Please send queries to Rod xxxx 61 1300 30 70 54 (info@frenchislandecotours.com.au)

FRENCH ISLAND WRITTEN INFORMATION

Location and Weather
French Island is the largest island located off the coast of Victoria, and is situated in the centre of Western Port. It is 65 km, South East from Melbourne and has a permanent population of approximately 60 people. 72% of the island is National Park, and is administered by a small Community Committee, a Tourism Committee. There is NO local Government and all planning etc is overseen by the Victorian Government's Minister of Planning.

French Island generally offers similar weather conditions to Melbourne. It is cool in winter, averaging around 12 degrees Celsius, and warm to hot in summer, reaching around 35 degrees Celsius

Geography and Vegetation
French Island covers an area of 17,410 hectares, with a coastline of 144km of which approximately two thirds is mudflats.. The French Island National Park covers 11,100 hectares of the island. Almost all of the original large tree cover was removed early last century, to provide fuel for the processing of chicory and salt, and much of the present vegetation consists of dense tea tree scrub, and coastal mangroves. Over 102 varieties of native orchids have been found to grow here. The land is mostly flat to gently undulating, with the highest point on the island being Mt Wellington (96metres) Wetlands in the North West corner are protected under RAMSAR, CAMBA and JAMBA.

History
Old Aboriginal tribal songs tell us that the Bunarong Tribe lived and hunted on French Island, until they were massacred by a warring Gippsland tribe.

The first European sighting was in 1798 by George Bass, and the bay surrounding was named Western Port (Two words only and not three words with bay), as he believed the bay to be the most westerly port discovered from Sydney Cove. Lt. James Grant spent two months exploring Westernport in 1801, and named the island Western Island. The following year (April 1802), a French Scientific Expedition (led by Nicholas Baudin) set down a long boat with midshipmen, Milleus and Brevedent circumnavigating the island, naming it Ile de Francoise, (Island of the French people) now Anglicised and known as French Island.

William and John Gardiner were the first settlers in December 1850. During those early days and through the difficult times of the late 1890's, many settlers were granted land and given a subsidy to assist with farming. But, conditions were harsh, and many settlers returned to the mainland. Chicory was first grown in the 1890' s, and there were over 30 drying kilns on the island at one stage.

The McLeod Prison Farm started in 1916 as a reformatory for prisoners, who were housed in a tent village. It was not until 1946 that permanent buildings were built to house the 127 prisoners, who were encouraged to produce their own food on the prisons large farm. The prison finally closed in April 1975 when it became a children's adventure camp, finally closing in 1987 and being sold as surplus land by the Government in 1996, for use as an organic farm, because of its isolation and natural water resources. Today sheep and cattle grazing and tourism are the main industries. In addition, ecologically sustainable farming ventures are actively being encouraged.

In the late 1960's, the Bolte Victorian Government came very close to approving development plans which would have made French Island, a major industrial site after Latrobe Valley. This included an International Airport, a causeway to Tooradin, a bauxite mill (aluminium smelter), factories and housing for over 3000 people, a toxic waste plant and (best of all) a nuclear power station. Fortunately, at the urging of environmentally aware locals, these plans were shelved following a very comprehensive study (by an American Environmental expert) who recommended French Island be preserved. The then Government (led by Rupert Hamer) decreed it a State Park, keeping their options open for forestry or other developments. Following further urging by locals and land managers, Parks Victoria (who had fallen in love with the nature etc) recommended it become a fully fledged NATIONAL PARK thereby protecting it from development forever. This happened in July 1997 where the Kennett Government, gazzetted two thirds of the island National Park. Several years earlier, a planning scheme was accepted, forbidding any new land sub-divisions less than 100 acres (40 hectares).

In May 2002, the Bracks Government proclaimed the waters directly north of French Island a Marine National Park, restricting fishing and other water based activities. Also, Mornington Peninsula Shire, along with Casey, Bass and Frankston councils, commenced discussion for Western Port and Mornington Peninsula to become the world's first, urban based United Nations recognised "BIOSPHERE", an area which encourages its residents and industry to be environmentally aware and use sustainable practices where possible. French Island is central to this proposal as it is a classic example of a biosphere where its residents and visitors are very environmentally aware, that is why they love French Island.

