French Island VIC 3921

French Island is situated in Westernport Bay about 90 km s-e of Melbourne. It is an interesting and historic island of 21 800 ha made up of mainly mangrove mudflats along its 144 km of coastline and heathland with beautiful spring wildflowers in the interior. Two-thirds of French Island is protected by its national park with over 600 plant species, 200 birdlife species and Australia’s largest koala community. Named by early French explorers, the island’s history includes sealing settlements, saltworks, chicory growing and a prison (1915-75). Today tourism, together with sheep and cattle grazing, mainly support French Island's small population of about 65 with flora & fauna tours as well as visiting the former McLeod Prison which is now an organic farm with accommodation. Access is by ferry from Stony Point (Mornington Peninsula) and Cowes (Phillip Island).

Visitor Information Centre: Point Nepean Rd, Dromana. Tel (03) 5987 3078 or 1800 804 009.