Explore
French Island Marine National Park
French Island Marine National Park is one of the three Marine National Parks in Western Port, a wetland listed in the Ramsar convention. Other agreements protect migratory species including CAMBA and JAMBA. The park contains a range of significant habitats including seagrass beds, deep channels, mangroves and intertidal mudflats. The mudflats are particularly important for the migratory waders for feeding.
The seagrass beds are nursery habitats for fish species including King George Whiting, Bream and Mullet.
Barrallier Island is a significant high tide roosting site and highly sensitive to disturbance.
King George Whiting, Australian Fur Seals, and Nudibranchs are just some of the diverse species to swim amongst the seagrass. The mudflats support a wide variety of benthic animals, such as worms and bivalves, which are vital for converting the detritus of the bay into food for birds and fishes.
These habitats are important feeding and roosting grounds for migratory wader bird species, and a total of 295 bird species have been recorded in Western Port, including Black Swans, Pied Oystercatchers and Royal Spoonbills.
Things To Do
Kayaking and Canoeing
Snorkeling and Diving
Birdwatching
French Island National Park
Wildlife and habitat
French Island Marine National Park is a unique ecosystem with a vast array of flora. The extensive seagrass beds, mangroves and saltmarsh communities are essential habitat for a range of animal species. French Island Marine National Park provides extensive, unique seagrass beds, mangroves and saltmarsh communities, critical habitat for many diverse species under the water and above.
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
French Island Marine National Park
When you're there
When to go
In late summer, thousands of jellyfish can be seen drifting with the tide.
Need to know
French Island Marine National Park
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
Ensure you are equipped and prepared before visiting French Island Marine National Park. Always check weather conditions and tide times before departing.
How we keep it special
The Management Plan for Western Ports Marine National Parks directs management of the parks until the plan is reviewed.
The Western Port and South-east Melbourne Conservation Action Plan provides directions for environmental conservation management across the diverse landscape, including French Island Marine National Park. This covers the varied ecosystems across the area which range from heathlands to woodlands, wetlands and other marine environments.