French Island

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Top 10 attractions in French Island

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Churchill Island
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Churchill Island

7.5
4.5/5
75 reviews
Churchill Island is located on the side of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, connected by a bridge. In 1801, Lieutenant Grant cultivated the land here, planting crops such as wheat and corn, marking the beginning of European agriculture in Victoria. Today, the farm retains the layout of an old estate: the 1872 mansion built by former Melbourne mayor Amess, two 1860s stone cottages, as well as barns and a blacksmith shop remain well-preserved. The old houses display antique furniture, and between the English gardens and pastures, flocks of Australian gray geese can often be seen, along with shaggy Scottish Highland cattle grazing leisurely—descendants of the livestock that once accompanied their owners to the island. Daily demonstrations of traditional farm activities, such as sheep herding by dogs, sheep shearing, milking cows, whip cracking, and blacksmithing, are arranged for travelers to observe up close, with children having the opportunity to participate under staff guidance. The island loop trail is approx. 4–5 km, taking about 2 hrs to walk leisurely, offering views of Western Port Bay's wetlands and birdwatching huts. The Wadjil'garook Wetland Trail near the entrance showcases local Indigenous culture and is often overlooked. Additionally, the island hosts a monthly farmers' market featuring local produce and handmade goods from Phillip Island, worth a visit if your itinerary aligns.Churchill Island · 16.8km from French Island
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

7.2
4.6/5
77 reviews
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, about an hour's drive from the city. This bushland sanctuary focuses on conserving native Australian wildlife, and many travelers heading to Phillip Island to see penguins include it in their itinerary. The park is home to dozens of Australian species - koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats, the pitch-black Tasmanian devils (about the size of small dogs), cheerful kookaburras and adorable quokkas - all observable at close range. It also undertakes breeding programs for endangered species, with the orange-bellied parrot being one of its key conservation focuses. Day visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, then join keeper talks and wildlife shows to learn about these animals' behaviors. The park's signature experience is its lantern-lit night tour: after dark, follow an experienced guide carrying lanterns through the bush as daytime-sleepy animals become active - wombats emerge to forage, endangered quolls dart through grass, owls widen their eyes, and feathertail gliders (no larger than mice with plume-like tails) glide between branches. With luck, you might hand-feed nectar to sugar gliders or have kangaroos and wallabies approach for treats. Night tours have limited spots requiring advance booking; remember to turn off camera flashes to avoid startling animals. Note that Victoria prohibits holding koalas, but you can snuggle close for photos - plan ahead for such interactive experiences.Pearcedale · 18.4km from French Island
Penguin Parade
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Penguin Parade

8.5
4.3/5
207 reviews
The penguin parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, serving as the signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It occurs daily around sunset: groups of little blue penguins return ashore on the waves after a day of foraging at sea, first gathering in shallow waters and peering around before waddling across the beach along fixed routes to their dune burrows. Spectators can observe this natural "mini parade" up close from viewing stands and boardwalks, often with penguins passing just steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, they stand just over 30 cm tall and weigh approx. one kg when fully grown. Their round bodies and waddling gait make them utterly endearing. They spend their days foraging at sea and return to their nests in groups after dusk, following nearly identical round-trip routes between the ocean and their burrows generation after generation. On-site, you can hear their overlapping calls. There are a few points to note when observing: The eyes of little penguins are highly sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site, and quiet waiting is necessary to avoid disturbing them; after sunset, the seaside becomes windy and chilly, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm outerwear and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, with the southern hemisphere's spring and summer seasons (approximately August to February each year) coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin shore arrivals and nest activity become more frequent, typically creating livelier scenes. △ The little penguins leave the island to forage at sea during the day and return to their coastal nests in groups to rest at night. △ These little penguins are the smallest in the world, not only tiny in size but also very timid. Please avoid using flash to prevent irritating their eyes. △ The Penguin Parade can be observed year-round, with warmer weather from September to January coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin activity becomes more frequent, making it an ideal time for viewing.Summerlands · 25.6km from French Island
Koala Conservation Reserve
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Phillip Island

