French Island National Park is located in Western Port, just off the Mornington Peninsula. This ever-changing landscape is shaped by water, from rocky shorelines and sandy beaches to mangroves, saltmarshes and wetlands that shift with the tides and seasons.
Can I visit French Island? French Island is only 61km south-east of Melbourne. Access to the island is by the Western Point Ferries passenger ferry running daily from Stony Point pier or Cowes on Phillip Island to Tankerton Jetty. Tickets for the 15-minute ferry ride are $26 for adult return and $12 for a child return.
Then, Can you swim on French Island? Hazards to be aware of on French Island: Swimming is not recommended due to the soft muds and strong currents. Snakes are present and should be left alone.
Was there a jail on French Island? It operated as a self-sustaining farm. The prison closed in 1975 and was used as a holiday camp facility until 1995. Most recently it operated as an eco-village until it was bought in 2017 for $4 million by a Chinese-based company with plans to turn it into a major tourism operation.
FAQ
Is there a bridge to French Island?
BORN and bred French Island resident Rose Scott has done it again. The 90-year-old was delighted to cut the ribbon to open the island’s new Coast Road bridge, Saturday 24 April, after opening the first bridge on almost the same spot near Tankerton Road about 30 years ago.
Does anyone live on French Island? French Island has a permanent population of about 110 people and a part-time population of around 100. With no road link to the mainland residents must be largely self-sufficient and have a keen understanding of water and electricity use, since they are responsible for both.
How do you get around French Island? The only way to get over to the island is passenger ferry and there’s no way to take a car over. Once on the island the only way to get around is by bicycle which you can bring on the ferry or hire from the general store, or you can come on tour with us and explore in the 4-wheel drive OKA.
Can you walk French Island? French Island National Park has much to offer including unspoiled natural bushland and walking along beaches where your only companions are hundreds of wading birds. Experience wonderful walks and bike rides through a range of habitats.
Is there phone reception on French Island?
Telephone services to the island are provided via a microwave link. To connect the telephone, contact Telstra. There is a public telephone in front of the French Island General Store. For Internet connections, talk to your neighbours about which service is most appropriate for your circumstances and location.
Who lives on French Island? French Island has a permanent population of about 110 people and a part-time population of around 100. With no road link to the mainland residents must be largely self-sufficient and have a keen understanding of water and electricity use, since they are responsible for both.
Are dogs allowed on French Island?
All native plants, animals, rocks and soil are protected and must not be disturbed. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
How many koalas are on French Island? Local ecologist and treasurer of the Friends of French Island volunteer group Chris Chandler estimates the local population to be around 3000, on an island of 170 square kilometres.
Can I take my dog to French Island?
All native plants, animals, rocks and soil are protected and must not be disturbed. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
Why is there nothing on French Island?
French Island is relatively isolated and underdeveloped. There are no water mains, electricity mains, or medical services on the island. There is one small general store and post office located on Tankerton Road about 3 km (1.9 mi) from Tankerton Jetty.
Can you kayak to French Island? Kayaking and Canoeing
The closest launching points for recreation users are at Warneet, 6km away, or Tooradin, 10km away. Please check the weather conditions and tides before heading out. The crossing to French Island is across a channel subject to strong tidal flow and quick condition changes.
How do you get around the French Island? The only way to get over to the island is passenger ferry and there’s no way to take a car over. Once on the island the only way to get around is by bicycle which you can bring on the ferry or hire from the general store, or you can come on tour with us and explore in the 4-wheel drive OKA.
How big is French Island?
French Island is approximately 20 km long and 14 km wide and covers 154 sq km. Much of the coastline is surrounded by mangroves, and natural heathland covers a large part of the island. The highest point is Mount Wellington, 96 metres above sea level.
Is there police on French Island? There is no regular police presence or ambulance service on the island. French Island has a Country Fire Authority (CFA) branch run by a group of hard-working volunteers.
Do you pay rates on French Island?
French Island is not part of a local council; residents don’t pay rates – which normally act as a guide for valuations.
How long does the French Island ferry take? The French Island ferry gives access to the island and takes only 15 minutes to reach the island from Stony Point. It runs a service between Stony Point in the Mornington Peninsula and Cowes on Phillip Island, travelling via French Island.
Can I camp on French Island?
Camping on private land, with the permission of the landowner, is permitted. The residents of French Island ask that campers on private land respect the natural environment by confining their campsites to already cleared land, and by exercising care in the disposal of waste and the use of fire.
Which Caribbean island is French? Martinique, island and overseas territorial collectivity of France, in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is included in the Lesser Antilles island chain. Its nearest neighbours are the island republics of Dominica, 22 miles (35 km) to the northwest, and Saint Lucia, 16 miles (26 km) to the south.
