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Tourism Overview Page.

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"French Island, once better known for its prison farm, is an amazing ecological experience. Now a National Park, French Island is described as Victoria's closest semi-wilderness escape from Melbourne. It is home to the healthiest and most prolific colony of koalas in Australia, more than 234 bird species and the rare potoroo. Ferries to the Island leave from Stony Point and Cowes jetties. Tours and accommodation packages are available." Page 16, Tourism Victoria "Bays & Peninsulas" Jigsaw book 1998/99.

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

FRENCH ISLAND OVERVIEW

  1. French Island's Location, Size, General info.
  2. The SIZZLE. What is so different and fascinating about French Island?
  3. Island Info - for students and travellers (Written text only, good for projects)
  4. How to Get There (Car, Train, Ferry, Light Plane)
  5. Accommodation
  6. Most Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Map with scenic spots, interest points etc
  8. Population (Humans, Koalas, Bird species), Industry
  9. Transport (No taxis, only tours, cycling, or walking)
  10. Private Cars (Sorry, only resident's cars allowed)
  11. History

1a) LOCATION

 

French Island is 60 km from Melbourne and is some 10 km north of Phillip Island its more famous sister to the south.

 

1b) SIZE - French Island is 17000 hectares, twice the size of Phillip Island

1c) GENERAL INFO - See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) below

2. The SIZZLE. What is so different and fascinating about French Island ?

  1. Lorraine: "Its that feeling of being ISOLATED. When I am on the mainland I always IMAGINE the PEACE, the TRANQUILITY, the BEAUTY of FRENCH ISLAND, and its UNTOUCHED feeling of UNIQUENESS. I am so pleased, that it has recently been gazetted a NATIONAL PARK, hopefully overcoming threats of development for ever."
  2. Mark: "IMAGINE, NO power poles, NO made roads, NO shopping centres, NO regular mail service, the SPIRIT of it's people, that's French Island."
  3. Trevor: "To me French Island is that FORGOTTON feeling. Forgotton by time and the community. It's DIFFERENT, it's UNKNOWN, and it's SPECIAL and it's so close to Melbourne."
  4. Rod: "It's that feeling of ISOLATION. I am truly alone. It's that feeling of the PIONEER SPIRIT, the names of the early settlements, STAR OF HOPE, ENERGY, INDUSTRIAL, PERSEVERENCE. It motivates me, I love it."
  5. Tom: "We travelled all day, from 10.30am to 6.30pm and did not see another moving vehicle."
  6. Pop: "To live on French Island, you'd have to be mad !" (Extract from a poem, written in 1974, describing life on French Island in 1974, when the prison was operating. Worth a read.)
  7. Allan (Mid 2000): "I love it so much, I have just spoken to over 250 Probus Club's."
  8. Ken Gartside Aug. 2000 "One may leave the Island, but the Island never leaves you"
  9. Kai (Central Highlands Tours) " I have only been on the Island for four hours, but I don't want to leave"
  10.  
  11. Tim Laird (Professional Photographer, Chenobyl Tour, May 3, 1998)

    "I let my camera do the talking"

3. Island Info - for students and travellers (Written text only, good for projects)

4. How to Get There (Car, Train, Ferry, Light Plane)

5. Accommodation

6. Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a car ferry to French Island ? Yes, but......Known as "The Barge" it's use limited to residents cars, trucks, stock etc, due to the danger of the spread of pest plants such as cinamon fungus.
2. What is there to see and do ? The island is a wildlife haven, 70% of its area being National Park. Activities include bushwalking, cycling, bird-observing, koala watching, relaxing, soaking up the isolation, scenery and tranquility.
Tours and accommodation are available.
3. Where can we camp on French Island ? There are 3 camping areas on French Island, the most popular being Fairhaven, located approximately 5 km North of Tankerton along the Coast Road. The camp site is in a sheltered area, just of the main sandy beach, with basic toilet and water facilities. You will need to walk all your camping equipment in to Fairhaven, even if you have a lot of gear.
Other "private sites" are at Bayview and McLeod Eco Farm.
4. How many people live on French Island ? At the time of writing, 60-70 people live on the French Island in an environment with no mains electricity, no made roads, no emergency medical facilities.
5. What do the people do for a living ? Farming and tourism are the main industries.
6. Are there many snakes ? Yes, in some areas of the bush, after all it is natures domain. When bushwalking you must always wear suitable long pants and footwear. However, if you come accross a snake, dont play with it, just avoid it. Generally, the snake is more frightened of humans and will slither away, but if you antagonise it, anything can happen.
Tour operators seldom see snakes in the tour area, and locals cannot remember when some one was last bitten.
7. How big are the mosquitoes ? At certain times of the year, the Island's wetlands favour the mosquito, making them very troublesome to some people. We suggest, visitors use insect repellant (supplied by their friendly tour operator or bring their own), wear light coloured clothing, (avoid black or navy tops) and if necessary a broad brimmed hat with mozzy netting. We have also find mozzies tend to fly around people a lot, but do not bite. Mozzies seem to worse on days with no or little wind. On tour, they are not a problem. We avoid trouble spots.
8. Can we take bikes on the ferry or can we hire them ? Both ferry operators allow bikes . The commuter ferry company charges $2.00 per bike.
Bike's can be hired from the Kiosk at Tankerton Jetty (Ring 5980 1209), and McLeod Eco Farm. We suggest you book to avoid dissapointment.
9. What times does the ferry leave/arrive Stony Point ? See transport schedule

Ring me, and I will help all I am able.
10. What VLINE TRAINS leave/arrive Stony Point and meet the ferry ? Ring me, and I will help all I am able.
11. How can we get to Phillip Island ? You can catch the commuter ferry. Ring me, and I will help all I am able.
12. Who can I contact to find out more ? Ring me, and I will help all I am able.
13. Tour Prices, Departure Times, Duration ? Ring me, and I will help all I am able.
14. School, Club CAMP prices, quotes etc ? We suggest you ring French Island Eco Tours or McLeod Eco Farm where we can arrange transport etc.
15. What are the beaches like ? The beaches are generally sand and mud based. Good swimming at Fairhaven and Mcleod at half to full tide. Both beaches have lovely sandy beaches, but have a mud base at about 1/2 tide.
16. Can we catch a ferry from Westernport Marina, Hastings? Yes, but only by charter ferry. We suggest you ring French Island Eco Tours for details of boat sizes and contact phone numbers.
17. Can we catch a ferry from Cowes, Phillip Island? Yes.

7. Map with scenic spots, interest points etc

8. Population (Humans, Koalas, Bird species), Industry

9. Transport (No taxis, only tours, cycling, or walking)

10. Private Cars (Sorry, only resident's cars allowed)

11. History

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