A holiday in Frankston? The bayside city's campaign for top tourism award

Frankghanistan, Franga and even Feralville are some of the nicknames the Victorian suburb of Frankston has picked up over the years for its "undesirable" history.

"Look, I think it's unfair. I think you know, there might have been things in the past about Frankston that people might have thought ill of it. It's a great place to visit," Liberal Democratic Member for Melbourne's South East, David Limbrick, told A Current Affair.

Although Frankston has been the butt of jokes, Mr Limbrick believes the city may have the last laugh.

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It's vying for the prestigious top spot in the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, up against 22 other towns.

"Don't listen to the haters, come and visit Frankston and check it out for yourself," he said.

Frankston hasn't always been so family friendly.

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The focal point was the main intersection of Nepean Highway and Davey Street which housed a volatile mix of three pubs and a strip club on each corner.

Over the last decade though, the strip club left town and the pubs went up-market.

Glenn Cooper has lived in Frankston for 37 years.

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He admits there are still some social issues, like in every suburb and that's why he spends most of his time helping those who need it most, especially those with disabilities.

"We got a bad rep but over the years I've been here. Most of our problems that we have here are from outsiders," he said.

Mr Cooper said there's enough accommodation to go around for potential holidaymakers.

"There's enough motels around here, there's a few places," he ensures.

The winner of Victoria's Top Tourism Award will be announced on Wednesday, July 14 2021.