Insider’s island guide

Access

Ferry

Western Port Ferries operates a passenger ferry from Stony Point, 80km south-east of Melbourne, and Cowes, Phillip Island, to Tankerton Jetty, French Island. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Return tickets are $33 for adults, $20.30 for seniors, and $15.20 for children aged 5-18. Buy on the ferry or at westernportferries.com.au.

Spirit of French Island Barge

Although the Parks Victoria website states that only locals can use the French Island Barge, this is incorrect. If you have booked accommodation on French Island, you can take your car across on the Spirit of French Island barge, which departs from Corinella. Bookings are essential, and made in advance. Cost is $100 each way. Be aware roads on the island can be rough, and muddy after rain. To book, phone 0428 880 729.

Stay

Mandalaye Park Estate has upmarket self-contained accommodation options, with wide verandas to soak up the serenity, from $300 per night, and a charming, detached room with a queen-size bed (with a short walk to a private bathroom) from $200 per night. Visit mandalayepark.com.

Figs — French Island General Store — has a two-bedroom cottage next to the general store that sleeps six. It’s clean and comfy, has cooking facilities, and has a TV, from $180 per night. figsfrenchisland.com.au

Camping with Koalas at Chateau Baudin Farm, a 120-ha property, is 700m from the Corinella barge landing point. While not quite glamping, tents will be ready on arrival if required, or BYO. There are toilets, a camp kitchen, koalas in the trees, and lovely walks. Transport can be arranged from the barge or the ferry at Tankerton. See on Airbnb around $95 per night for a tent that sleeps up to six, or phone Anya on 0408 977 705.

Free camping

Free camping is available on the beach at Fairhaven Campsite, 5km from the ferry landing at Tankerton Jetty. There are 20 sites for two people per site, toilet facilities, water supplies, and barbecues. Campsites must be booked in advance at parks.vic.gov.au. The campsite is only for those who travel by ferry, BYO camping gear and, usually, pushbikes (electric bikes are also available for rent from the General Store, which is 7.5km from the campsite). Vehicle-based camping is not permitted.

Explore

Naturaliste Tours offer small tours with local guides, travelling in a 4WD vehicle through the national park, seeing wetlands, beaches, historic sites, and koalas. The Discover French Island tour is $139 for adults, $99 for children, $119 for seniors (Saturday and Sunday), and includes return ferry journey from Cowes or Stony Point. More at naturalistetours.com.au.

Sean from Explore Car Hire French Island has two cars for rent on the island, or he will take you on a private guided tour. Phone (03) 5980 1209, or 0472 797 720.

French Island Vineyards is open until April 26, 2026, then again from November. Weekends noon-4pm. Wine tastings cost $20. frenchislandvineyards.com.au.