Kevin, probably too late but here's some French Island (Western Port Bay,
Victoria) information for you. It's a great location and so close to
Melbourne. The lack of most transport makes it very attractive for (some)
visitors I reckon.
Note that the island is known for
- Koala population
- large number of native terrestrial orchids (in season)
- King Quail
- Orange-bellied and Blue-winged Parrots
- waders and in shore seabirds
- some bush birds
1. French Island access and island / park information
Parks Victoria - French Island (Visitors guide) -
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_0465.pdf
French Island EcoTours - http://www.frenchislandecotours.com.au/
Inter Island ferries (French Island) -
http://www.interislandferries.com.au/fi.php
French Island (visitor information) -
http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/australia/victoria/frenchisland.asp
How to get to French Island -
http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~aussie/fitrpt.htm
McLeod EcoFarm (French Island) -
http://www.hostelz.com/hostel/19140-McLeod-Eco-Farm
Corinella (information, including barge access to French Island) -
http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/content/content.asp?cnid=1117
2. French Island transport
Try one of the tour operators or take your bike. Wide tyres and low gears
recommended as the roads can be sandy. Keep in mind the return times for
ferries.
3. Birding locations on French Island
As a member of the Friends of French Island (FoFI) National Park I can
recommend the following spots for birding. Check the Parks Victoria park
map (link above) for these sites.
a. New walking track through coastal bush from Tankerton Creek bridge to
near Chilcott Rocks.
b. Coast walk through sand and mangroves from Tortoise Head walk from
Tankerton
c. The Pinnacles track from the Coast Road
d. Beach walk from Tankerton north to Chilcott Rocks.
The parks map shows many more options further afield if required. Let the
list know what you pick up along the way.
cheers, Martin O'Brien
Melbourne
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