Langwarrin

Langwarrin is a semi-rural residential suburb within the city of Frankston local government area on the edge of the Mornington Peninsula 42km southeast of Melbourne CBD. It was named after the Langwarrin Parish pastoral run of the mid-1800s which extended from the current suburb to Western Port Bay at Tyabb. Prior to European settlement, Langwarrin was the traditional home of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.

Langwarrin's most significant natural feature is its flora and fauna reserve. A former military reserve established for the defence of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne, the reserve has been extended over time to its current size of 509 acres and is regarded as one of the most beautiful anywhere in Victoria. The area is home to many species of flora, fauna habitats and historical sites and provides a network of trails for hikers and cyclists.

Another landmark is the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park, eight acres of natural bushland featuring a sculpture park, named in honour of Frankston artists Nan and Harry McClelland. Crude Farm is also a popular destination designed as a place of leisure and recreation left to the community by the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Dame Elisabeth was a long-term resident and philanthropist who also remains patron of the McClelland Sculpture Prize.

The Gateway and Langwarrin Plaza are the suburb’s two main shopping centres along with several smaller shopping precincts. It is five minutes’ walk to the main bus station, while Frankston is the nearest train station. There has also been much discussion in recent years of a rail extension from Frankston to Langwarrin and Baxter.

Housing ranges from original Victorian and Federation residences to modern-style homes, with residents citing the suburb’s family-friendly feel and proximity to schools, parklands, beaches and shopping centres as a prime motivator for buying or investing in the area.