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VICTORIA French Island National Park French Island National Park is a true paradise. Accessible only by 30 minute passenger ferry ride, French Island is a haven of peace and serenity. The 11,100ha park contains environments ranging from mangrove saltmarsh areas to open woodlands and plays home to an equally diverse range of wildlife. Things to Do 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). Stay overnight in a former prison cell at McLeod Eco Farm and Historic Prison. 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. Facilities Toilets and fresh water supplies 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 at McLeod Eco Farm and Historic Prison. Heritage 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. Fauna 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. Vegetation 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 Westernport 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. Precautions Carry drinking water, as none is available in the park other than 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. How to Get There Take the passenger ferry from Stony Point across to French Island. (Bookings (03) 9585 5730). The trip takes about 30 minutes, and delivers you to Tankerton jetty on French Island. The Ranger Station is next to the pier . Nearby Parks Arthurs Seat State Park Collins Settlement Historic Site Coolart Wetlands and Homestead Mornington Peninsula National Park Activities Camping, Cycling, Fishing, Walking Guided Activities 1. Bicycle Touring 2. Birdwatching 3. Bushwalking 4. Coach/Bus Tours 5. Mountain Bike Riding 6. Sea Kayaking