Kananook Creek Walking Trail (Frankston)
Kananook Creek runs parallel to the coastline linking Seaford Wetlands to Frankston Foreshore. Starting near the Frankston Yacht Club site, follow Kananook Creek along the 7.5km walking trail, through urban Frankston and Long Island, into the peace and serenity of rural Seaford and Carrum. Trains at Seaford or Carrum can return you to Frankston.
The number of access points make it possible to walk the entire length of the trail or to walk short sections, either returning by the same path or linking with the Seaford Foreshore Trail. An extended walk returning via the foreshore trail is an energetic option. A shared walking/bicycle path circuits the Seaford Wetlands and is also within walking distance from some northern sections of the Kananook Walking Trail.
Things to see
Indigenous plants - Kananook Creek Reserve follows an old dune system parallel to the creek. A variety of plant communities with over 200 indigenous species can be found in the reserve. The common trees are Coast Banksias, Sheoaks and Swamp Gums, with a middlestorey of Coast Tea-tree and Coast Beard-heath and an understorey, including White Correa, sedges and rushes. Swamp Paperbark is abundant on the floodplains.
Native animals - Many native animals have been recorded in the reserve, including 15 species of fish and crustaceans, and many frogs and lizards. In the Banksia trees you may spot Rainbow Lorikeets or honeyeaters feeding on the nectar while in the evenings you may see or hear the active Brushtail Possums. The Common Blue-tongue Lizard can be found in amongst the ground litter. Some of the 60 recorded bird species make the creek their home, while others such as water birds visit on on their way to the coast or Seaford Wetlands. Commonly seen are the Black Ducks, White-faced Herons, Cormorants and Spoonbills.
Things to do
Take some time to explore the natural beauty of this sometimes hidden, beautiful creek reserve. The 7.5 kilometre Kananook Walking Trail follows the creek from the mouth at Frankston Pier to Eel Race Road. This walk can be extended at the northern end of the reserve either by visiting Seaford Wetlands, one kilometre to the east, or Seaford Foreshore Reserve, 500 metres to the west. You can come in or out of the walking trail at many points along the path as it intersects local roads.
Alternatively, at the southern end of the reserve lies Frankston Foreshore, where you can continue along the scenic boardwalk beside the coast.
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the creek is to canoe an easy 7.5 kilometre (2 hours) along the navigable waterway. There are several canoe launching points along the creek - Eel Race Road, Riviera Street, Station Street, McCulloch Avenue, Fiocchi Avenue - and there is a boat ramp near the creek mouth.
Fishing, boating, birdwatching and photography are also popular activities. Picnic tables can be found at Beach Street, Fiocchi Avenue, Long Island, Station Street and Riviera Street.
Kananook Creek Walk Map
Walk Guide
The walk starts at the forecourt outside the Frankston Visitor Information Centre, Pier Promenade Frankston.
One of the first things you will notice is Louise Laverack's Sight Line, the semaphore flags from the roundabout and along the Pier. On each flagpole there is a letter that spells out a message. The pier, which was originally built in 1857 is 271 metres long. At the entrance to the pier, inset in the paving, is the mosaic Oasis by Anna Minardo. Dotted around the adjoining picnic area you will find a collection of small bronze boxes called Lost and Found by Anne Ross. Each box is unique and was inspired by local school children. Please look inside the boxes!
As you walk towards the mouth of the Kananook Creek, you will notice seats resembling yachts. The Kananook Creek originates from the Carrum Swamp, 12 kilometres away and winds its way into Port Phillip Bay.
Inscribed on the uprights marking the mouth of the creek you will find the poem I, Kananook written by Evangelos Sakaris. The poem is also inscribed on a plaque near the Landmark Bridge.
Continue over the Landmark Bridge and turn right along the creek side to the Davey Street Bridge crossing the creek.
Walk along the Kananook Creek Boulevard and learn about Frankston's famous people from the Hall of Fame installations. Seating is available.
Cross over Wells Street and walk along the footpath by the creek. If you look carefully you may see small fish and the occasional eel. The creek was a reliable source of water and fish for the Boonerwrung/Bunurong people, who were excellent eel catchers.
As you reach Beach Street, the walk continues onto the Kananook Creek Walking Trail. The path meanders through indigenous bush of Wattles, Banksias, Casuarinas and Melaleucas, to name just a few. Stop and listen - you may hear the frogs. There are seats along the pathway.
Once you reach Fiocchi Avenue, cross over the bridge. The bridges over the creek have all been reconstructed in their original style. As you cross the bridge you will notice the peacefulness of the creek. On the westerly side of the bridge there is a small picnic area to the left and a canoe launching area to the right.
Walk ahead to Gould Street and turn left. Walk to Annie Street, and turn right. At the bottom of Annie Street you will see a track (near the traffic sign) to the beach. Follow the track and as you emerge from the trees you will see on your left The Poet's Desk, a bronze sculpture by David Murphy, set on the sand dunes above the beach.
Continue onto the beach and turn left. Just along the beach (past approximately three houses) you will see a glimpse of The Barn. This house, which is private property, was the home of Harry and Nan McClelland, local artists and celebrities. The Barn was once described as "a rare example of Anglo Swiss - Fijian picturesque eclecticism".
Continuing along the beach, and near to Bathing box No. 48, you will see a sculpture called Meta Pier inscribed "Work without art is brutality" by Cameron Robbins.
There are a few brightly coloured bathing boxes dotted along the beach amongst the sand dunes.
An alternative route is to take a track from the beach, back towards Gould Street, then turn right and walk back along the road to the Frankston Life Saving Club.
To the left of the building, you will find a boardwalk. There are shaded areas with seating and lookouts.
A section of the boardwalk has panels with names inscribed in them. This was organised by The Rotary Club of Frankston Sunrise.
Follow the boardwalk, passing in front of the Frankston Yacht Club and you will return to the Landmark Bridge at the mouth of the Kananook Creek. Cross over the bridge and you will be back at the Frankston Waterfront.
General Information: Seating is available throughout the walk. Dog regulations apply. Toilets are situated adjacent to the Frankston Visitor Information Centre and at the Frankston Life Saving Club.
Location
7N Pier Promenade, Frankston 3199 Map
Web Links
→ Kananook Walking Trails (Kananook Creek Association)
