French Island circuit hike. Approx 18km.

Join me on a 18km circuit hike on French Island, located in Western Port, just off the Mornington Peninsula. This generally flat hike follows sandy tracks, roads, and wetlands, and includes a climb to Pinnacles lookout. French Island is a haven for wildlife, including Victoria's most significant koala population and the Long-nosed Potaroo. Its diverse landscape, from rocky shorelines to mangroves and wetlands, is home to over 580 indigenous plant species and more than 230 bird species.

Getting There:
French Island is accessible via Western Port Ferries from Stony Point or Cowes. The journey from Stony Point to Tankerton Jetty on French Island takes 10-12 minutes.

Ferry services are subject to cancellation or delay due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. It is strongly recommended to avoid making tight evening commitments.

Our hike will be cancelled if ferry services are unavailable.

Ferry Tickets:
Return tickets are $33 and can be bought at the ferry terminal or online at www.westernportferries.com.au. Concessions are available, and Senior Card holders travel free on weekends.

We aim to take the 10 am ferry from Stony Point to French Island, returning on the 4 pm ferry. Please wait to purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the ‘going' list.

Pre- or post-hike camping option:
The Fairhaven Campsite, located 5km from Tankerton Jetty on the west coast foreshore, offers free overnight camping. Bookings are mandatory and can be made online at www.parkstay.vic.gov.au.

Please do not RSVP to any Eastern Hiking & Adventure event unless you are fully committed to attending. It is your responsibility to check the date, distance, and difficulty of the walk before RSVPing. Members who frequently withdraw at the last minute, fail to show up, arrive without being on the "going" list, or behave disrespectfully towards leaders or fellow members will be asked to leave the walk and may be removed from the group. All leaders are unpaid volunteers who invest a great deal of their own time to plan and research each walk. Their efforts deserve respect and consideration. Organisers do their best to minimise waitlists where possible, and priority will be given to reliable members who attend regularly and contribute positively to the group experience.
Directions
Meet at 9.45am for 10am departure at the Stony Point Ferry Terminal, earlier if you are buying ferry tickets. Arrive early as the ferry will NOT wait for latecomers. Check-in is 10 min before departure.

Fitness Level
A good level of fitness and the ability to maintain a good steady pace is required to complete this hike. This hike would be classified as Grade 3.

What to bring:

• ferry tickets/money for ferry tickets
• 2-3 litres of water
• snacks and lunch
• proper hiking boots/shoes
• rain/wind/sun protection clothing and SPF50 sunscreen
• personal first aid kit

DISCLAIMER
Our events may involve challenging and potentially hazardous conditions.
Eastern Hiking & Adventure organisers accept no liability for any loss, injury, or accident that may occur. You are solely responsible for your own safety. Participants are expected to take appropriate precautions, including:

• ensuring you have a suitable level of fitness and health for the specific event
• wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and keeping your equipment in good working condition
• acting responsibly and being aware of your surroundings
• following all directions given by the event leader.

Ambulance cover is strongly recommended. By RSVP’ing to this event, you acknowledge and accept these terms.