French Island National Park, Nature reserve in Western Port, Victoria, Australia.
French Island National Park sits on an island in Western Port and combines rocky shores, sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, and wetland areas. These natural spaces shift with tidal changes throughout the year, creating a dynamic environment that transforms seasonally.
This reserve was officially established in 1988 to protect the ecological systems of the bay. The creation marked an important step in safeguarding the island and its natural diversity under legal protection.
The lands have long been home to the Bunurong People, whose connection to these places remains rooted in their ongoing traditions and practices. You can sense this heritage through the stories shared about the area and the importance the community places on caring for the environment.
A visit requires taking a ferry from the mainland to the island, with services running multiple times each day. Plan ahead by checking departure times so you can time your visit appropriately.
The island is home to the state's largest koala population and hosts more than 580 native plant species, including some 100 different orchid types. This botanical richness makes it a remarkable haven for plant life that surprises many visitors.
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