So close and yet so far...
From a proposed site for a Nuclear Power Plant (State Electricity Commission, mid '60s) to its entirely unpaved roads, relative inaccessibility (at least so close to a major multi-million city), a dizzying Mt. Wellington at 96m/ 300ft above sea level, to the absence of mains services like power, water, sewage etc., a National Park occupying over half of the landmass and an anemic population figure of below 100, French Island is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of it's very commercial and well-renowned neighbour, Philip Island.
The bigger of the 2 islands in Westernport Bay is something that had somehow always eluded us.
It's NOT a bike/ ride destination...it's near impossible and besides, entirely fruitless, to try and byo car across (due to the lack of available and/or legal roads to drive on)....or even try and hire one of the plentiful rusted-out, unregistered wrecks...chauffeured by the locals with abandon.
There's a little ferry from Crib Point to Tankerton at the bottom-left of the island. There's a (usually closed) Rangers Office near the jetty...and the single supply-source "General Store" 2.5km up the road.
(it's for sale, Doug....Dooouuuggg!! Diversification, mate...that Millers Flat Caravan Park needs a sibling)
There's a small 2-car barge occasionally running across from Corinella, if booked in advance and if the water isn't too rough...and if not filled with other supplies at the time.
French Island, aye??
Let's have a look!
Some maps and general info
http://interislandferries.com.au/map_french.pdf
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/french-island-national-park
From a proposed site for a Nuclear Power Plant (State Electricity Commission, mid '60s) to its entirely unpaved roads, relative inaccessibility (at least so close to a major multi-million city), a dizzying Mt. Wellington at 96m/ 300ft above sea level, to the absence of mains services like power, water, sewage etc., a National Park occupying over half of the landmass and an anemic population figure of below 100, French Island is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of it's very commercial and well-renowned neighbour, Philip Island.
The bigger of the 2 islands in Westernport Bay is something that had somehow always eluded us.
It's NOT a bike/ ride destination...it's near impossible and besides, entirely fruitless, to try and byo car across (due to the lack of available and/or legal roads to drive on)....or even try and hire one of the plentiful rusted-out, unregistered wrecks...chauffeured by the locals with abandon.
There's a little ferry from Crib Point to Tankerton at the bottom-left of the island. There's a (usually closed) Rangers Office near the jetty...and the single supply-source "General Store" 2.5km up the road.
(it's for sale, Doug....Dooouuuggg!! Diversification, mate...that Millers Flat Caravan Park needs a sibling)
There's a small 2-car barge occasionally running across from Corinella, if booked in advance and if the water isn't too rough...and if not filled with other supplies at the time.
French Island, aye??
Let's have a look!
Some maps and general info
http://interislandferries.com.au/map_french.pdf
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/french-island-national-park