West Coast of French Island, looking south

West Coast of French Island, mangroves

French Island is in Western Port Bay, Victoria, Australia.

Understand

French Island is the largest coastal island of Victoria, Australia, located in Western Port, 61 km (38 mi) southeast of Melbourne. In 1997 about 70% of the island was declared the French Island National Park, administered by Parks Victoria.

Get in

Passenger ferries leave from Stony Point to Tankerton Jetty. To get to Stony Point from Melbourne take the train to Frankston, then change trains, and take the train to Stony Point. It is also possible to take the ferry from Phillip Island.

Spirit of French Island operate a vehicular barge from Corinella to Stockyard Point Ferry Terminal.

Get around

Walk or ride a bike.

See

Water birds, Koalas.

Eat

• 1 French Island General Store, 289 Tankerton Rd, French Island VIC 3921, ☏ +61 3 5980 1209, info@figsfrenchisland.com.au. 8AM-5PM, Weekends 9AM-5PM. General Store, Post Office, and Bike Hire. (updated Apr 2018)

Drink

Water on the island may need to be boiled or purified.

Sleep

There is one free camping site in the National Park at Fairhaven, 4 km up the coast road from Tankerton Jetty, where the ferry arrives from Stony Point. The camp site is set among trees near the beach, with one public toilet and a water tank. Other camping is available at "private sites" at French Island Eco Inn and through the local French Island tour operator.

Go next

• Corinella - Take the barge to Corinella. For info call 0428 880 729.
• Stony Point - Take the ferry to Stony Point.
• Phillip Island - Take the ferry to Phillip Island.