French Island (Victoria) facts for kids
French Island is a large island in Western Port, Victoria, Australia. It is about 61 kilometers (38 miles) southeast of Melbourne. In 1997, a big part of the island (about 70%) became the French Island National Park. This park helps protect the island's special nature. Later, in 2002, the waters near the north coast were also protected as the French Island Marine National Park.
Even though French Island is close to Melbourne, it feels very far away. It is quiet and not very developed. There is no public water or electricity supply, and no medical services. The island has one small shop and post office. You can also find a few places to stay, like camping spots, bed and breakfasts, and a guest house. The McLeod Eco Farm, which used to be a prison, also offers accommodation.
Contents
A Look Back: French Island's History
Who Lived Here First?
Long ago, a group of Indigenous Australians called the Bunarong Tribe lived and hunted on French Island. They were the first people to call this special place home.
European Discovery and Early Days
In April 1802, French explorers were the first Europeans to find the island. They were from a ship called La Naturaliste. They explored the area and named it Île de Françoise, which means French Island.
The first European settlers, William and John Gardner, started farming on the island in 1847. Later, in the 1880s, koalas were brought to the island. In the 1890s, the government created small villages. Farmers began to grow a plant called chicory, and they built about 30 special ovens called kilns to dry it.
The McLeod Prison Farm
A prison farm called McLeod Prison Farm opened on July 17, 1916. It stayed open until 1975. This farm was a place where prisoners worked.
Post Offices on the Island
The Tankerton Post Office first opened on September 3, 1890. It closed in 1994 but reopened in 2001, now called French Island Post Office. Another office, Fairhaven, was open from 1911 to 1957.
Getting to French Island
It is quite easy to get to French Island using public transport. You can take a train from Melbourne to Frankston. From Frankston, another train takes you to Stony Point. It is a short walk from the train station to the jetty. From there, you can catch a passenger ferry directly to Tankerton Jetty on French Island. You can also catch a ferry from Cowes on Phillip Island.
Island Features: Geography and People
What Does the Island Look Like?
French Island has some interesting hills. The highest point is Mount Wellington, which is 96 meters (315 feet) tall. Another notable spot is the Pinnacles, standing at 66 meters (217 feet).
Who Lives on French Island?
In 2006, there were 89 people living on French Island. By 2009, only five students attended the island's primary school.
Amazing Nature: Plants and Animals
Diverse Habitats
French Island has many different types of natural areas. You can find coastal mangroves, wet swamps, open heathlands, grassy areas, and tall blue gum forests. These different places provide homes for many creatures.
Koalas: A Special Story
French Island is very important for koalas. Most koalas on the Australian mainland suffer from a disease called chlamydia. However, the koalas on French Island are healthy and there are many of them. In fact, it has the world's largest group of healthy koalas! Because of this, koalas from French Island are often moved to other areas to help grow the koala population where the animals are sick.
Other Important Wildlife
The island is a safe place for over 100 types of bush orchids and 260 kinds of birds. Some special animals found here include the King Quail, the very rare Orange-bellied Parrot, the Fairy Tern, and the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle. You can also find the Swamp Skink and the Long-nosed Potoroo.
Why French Island is Unique
French Island is one of only two places in Victoria where there are no foxes. This is very important because foxes hunt and harm many native animals. Because there are no foxes, the island has kept many native species that have disappeared from other areas.
However, some other animals that are not native to the island can cause problems. These include rabbits, wild cats, wild goats, wild pigs, Indian Mynah birds, and starlings. These animals can threaten the island's amazing variety of life, also known as its biodiversity.
Getting Around and Having Fun
Exploring by Bike or Foot
The island has over 40 kilometers (25 miles) of quiet gravel roads and tracks. Since only residents use cars, these roads are perfect for cycling. The island is mostly flat or gently rolling, making it easy to explore. You can rent bicycles from the General Store, Macleod Eco Farm, and Bayview. There are also many walking tracks for those who enjoy hiking.
Activities on the Island
Besides cycling and bushwalking, you can enjoy bird watching, horse riding, and using the island as a starting point for deep sea fishing adventures.
Island Tours
If you prefer a guided experience, two local companies, French Island Tours and French Island Eco Tours, offer bus tours around the island.
Camping on French Island
There is one free camping site in the National Park at Fairhaven. It is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) up the coast road from Tankerton Jetty, where the ferry arrives. The campsite is among trees near the beach. It has one public toilet and a water tank for campers. Other camping options are available at "private sites" at Bayview and McLeod Eco Farm, but you need to arrange these in advance.
Images for kids
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French Island looking north along Clump road
