The lands on which Frankston now stands have long held cultural and practical importance for the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation. For around 40,000 years, the area served as a vital source of fish and a key meeting place for the Mayone-bulluk clan, reflecting its central role in Indigenous life along the eastern shoreline of Port Phillip Bay.

European presence in the area began around 1835, coinciding with the founding of Melbourne. Early settlement took the form of an informal fishing outpost, supplying fresh seafood to the rapidly growing colonial settlement nearby. This modest beginning marked the start of Frankston’s transformation into a permanent township.

Frankston was formally established in 1854, when official land sales for a new village were held on 29 May. As the settlement expanded, it grew in importance and influence, eventually lending its name to the wider local government area in 1893. This milestone cemented Frankston’s role as a central hub for administration and community life in the region.

Today, Frankston is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, including Frankston Central, Frankston East, Frankston Heights, Karingal, Long Island, Mount Erin, and Olivers Hill. Each area contributes to the suburb’s diverse character, combining residential, commercial, and coastal lifestyles.

According to the 2021 census, Frankston is home to 37,331 residents. Those who live in the suburb are commonly known as Frankstonians, reflecting a strong local identity shaped by thousands of years of history, cultural significance, and continued urban growth.