Koala Conservation Reserve

6
4.4/5
86 reviews
The Koala Conservation Center is specially established for the dwindling koalas on Phillip Island and is committed to protecting the sustainable ecology and living environment of koalas, ensuring that Phillip Island can have a protected koala population. 1. Enjoy the view and get up close and personal with koalas The Koala Conservation Centre is located in a dense eucalyptus forest on Phillip Road on Phillip Island, which is home to many koalas. From Melbourne, it takes about an hour and a half to drive to the childcare center. After arriving at the destination, you can first learn about the wonderful living habits of koalas at the Visitor's Centre. Then take two walks between the trees to see wild koalas up close. The two trails are Koala Trail (KoalaBoardwalk) and Woodland Trail (WoodlandBoardwalk). You can see wild koalas in their natural habitat while walking through the Australian bush. Check out the koalas' home in the treetops and come "face to face" with them in their natural habitat in the close-up viewing area. You can easily find traces of koalas, but most of them are sleeping, and it is really not easy to find a awake koala. Raise your camera and take a photo with these wild cute koalas, and make a wonderful memory of getting up close and personal with koalas! 2. Various animals The Koala Conservation Centre also has many Australian wildlife such as black-tailed kangaroos, nocturnal brush-tailed possums, ring-tailed possums, echidnas and hundreds of species of birds. Besides koalas, you can also look for wallabies, echidnas and other wildlife along the way. 3. Teaching explanation and selection of unique small gifts The Koala Conservation Center also has a content-rich teaching and explanation center, where you can learn more about wild animals, or choose unique gifts in the gift shop. Of course, it must be quite pleasant to rest and relax in the cafe, enjoying a good meal or some small snacks.Rhyll · 17.5km from French Island
Mornington Peninsula Shire
No. 10 of Family-friendly Attractions in Victoria

Mornington Peninsula Shire

5.9
4.5/5
101 reviews
Mornington Peninsula Shire is located in Victoria, Australia, on the southern side of the Melbourne metropolitan area, and is connected to the mainland at its northern end via the Frankston area. The peninsula is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The western side of Port Phillip Bay is calm, while the southern side faces the open waves of Bass Strait, across from Phillip Island. It is about a 1-hour drive from Melbourne to switch into this seaside vacation rhythm. This peninsula has several highly recognizable highlights: Arthur's Seat in the center features a sightseeing cable car, and as it slowly climbs to the summit, you get a panoramic view of Port Phillip Bay and the peninsula's coastline. In the Point Nepean National Park at the southern tip, coastal trails extend along the cliffs, with the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and military relics from over 100 years ago scattered throughout. It is also a well-known cool-climate wine region in Victoria, with a high density of wineries around Red Hill, known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Taking a cruise from Sorrento Pier offers the chance to encounter wild dolphins and Australian fur seals in Port Phillip Bay. The town of Sorrento is worth setting aside half a day for: European settlers arrived as early as 1803, more than 30 years before the founding of Melbourne, and the main street still retains old buildings constructed from local limestone. After exploring the town, you can browse local markets for produce and handicrafts, or soak in an open-air hot spring built along the hillside. If you enjoy the water, the beaches on the western bay side have shallow water and calm waves, suitable for swimming and kayaking. The ocean beaches on the southern side have larger waves and are a haven for surfers. There are well-established spots for diving and fishing here, and you may even have the chance to see weedy seadragons underwater. If you have extra time, you can also take a ferry from Sorrento across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff on the other side, which offers another perspective of the peninsula from the sea.Tuerong · 24.7km from French Island

Experiences you can't miss in French Island

Featured Culture & history in French Island

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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]
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Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket
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Geelong Audio Tour: Maritime Marvels and Heritage Highlights of Geelong
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Melbourne Immigration Museum: Entry Ticket
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Melbourne NGV interactive 2-hr guided tour: a dialogue with art
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Melbourne: MCG & Sports Venue Sightseeing Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
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Featured Food & drink in French Island

