National Parks and Reserves

Located 10 kilometres south of Tooradin, French Island Marine National Park is one of the three Marine National Parks in Western Port, a wetland listed in the Ramsar convention. 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.

Kayaking and canoeing are popular ways to access the Marine National Park. The closest launching points for recreation users are at Warneet, 6 kilometres away, or Tooradin, 10km away. The crossing to French Island is across a channel subject to strongtidal flow and quick condition changes.

Experience the biodiversity that exists under the surface of the water. Before venturing out to snorkel or dive, always ensure you check the tide times, water visibility and weather conditions.

Enjoy some birdwatching, a popular activity that can be conducted from a boat or kayak.

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

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