French Island

French Island is something of a secret paradise. A place of peace and serenity with a backdrop of native bushland and stunning views. With abundant wildlife and birds, French Island is the place to go when you really want to get away from it all.

Accessible only by passenger ferry, the best way to explore the island is by bike or on foot. The island is equipped with a licensed general store, local visitor information centre and bike-hire.

French Island hosts a National Park which covers about two-thirds of the island. See chicory kilns, spot a koala or long-nosed potoroo or simply enjoy the serenity. Being Victoria’s largest coastal island, French Island has diverse range of environments including mangrove saltmarsh and open woodlands. In spring the native vegetation is a blaze of colour. There are over 580 indigenous species, including over 100 orchid species.

Walking and cycling tracks range from whole day and half day to shorter options and start from the Tankerton Foreshore Reserve. These tracks are your entry to wetlands, koala colonies and endless bird-watching.

The passenger ferry leaves daily from Stony Point and Cowes on Phillip Island to Tankerton Jetty.