French Island National Park


Covering two-thirds of the island, this national park protects its distinctive bushland, beaches, flora and fauna. Walks and bike rides start at Tankerton Foreshore Reserve. A free campsite is located on the park's west-coast foreshore; book on the website.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bayview Chicory Kilns

2.64 MILES

Chicory (a coffee substitute) was the island’s biggest industry from 1897 to 1963 and fourth-generation local Lois will be happy to give you a tour of…

2. Churchill Island

11.5 MILES

Regarded as a sacred site by its traditional owners, this island is connected to Phillip Island by a bridge near Newhaven. Excavated middens suggest that…

3. Purple Hen Winery

12.18 MILES

Head to the cellar door of this scenic winery to try its signature pinot noir and perhaps purchase a bottle or two of the big-bodied The Rooster for…

4. Islantis Surf Experience

12.32 MILES

Set up as a shrine to Australian surfing, this multimedia surf museum begins with an audiovisual tribute to legendary Aussie surfers, before leading into…

5. Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

12.46 MILES

Like Willy Wonka’s, Panny’s place is full of quirky surprises. As well as chocolate-making displays and free samples of handmade chocolate, there’s a…

6. Koala Conservation Centre

12.47 MILES

There are only 20 to 30 of these furry marsupials left in the wild on the island, but if you take to the treetop boardwalks or the easily accessible…

7. A Maze'N Things

12.59 MILES

With a maze, crazy illusion rooms, mini golf, puzzle island, magic shows and rope course, this wacky fun park is popular with kids and endured by their…

8. National Vietnam Veterans Museum

13.13 MILES

This well-presented museum next to the island's air field tells the sobering story of the 521 Australians who died during the Vietnam War. It features…