Greater Frankston Local History
The greater Frankston area is located in the southeastern part of Victoria, Australia. The area, which includes Frankston, Langwarrin, Seaford, and Carrum Downs, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years.
Before colonisation, the area was home to the Boonwurrung people.
The Boonwurrung people were known for their expertise in the use of natural resources in the region. They had a deep understanding of the local vegetation, which allowed them to create elaborate traps and snares to catch animals for food.
The Boonwurrung people also had a strong connection to the land and would conduct regular ceremonies and rituals to pay respect to the spirits of the earth.
The first documented European to visit the area was explorer George Bass in 1798. Bass was sailing along the coastline when he discovered a bay that he named Port Western (later renamed to Port Phillip Bay).
In 1803, the first British settlement was established in the area, led by Lieutenant James Grant. It wasn't until 1850, when the first permanent settlement was established by William Davey, that the area began to develop into what we know it as today.
Frankston was named after Charles Franks, who was a member of the government survey team mapping the area in the 1830s. The town grew slowly until the arrival of the railway in the late 1800s, making it more accessible to those looking to escape the city.
During the 20th century, Frankston became a popular seaside destination for Melbournians. Its beautiful beaches, abundance of natural parks and wildlife, and a plethora of tourist attractions made it a must-visit destination.
Langwarrin began to develop in the late 1800s as a farming community. It wasn't until the second half of the 20th century that Langwarrin became a residential hub, with the development of new housing estates and the opening of the Peninsula Freeway, making it easier to commute to Melbourne.
Seaford was also a farming community in the early 1900s. It wasn't until after World War II that Seaford became a popular beach destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers. Seaford began to develop into a residential area in the 1970s, with the construction of new housing estates
Carrum Downs was originally named Frankston East and was a farming community until the 1970s. In the 1980s, the government began to develop the area to accommodate Melbourne's rapidly growing population.
The local economy today is incredibly diverse, with a range of industries including healthcare, retail, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing.
The greater Frankston area has also become a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, the Frankston Arts Centre, and beautiful beaches such as Frankston Beach, Seaford Beach, and Carrum Beach.
The area is also surrounded by natural beauty, including the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, the Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve, and many more.
Overall, the greater Frankston area has a long and fascinating history that has shaped it into the vibrant and diverse community it is today.