These days, the possible threats to the Island are:

1. The possibility of a Car Ferry (being proposed between Stony Pt and Cowes) calling into French Island. A community driven access strategy forbidding, other than residents or works cars is in place, so as to reduce the risk of the spread of feral plant diseases being transported to French Island by vehicles. This strategy must be actively policed and understood, if French Island is to remain pristine.

2. Spread of many varieties of weed trees and plants.

3. Overpopulation as the demand for bush blocks increase and people unwittingly do the wrong thing by the environment, such as planting the wrong kinds of trees etc. (Much of the island is covered by formal environmental planning overlays, which restrict what can and cannot be done on the land.)

Wildlife

A variety of wildlife abounds throughout the bush, heathlands and mangrove coastal areas. The most significant population of koalas in Victoria are found on the island and excess numbers are often transferred to other colonies throughout the state. Other fauna found here are the rare potoroo, Sambur deer, indiginous water rats, snakes, over 230 species of birds including rare white bellied sea eagle, king quail and orange bellied parrot, and the more common whistling kite and brown falcon. Zostera sea grasses growing on the mudflats provide an ideal breeding ground for a variety of fish and 33 species of wading birds. The absence of foxes ensures that the rabbits introduced by early settlers are plentiful. Mosquitoes can be a problem during the warmer months of the year due to the large wetlands, however this can be combatted by wearing light coloured clothing.

Transport and Services

French Island may be accessed from Melbourne via passenger ferry from either Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula, or Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island. Current timetables detailing ferry and organised tours around French Island are available on request. A permit to take vehicles onto the island must be obtained in advance from Parks Victoria, 131963. There is no scheduled public transport, and services on the island are minimal, with one small shop/post office inland from the jetty.

There is one general store, and no mains electricity, service stations, medical services etc, etc. Visitors must be largely self contained, and realise they are in nature's domain and not in suburbia, even though they are but a few kilometres from shops etc.

Main Activities and Attractions

Farming and tourism are the main activities on French Island. The French Island National Park offers visitors unspoilt natural bushland and remote beaches. There are walks and bikerides ranging from short to full day, starting at the Tankerton Foreshore Reserve.

Organised Eco tours of the island originate at Cowes on Phillip Island , and Stony Point on the mainland. These tours visit places of interest, outline the history of the island, and include a delicious organic lunch at the former McLeod Prison Farm, now known as McLeod Eco Farm. Further details may be obtained from the French Island Tourist Association hotline 5980 1239 or Phillip Island Information Centre, or French Island Eco Tours 1300 30 70 54 or mobile 0429 177 532. Visitors can also enjoy a walk with the llamas including lunch 5980 1287.

Accommodation

There are currently (May 2003) four accommodation operators on French Island. Current tariffs are available from the operators.

French Island Bed & Breakfast telephone 5980-1209, F/S/C 2 bedroom cottage. Self catering or full meal packages available. Transportation provided, bike hire available.
McLeod Eco Farm telephone 5678 0155, can accommodate up to 180 people in styles ranging from 2 person bunkrooms to deluxe guest house, and specialising in school and club groups. Self catering kitchen or licensed restaurant which uses organically grown produce from the farm. Huge range of activities. Transportation provided, bike hire available.
Tortoise Head Guest House telephone 5980 1234, bed & breakfast style accommodation, children welcome. Suitable for small groups or conferences. Dinner, bed and breakfast and Murder Mystery Weekend packages available

French Island Farm B&B telephone 5980 1278, mobile 0438 308441. Eco-friendly, ensuite accommodation, private verandahs with stunning sea views.
Camping is only permitted at Fairhaven on the west coast. Please contact the local ranger for current information on 5986-8987. Limited water and food supplies are available on the island

Please send queries to Rod xxxx 61 1300 30 70 54 (info@frenchislandecotours.com.au)