French Island is largely untouched. The nature here is wild and quiet, but it has flickers of history.
This unspoilt patch of nature is in Western Port Bay. French Island has seen flickers of history throughout its life, both before and after European settlement.
Indigenous use of the island
Before European settlement, this island was a place to hunt for food for the Aboriginal people of the land around it.
Largely, this involved shellfish and swan eggs. Despite finding some Aboriginal artefacts, it is estimated that Aboriginal people only used the island to collect bird eggs.
After European settlement
In 1802, the island was noted by a scientific expedition. In 1802, John Murray named it Western Island.
Then, French scientist Nicholas Baudin explored the Western Port French scientific expedition, and its name became Ile de Francais. Later, it was Anglicised and changed to… French Island.
Then, in 1844, the island became more inhabited. People began using the natural resources that were growing on the island, stripping the mangrove ash. Then chicory was planted on the island, and it was continuously grown through til the 1960s. Its untouched natural setting meant that agriculture could thrive on the island.
Naturally thriving
It’s home to 230 species of birds. From white breasted sea eagles, pelicans and rookeries, there are heaps of different birdlife. From koalas and orchids to mosquitoes, the wildlife on French Island is very varied. The lack of urbanisation has allowed French Island to thrive.
Take a walk around French Island and you’ll see some of these beautiful koalas It has one of the most thriving and largest koala communities in Australia!
Prison era
For a short time, there was even a prison on the island. This prison was built in 1916, and it was built on the southeast of the island. There was a prison farm where the inmates worked. In 1946, there were a couple of different concrete cells that were put up. This held 127 inmates, but the prison later closed its doors in 1975.
The National Park expands
In 1990, the park expanded and became a part of the Mornington Peninsula. There are only about 111 people who live on French Island.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.