West Coast of French Island, looking south

West Coast of French Island, mangroves

French Island is a large, mostly undeveloped island in Western Port Bay, Victoria, Australia.

Understand

French Island, Victoria's largest coastal island, is 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 a connecting train to Stony Point. Your Myki is valid for both train journeys. It is also possible to take the ferry from Phillip Island.

The Western Port Ferry costs $29 return for adults, and a little less than half that for children.

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

Get around

Walk or ride a bike.

See

Water birds, Koalas.

Buy

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

Drink

There aren't any bars or pubs in French Island, and additionally water on the island may need to be boiled or purified. Bring your own bottled water. While there may not be any bars or pubs, there is one vineyard.

• 1 French Island Vineyard, Long Point Rd, ☏ +61 477 818 255. (updated Jul 2021)

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 +61 428 880 729.
• Stony Point - Take the ferry to Stony Point where the suburban rail network can take you straight to Melbourne's CBD.
• Phillip Island - Take the ferry to Cowes Jetty on Phillip Island.