French Island
VIC 3921 • Victoria
About French Island
French Island is the largest coastal island of Victoria, situated in Western Port Bay approximately 70 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. It is an unincorporated area administered directly by the Victorian Government, with a population of 141 residents as recorded in the 2021 census and a median age of 52 years. Covering 170 square kilometres, the island is one of the most isolated inhabited localities in Victoria — there are no mains water, electricity, or medical services on the island, and around 70 per cent of its land is protected as French Island National Park.
French Island is renowned for its extraordinary natural environment, including the world's largest and most disease-free population of koalas, over 260 bird species, and rich habitats ranging from coastal mangroves and swamps to blue gum forests. Access is by passenger ferry from Stony Point (a 15-minute crossing), with Metro Trains serving Stony Point via Frankston. The island has one small general store and post office, a primary school, and the historic Fairhaven Campground. Visitors and residents are drawn to bushwalking, birdwatching, cycling on 40+ kilometres of unsealed tracks, and the genuine off-grid tranquillity that French Island uniquely offers.
French Island falls under postcode 3921 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hastings (Eastern Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Western Port Ferries passenger ferry — Stony Point (Mornington Peninsula) 15 min crossing, multiple services daily
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ No car access via passenger ferry; vehicle barge operates from Corinella. No on-island public transport.
One small general store on the island; all other errands require the ferry to the mainland and a car or train from Stony Point
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Centreway