FRANKSTON Due to its geographical location at the northernmost point of the peninsula, it is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Mornington Peninsula". Frankston is named after a British Army General who fought in the Second Sikh War. The theory is strengthened by the fact a number of other towns in the area, Europeans first set foot in Frankston as early as 30 January 1803, thirty two years before the founding of Melbourne (the first major European settlement in the then Port Phillip District).  The population of Frankston boomed during and after World War II, increasing from 12,000 in 1947 to 82,000 by 1982 and is therefore a very new city and heritage factors have not been a consideration. This perception is borne out of a large population base and no real museum. Most residents have never heard of the School Yard Museum. In 1959, the Hollywood film, On the Beach, starring Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner, was partly filmed in Frankston, at its railway station and in the surrounding area. The original novel of On the Beach was written by novelist Nevil Shute, who lived in Frankston's south-east, in what is now the Frankston suburb of Langwarrin. An appropriate place to write a book about the end of the world!!!! The Sand Sculpture Centre is worth a look at. The Frankston Churches are Modern. The Anglican a 50 plus year building. The Frankston War Memorial is a modern acknowledgement poorly defined. The Hotels are a mix of the old and newish. The Shakespeare Hotel the pub that has a bit of character. Given the Sand Sculpture is of considerable interest a visit to Frankston should be considered.