French Island
French Island is home to array of threatened wildlife from the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot, migratory Far Eastern Curlew and elusive King Quail. A spectacular Short-tailed Shearwater colony dominates Tortoise Head to the south-west of the island, whilst a rare Fairy Tern colony breeds here too. It is also unique, with very common bird species such as the instagrammable Tawny Frogmouth and stunning Superb Fairywren being absent from the ecosystem whilst Grey Currawong dominate the landscape.
French Island can be difficult to access with its large size and lack of transportation, so this opportunity to travel with experts Tania Ireton, Ryan Kilgower and others is not to be missed.
For the mammal enthusiasts, you’ll be guaranteed to see Koalas, and if lucky, you’ll spot Long-nosed Potoroo and Eastern Barred Bandicoot along the journey.
Logistics
Leave from Stony Point Ferry Wharf.
Your ferry ticket is excluded as the price will vary depending on your age.
You will travel by minibus or car from the Tankerton ferry terminal and travel around the island.
Saturday 22 November – 21 Places Arrive Stony Point in time to catch the 7:40am ferry.
Return on the 12:20 ferry from Tankerton
Sunday 23 November – 21 Places Arrive Stony Point in time to catch the 8:15am ferry.
Return on the 1:05pm ferry from Tankerton.
Bring hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, water bottle (full), closed shoes, long pants are preferable, coat for wind and rain.
Morning tea and lunch are included.
This activity entails some walking but is mainly vehicle based. Departure back to Stony Point around 1:25pm.
Suitable for birdwatchers aged 10 and upwards with a guardian.
Note: Have you ever been to French Island?
Its not like Phillip Island. Once you step off the ferry at Tankerton you quickly realise how remote you are. There are no sealed roads and many are unsuitable for 2WD vehicles. There are no medical services. Mobile phone service is patchy and there is limited internet. There is a public phone at the General Store
But its a great place. Come and enjoy. The locals are looking forward to meeting you.
BE PREPARED for adventure!
DISCLAIMER
In the rare occasion that the return ferry you have booked for this trip is cancelled after you have landed, it is not guaranteed you will get off the island that day. If the wind unexpectedly pics up, ferries services can be cancelled on short notice.
Westernport Ferries will do everything they can to get all return passengers off the island if this happens, after the wind dies down in the evening. But this is not guaranteed. Festival organisers do not take responsibility for getting you off the island if this occurs.
