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.
French Island National Park
French Island
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.96 MILES
One of Victoria's major tourist draws, this evening parade of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) showcases the world’s smallest, and probably cutest,…
Mornington Peninsula National Park
29.6 MILES
Stretching from Portsea along a long sliver of coastline to Cape Schanck and then inland to the Greens Bush area, this national park showcases the…
18.13 MILES
One of the largest vineyards on the peninsula, Pt. Leo Estate has a magnificent setting overlooking Western Port Bay. Its winery complex is state of the…
Bunurong Marine & Coastal Park
26.56 MILES
A stunning, cliff-hugging drive between Inverloch and Cape Paterson, this beautiful stretch of coast offers some fantastic views, secluded beaches and…
19.52 MILES
Developed with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), this cutting-edge multimedia exhibition has a spectacular location on the southwest tip overlooking…
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
20.06 MILES
One of Victoria's most impressive regional galleries, the MPRG has a permanent collection focusing on the cultural heritage of Mornington Peninsula as…
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…
24.29 MILES
Climb aboard one of the modern Swiss-built gondolas on this iconic chairlift to enjoy an all-encompassing view stretching as far as Melbourne's city…
Nearby French Island attractions
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…