New Ballam Park Heritage Trail provides a journey through time

Published on 24 October 2025

Frankston City’s history is now just a walk away.

The newly constructed Ballam Park Heritage Trail invites locals and visitors to step into the stories that have shaped our city, from cultural knowledge to seaside holidays and suburban growth.

Travelling along the footpath, either north-east or north-west from the park entrance off Karingal Drive, there are five themed panels and one information panel, each offering a snapshot in time, telling the story of Frankton City.

The trail begins with the deep cultural knowledge of the Mayunh Bulak clan of the Bunurong peoples, who have maintained connection to this Country for thousands of years. It also explores the impacts of colonial settlement from the 1840s, the rise of maritime industries, and the transformation of Frankston into a popular seaside destination with the arrival of the railway in 1882.

The trail themes are:

A Community Develops – Land, fish, timber, and boats.
Becoming a Destination – Trains, tourism, and territory.
A Community on the Bay – From rural township to suburban centre.
Ballamballam – Biik (Land), Warranh (Sea), and Laak (Sky) Country.
Recent Days – Fabulous Frankston, part of marvellous Melbourne.

Within these, visitors will discover engaging stories such as Mark Young’s innovative sea baths, the 1934 Scout Jamboree which brought 10,000 scouts from 18 nations to our shores, post-war

suburban expansion that shaped modern Frankston City, and our own star athletes, including Olympic gold medalist, Debbie Flintoff King.

The walk takes around 20 minutes, with plantings surrounding each sign.

Frankston City Deputy Mayor Cr Steffie Conroy said she was excited to see the trail come to fruition.

She thanked key groups and individuals for their valuable input, including the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) and Frankston Historical Society, the recipient of a recent Councillor Appreciation Award for outstanding dedication to preserving and sharing our city’s heritage. Long-time President Glenda Viner, who was instrumental in the heritage trail project, also recently received a Letter Under Seal from Council for her extraordinary commitment to the community.

“Frankston City has such a rich and varied history that many – including locals – may not be aware of. This trail is an opportunity to explore and learn while enjoying one of the city’s most popular and picturesque locations, our own Ballam Park,” she said.

Frankston Historical Society's new President Ben Hamilton said the trail was a welcome addition to the park and complemented the historic Homestead.

“The Ballam Park Heritage Trail brings Frankston’s past to life in a way that’s accessible and engaging. It’s a tribute to the people, places and events that have shaped our city, and we’re proud to have contributed to preserving these stories for future generations,” he said.

Cr Sue Baker said there was more to come to acknowledge Frankston City’s heritage, including Council funding towards an exciting event celebrating Frankston City’s proclamation anniversary.

“Council is excited to have started planning celebrations for its 60th anniversary as a city in August next year. We have a lot to celebrate and look forward to sharing the details with the community as the celebration takes shape,” she said.

Alongside the trail, several improvements have been delivered across Ballam Park to continue to create a vibrant and inclusive community space for both passive and active recreation. Recent and current upgrades include:

Balambalam Lake, Liardet Pond and the bioretention system, which uses plants, water circulation and aeration to naturally treat stormwater before it reaches the ocean. This area also includes a range of enhancements such as a BBQ and picnic area, seating, paths, artwork and more.
Upgraded play space.
Redeveloped athletics track, with sports lighting on the way.
Pedestrian lighting underway between the athletics track and the lake.
Ballam Park East oval resurfacing and drainage improvements to be completed by April 2026.

The Ballam Park Heritage Trail is now open. Walk along the trail, explore the stories, and enjoy the recent park upgrades.

For more information about Ballam Park, visit: Ballam Park - Frankston City Council

Guided tours of the Ballam Park Homestead (house and museum) and grounds operate every Sunday from 12 – 3pm and the Tearooms are open every Sunday from 12-4pm. Both are closed on the fifth Sunday of the month.

Frankston Historical Society | Cranbourne Road, Ballam Park, Frankston