ADVENTURE awaits aboard Western Port Ferries, with the business’ vessels connecting Cowes on Phillip Island with French Island and the Mornington Peninsula’s Stony Point.
Sentinel-Times travelled to French Island on MV Naturaliste, named after French ship Le Naturaliste, which was captained by Jacques Hamelin who named French Island in 1802.
An enthusiastic group of members of the Avan Club of Australia, who were holidaying in Cowes in their A-shaped caravans, enjoyed the chance to venture to French Island, some bringing their canine companions on the journey.
Warragul’s Lyn Duffy, one of the Avan group, said on the way over that she was looking forward to lunch at the French Island General store.
She was delighted to hear members of the Ferguson Tractor Club would be stopping there during their French Island Tractor Trek, her father having owned a Fergie.
Captain of MV Naturaliste, Toby Lever, has enjoyed his almost six years with Western Port Ferries.
“I love being on the water; it’s a great office,” he said.
“You meet lots of good people and see wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins, and whales during the winter months.”
Toby added that every day is different and outlined some of what people can look forward to on French Island.
“It’s great if you enjoy walking or bike riding; there’s no traffic on the roads and it’s all dirt roads,” he said.
He again highlighted wildlife, noting French Island contains many koalas and echidnas.
“There are snakes as well but they tend to keep out of the way,” the captain said.
The French Island General Store has buses to transport ferry passengers from the jetty to its pleasant setting.
The store not only offers meals and groceries but also hires bikes, eBikes and even a car for those wanting to explore the island.
There is also a winery, French Island Vineyards, which offers wines including Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Shiraz.
French Island, about a third larger than Phillip Island, has a population of 105 people and doesn’t fall under the auspices of any shire council, although its general store operator Tanya Le Serve is the daughter of Bass Coast Shire mayor Clare Le Serve.
Car registration only recently became a requirement for those whose vehicles remain on French Island.
There is no provided power or water on the island, with residents reliant on generators and catching rainwater.
For those wanting to stay, there is a campground on the island.
Whilst onboard Captain Toby also outlined Western Port Ferries’ Stony Point service.
“We’re an extension of the train line that runs from Frankston to Stony Point,” he said, explaining the ferry connects to Phillip Island and French Island from there.
While awaiting their return journey from French Island to Cowes, Errol Lobo and daughter Yasmin of Melbourne’s Heathmont, spoke of their adventurous day after travelling over on the early ferry from Cowes at 7.40am.
Both explored on foot, initially trying to find the Pinnacles.
“It’s a different environment, very peaceful and nice to see how they work on the island and how it operates,” Yasmin said.
The pair both commented on the kindness and helpfulness of the locals.
Soon MV Naturaliste had whisked its troupe of Avaners and others back to Cowes to reflect on a great trip.