Bayside, then and now
More than 50 years of shopping, meeting, eating and making memories in the heart of Frankston.
If you grew up in Frankston or on the Mornington Peninsula, chances are Bayside has been part of your story.
Maybe you remember shopping at Myer, meeting friends after school, choosing something special for a big occasion or heading into town with the family. Perhaps Bayside is now where you grab your morning coffee, find your next look, meet for dinner or spend the day shopping and playing with the kids.
A lot has changed since we first opened our doors in 1972. But one thing hasn’t, Bayside continues to be a place where our community comes together.

Where it all began.
On 3 October 1972, the original Bayside Frankston Shopping Centre opened its doors.
The day before, The Herald announced the arrival of Frankston’s new shopping destination. Anchored by a three-level Myer and home to more than 50 specialty stores, it marked the beginning of a new era of shopping for Frankston.
For many locals, those early years of Bayside will bring back plenty of memories, favourite stores, family shopping trips and afternoons spent meeting friends in the centre.

The original Herald advertisement announcing the opening of Bayside Frankston Shopping Centre on 3 October 1972.
Image credit: The Herald, 2 October 1972

Remember Bayside like this? Bayside in the 1970s
Look at Bayside in the 1970s and you’ll see a very different Frankston.
Historic photographs show the original centre surrounded by open-air car parks, with the Frankston we know today still taking shape around it.
1990 Over the decades, both Bayside and Frankston grew. New stores arrived, shopping areas expanded and different parts of the centre were connected, creating the Bayside generations of locals have come to know.
And while the fashion, shopfronts and hairstyles may have changed, the reason for coming together has remained remarkably familiar.
Growing up together
For more than five decades, Bayside has shared countless everyday moments with the Frankston community.
First jobs. Saturday shopping trips. Meeting friends. School holiday outings. Finding the perfect outfit. A quick coffee that turns into a long catch-up. Dinner and a movie. Introducing your kids to places you remember visiting when you were their age.
These are the moments that make a shopping centre more than its stores.
They’re part of Frankston's story too.

Bayside in the 1970s. A very different Frankston surrounds the original shopping centre.

Image credit: Frankston City Libraries / Heritage Frankston. (Frankston Heritage)

A new generation of Bayside.
The Bayside of today might look very different, but it’s still a place to come together, with even more ways to spend your day.
Discover new-season fashion and everyday favourites, catch the latest movie at HOYTS, take on a new challenge at BOUNCE or iPlay, fit in a workout at Revo Fitness, or meet family and friends for coffee, lunch or dinner.
New names including UNIQLO have joined familiar favourites, while new dining, entertainment and leisure experiences continue to bring something different to discover.

You can come for one thing and make a day of it.
Shop. Eat. Play. Discover more at Bayside.
Proud to call Frankston home

Being part of Frankston has always meant more to us than simply having an address here.
We’re proud to be part of a community with its own personality, creativity and unmistakable coastal character.
You can see that connection throughout Bayside today from local art and murals to community partnerships, events and experiences that bring people together.
Step outside and there’s even more to discover, with Frankston’s city centre, arts and cultural destinations and waterfront all close by.
It’s what makes Bayside distinctly Frankston.
Still changing. Still Bayside.
More than 50 years separate Bayside in our historic photographs from the centre you visit today.
Stores have come and gone. Fashion has changed. New generations have grown up. And Bayside has continued to change with them.

But some things feel just as familiar.

It’s still somewhere to meet. Somewhere to find what you need and sometimes something you didn’t know you were looking for. Somewhere to share a meal, have some fun and spend time together.
And there are plenty more memories still to come.

 Yesterday, today and whatever comes next, we’ll see you at Bayside.

Bayside in 2023.

Image credit: The Herald Sun

Bayside through the decades

1970

Image credit: Frankston City Libraries / Heritage Frankston. (Frankston Heritage)

1980

Image credit: Frankston City Libraries / Heritage Frankston. (Frankston Heritage)

1990

Image credit: unknown

2000

Image credit: Frankston City Council. (FCC)

Explore the Frankston City Council 60th Birthday celebrations, here.