French Island is a big island – far bigger than Phillip Island and two thirds is covered by national park of which only a small part is accessible.

Vehicles cannot be taken onto the island (except by locals) so the only way to get around is to take a tour with Naturaliste Tours, walk or ride a bicycle.

The Naturaliste Tour connects with ferry times and lasts about 3 hours.

The guide will show visitors salt marshes, mangroves, national park woodlands and farming areas plus the old Blue Gums homestead on the south coast.

A favourite event for visitors is the close-up look at koalas – there are a great number on French Island and they often laze in the trees bordering the road.

For cyclists the roads are in fairly good condition but are unsealed so a mountain bike is best. Don’t forget a repair kit.

Bicycles can also be hired from the general store.

Trips need to be planned to explore enough of the island but also getting back to Tankerton in time to catch the ferry home!

There are public toilets near the jetty but no potable water so visitors need to bring their own. Some supplies can be bought at the general store which is about 3 kilometres from the jetty.

Pobblebonk Swamp