French Island National Park, Nature reserve in Western Port, Victoria, Australia.
French Island National Park is a nature reserve located on an island in Western Port Bay, in the state of Victoria, Australia. The island features rocky shores, sandy beaches, mangrove areas, and wetlands that shift with the tides throughout the year.
The island received its name from early French naval expeditions that explored the region in the late 18th century. The national park was officially created in 1988 to place its ecosystems under legal protection.
The Bunurong People have a deep connection to this island that continues through their living traditions today. Walking through the land, you can sense how that relationship shapes the way the place is cared for and understood.
The island can only be reached by ferry from the mainland, so checking departure times in advance is important. Once there, services and shops are very limited, so bring water and supplies for the day.
The island holds one of the largest koala populations in Victoria, with the animals living largely undisturbed across the land. Alongside this, over 580 native plant species grow here, including around 100 types of orchids, making it a surprising destination for those interested in wildflowers.
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