French Island is not accessible by car, unless destined for a permanent residence. Plan a day trip to enjoy the short, half or whole-day walks from Tankerton Foreshore Reserve. Discover the island habitats by bushwalking through heathland and woodland along the 5km Old Coast Road walking track, or follow the shoreline along Fairhaven Beach at low tide to see roosting shorebirds. The West Coast Wetlands Walk (9.6 kilometres) climbs to the Pinnacles at 60 metres above sea level, offering expansive views of Phillip Island, Western Port and the wetlands.

If you need longer to explore, set up a beachside base camp at the Fairhaven Campground, five kilometres from the jetty.

French Island National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People.

Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au