Fairhaven Campground

A young boy sets up tent while his sister draws in the background

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Fairhaven Campground

Set up your tent at Fairhaven Campground and relax by the shores of Western Port. Take a walk along Fairhaven Beach and appreciate the idyllic French Island National Park.

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Fairhaven campground is a 5km walk or bike ride from the Tankerton Jetty on the west coast foreshore, with space for up to 40 people amongst the 10 campsites.

Camping at Fairhaven Campground is free but sites are limited and must be booked online in advance. Access to the campground is shared walking and cycling tracks, vehicle-based camping is not permitted.

No open fires are permitted at any time - a portable gas stove, or similar, is essential for cooking. The campground features shared picnic tables, gas barbecues and a cooking shelter.

There toilets on site and a tank water, which must be treated or purified before drinking. The French Island General Store is approximately 7.5km from Fairhaven Campground and 2.5km east of Tankerton Jetty.

Keep an eye out for a koala or local birdlife, including Purple Moorhen, Swamp Harriers or Cape Barren Geese.

A number of walks and cycleways lead from Fairhaven Campground. Take the Fairhaven Northern Beach walk to see shorebirds and migratory waders along the saltmarsh and Fairhaven Beach. Climb to the Pinnacles Lookout along the West Coast Wetlands Walking Track, passing spring wildflowers and diverse birdlife to be rewarded with excellent views of Phillip Island, Western Port and the west coast wetlands. Cycle the Redbill Manna Gum Woodland Ride and see koalas, shorebirds, saltmarsh and Redbill Creek.

Things to do in the area

A sandbar and mangroves with swans in the distance at French Island National Park

Cycling

Take one of the many cycleways and roads that criss-cross this island, spotting wildlife and passing saltmarsh, wildflowers, grasslands, forests and 19th century farming sites. The General Store provides hire bikes for your enjoyment.
Swans on the water at French Island National Park

Birdwatching

Over 230 bird species have been recorded on French Island, including rare birds such as the White-Bellied Sea-Eagle, King Quail, Swift Parrot and the Orange-Bellied Parrot, as well as 33 species of waders and numerous shorebirds.
A weedy seadragon swims along near the sea bed.

French Island Marine National Park

French Island Marine National Park protects significant mangrove and saltmarsh habitats, deep channels and seagrass beds that are nursery grounds for fish such as whiting.

How to get there

Fairhaven Campground

It is essential to check weather conditions and tide times before setting off.

French Island National Park is accessible by ferry from Stony Point and Cowes.

Stony Point is located 80km south-east from Melbourne CBD. Take the Western Port Ferries passenger ferry from Stony Point across to French Island. The trip takes 10 to 12 minutes and delivers you to Tankerton Jetty on French Island.

Tickets are available for purchase on the ferry or online. Check Western Port Ferries or phone 03 5257 4565 for the ferry timetable and weather conditions. Ferry services can be cancelled at very short notice. Visit Western Port Ferries for all up to date ferry timetables and weather conditions.

The only roads in the park open to vehicles are Link Road, Clump Road and Causeway Road (south of the junction with Link Road). Seasonal road closures apply.

Fairhaven Campground

Sites

When you're there

Download the French Island National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and a map.

Old Coast Road Track – 5km, 1.5 hours one way

Starting at Tankerton Jetty, this track leads to the campgrounds, with two lookouts for views across saltmarsh and Western Port. Walk through heathland and messmate heathy woodland. Enjoy wildflowers in spring and look for the White-bellied Sea Eagle.

West Coast Wetlands Walking Track – 9.6km, 3.2 hours return

Starting at Fairhaven Campsite, heat towards The Pinnacles Lookout, enjoying wildflowers, birdlife and seasonal Deuchers, Heifer, Little Heifer, Pobblebonk and Punt Swamps. The Pinnacles offers expansive views of Phillip Island, Western Port and the wetlands.

Fairhaven Northern Beach Walk – 4km, 2 hours return

View shorebirds and migratory waders, saltmarsh and Fairhaven Beach along this walk from Fairhaven Campsite.

Need to know

Fairhaven Campground

Safety

Ross River virus has been identified on French Island. As Ross River virus is spread through mosquitos, visitors to the island are strongly advised to be equipped with insect repellent.

French Island is a unique and pristine habitat for many animals. When visiting, hiking and cycling around the island, be prepared to encounter local wildlife, such as snakes and lizards.

Be prepared and stay safe

French Island National Park is in the Central fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Other issues

    No vehicle based camping

    There is no vehicle based camping allowed at Fairhaven Camground

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