Traveller safety information

• Explore the park at leisure by bus or bike or on foot, using the network of public roads and management tracks. There are whole day, half day and shorter walks and rides starting at Tankerton Foreshore Reserve (see the information display at the Ranger Station for guides to routes and more information).
• See a chicory kiln, such as the one at Bayview Chicory Kiln.
• Spot some of the large population of koalas or long-nosed potoroos.
• Enjoy the peace and quiet of an isolated island.

• Toilets are provided at the Fairhaven campsite on the western foreshore. No open fires are permitted at any time due to the highly combustible vegetation of the Island. A portable gas stove (or similar ) is therefore recommended.
• Limited supplies are available at Tankerton General Store.
• The Island is mainly flat or gently undulating, the highest point being Mt Wellington, 98 metres above sea level
• Accommodation is available on the island, including farm stays and bed & breakfasts. Contact the Tourism Victoria accredited Visitor Information Centre on 1800 804 009 for details or the French Island Tourism Association phone line on (03) 9585 5730.

Boats from the French expedition ship, Le Naturaliste, sailed into Western Port in April 1802 and spent a week checking the maps of George Bass. M Brevedant circumnavigated the island and called it 'Ile De Francoise'. There is no official record of European settlement on the island prior to 1842. The first island pastoral run was leased in 1850. Chicory growing began in the 1890s and the industry thrived for more than 60 years.

McLeod Prison Farm was established on the island in 1916. Long term prisoners served their final years there.

About 70 permanent residents, many of them descendants of the first settlers, have made the fertile soils in the southern half of the Island productive farm land, but the less disturbed northern part has now been declared French Island National Park, covering about two-thirds of the island.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, the Boon Wurrung and Bunurong identify the French Island National Park as their Traditional Country.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria .

French Island supports a large population of the Long-nosed Potoroo, as well as containing the most significant population of koalas in Victoria. The koalas reproduce so successfully that they eat themselves out of house and home. Each year over 200 are transferred to reserves in other parts of Victoria.

Wetlands, mangroves and salt marshes provide spectacular habitat for water birds year round, including the soaring sea eagles. Over 230 bird species have been recorded, as well as 33 species of waders which forage along the coast at low tide.

In the mud-flats, shell-fish, crabs, worms and other small animals provide rich pickings for ibis, herons and egrets. You may also see migratory waders, such as the Eastern Curlew, feeding on Ghost Shrimps and crabs, while the tiny Red-necked Stint searches nearby for worms and small crustaceans. Some birds fly from breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere.

In spring, the native vegetation is a blaze of colour. There are over 580 indigenous species, including over 100 orchid species.

Many vegetation communities are represented, ranging from mangroves and saltmarsh through to heaths and open woodlands. In the bay, vast beds of sea-grass help to stabilize the mud. Large underwater meadows are important breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates. The meadows in Western Port are among the most extensive along the southern Australian coast. The thickets of white mangrove are believed to be the largest community so far from the Equator.

• No dogs or cats in the park.
• No open fires, use portable fuel stoves only.

• Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services website www.dhs.vic.gov.au. Drinking water is only available at Fairhaven campsite.
• If riding, it is highly advisable that you use a mountain bike, due to the often sandy and wet conditions encountered. A bike helmet must be worn; a repair kit is also a must.
• Check ferry timetables and weather conditions - ferry services can be cancelled at very short notice.

Take the passenger ferry from Stony Point across to French Island. (Bookings (03) 9585 5730, 24 Hour Information line). The trip takes 10-12 minutes, and delivers you to Tankerton Jetty on French Island. The Ranger Station is next to the pier (Melway ref: 612 P9).

• Arthurs Seat State Park
• Collins Settlement Historic Site
• Coolart Wetlands and Homestead
• Mornington Peninsula National Park