are the largest remaining natural wetlands of their type in Port Phillip and Westernport basins. Bring your binoculars as you walk or cycle the 5km trail for great bird watching opportunities at various viewing points near Austin Road and at the end of Mona Street.
Langwarrin
Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve
The 214 hectare reserve is one of the few remaining areas that is significant for its conservation and diversity of indigenous plants, animals and it has an abundance of history. There a number of smaller walking or cycling tracks through Heathland and Eucalypt Woodlands with plenty of bird watching opportunities and keep your eye open for an echidna or Swamp Wallaby.
The 25km Peninsula Link Trail has 6 trips to choose of various lengths to walk or cycle along which wander past Seaford Wetlands, many reserves, playgrounds and natural bushlands. The trail begins at Patterson Lakes connecting the EastLink and Baxter Trails and it ends at Moorooduc Train Station. Mornington Railway runs diesel and steam heritage train rides from Moorooduc to Mornington.
Frankston North
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve is an important area of remnant heathland for indigenous flora and fauna, some of which are considered to be rare or threatened. An extensive network of walking tracks through the 220 hectares of bushland provides access to spectacular views of Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges from the lookout at the top of the Panorama Track. Take your camera and keep an eye open a long the tracks or boardwalk for Swamp Wallabies, echidnas, snakes and various bird species.
Cranbourne
The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is one of Victoria's most valuable areas with 363 hectares of untouched heathlands, wetlands and woodlands. There are 10km of walking and cycling tracks of various lengths through natural bushland which includes lookouts, picnic sites and playgrounds which will give visitors an appreciation of many challenging and diverse Australian landscapes. Take your binoculars and watch out for wildlife including koalas, wallabies, echidnas, snakes and you may even catch a glimpse some of the many bird species in the natural bushland or wetlands.
The Australian Garden captures Australia's diverse landscapes from the red centre of Uluru to the Eucalypt Forests and its coasts. Take a leisurely walk or hop on the Explorer Bus which circulates around the Australian Garden every 30 minutes. For more information about the gardens, the Visitor Centre is located at the entrance next to the Boon Wurrung Cafe or click on the link below.
Check out the Bicycle and Walking Paths brochure for a trail map around Frankston City.
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