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Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne
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4.9/5
· 136 reviews· 1.6k booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia
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5.0/5
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Duration: 5.9 hrs
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1-day tour of Yarra Valley winery in Melbourne with lunch, wine tasting and cheese sampling
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Duration: 6.9 hrs
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Australia Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Food and Wine day tour (includes multiple famous wineries and lunch)
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Melbourne Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges wine tasting + gourmet food + Healesville 1-day tour with hotel transfer
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4.8/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 4.5 hrs
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Featured Outdoor & sports in French Island

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[Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 1.5k reviews· 17.1k booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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Optional Mercedes-Benz 499] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Penguin Parade Phillip Island 1-day tour
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· 1.2k reviews· 15.9k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade one-day tour
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4.7/5
· 288 reviews· 1.7k booked
Duration: 6.1 hrs
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Penguin Island Day Tour [Visit two popular attractions in one day]
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4.6/5
· 189 reviews· 3k booked
Duration: 3.5 hrs
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Melbourne Puffing Billy steam train classic tour with transfer - optional Chinese/English driver guide
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Featured Spa & wellness in French Island

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Admission ticket to Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia [Unlimited enjoyment of 50 bathing experiences]
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 32 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
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1-day round-trip tour to Peninsula Hot Springs from Melbourne
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Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House
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4.8/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
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Luxury Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula
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Mornington Peninsula: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
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Mornington Peninsula: Hot Springs and Body Clay Ritual
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From Melbourne: Peninsula Hot Springs and Bath Box tour
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Free things to do in French Island

What travellers say about French Island

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_TS***b121 October 2026
5.0
a nice place to just chill and see some animals! selection of animals not wide, kangaroos there are pretty lazy as well so don’t expect too much if you’re visiting!

Maru Koala and Animal Park

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_TI***j130 June 2026
5.0
All 3 parks are wonderful, great experience overall. Highly recommended!

Churchill Island

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fupolarbear12 October 2025
5.0
It's a great zoo where you can get up close and personal with the animals. It's better than other zoos. You can buy food and the animals will come over. The whole experience takes about an hour. Remember to make an appointment in advance to interact with the koalas, which will be longer and more interesting.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O7 July 2025
5.0
菲利普岛自然公园是一次难忘的旅行体验。这里仿佛是自然的宝藏,企鹅归巢的壮观场景令人动容,小家伙们摇摇摆摆,萌态十足。还有海豹懒洋洋地晒太阳,与海浪嬉戏。漫步在沙滩,呼吸着清新的海风,感受着大自然的宁静与美好,让人忘却尘世的喧嚣,只想沉浸在这片纯净的天地中。

Phillip Island Nature Parks

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谢颖华24 October 2025
5.0
It's actually not bad. There are a lot of people, and I really followed the online suggestions and bought ordinary seats. There is no need to buy too good seats. They will be close to each other anyway. Overall, this trip is worth experiencing.

Phillip Island

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willem_king24 October 2026
5.0
It's best to buy the plus ticket. The visitor center has an estimated time when the penguins will come ashore, so just arrive a little early. The estimated time is very accurate; the penguins appear little by little as soon as the time comes, and then they come ashore in groups. They're tiny and very cute.

Penguin Parade

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圆宝辣妈22 August 2024
5.0
The koalas are very cute. The whole center is not big. You can visit it all in one hour. There are koalas, kangaroos and many birds. The overall environment is very quiet. The koalas are very cooperative. There is also a machine at the door that can make coins and commemorative coins. The children like it very much.

Koala Conservation Reserve

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小思文23 April 2021
4.0
The chocolate factory is a typical good place. You can also see many interesting projects in this factory. Many settings of the chocolate factory are also quite interesting. You can see the chocolate processing process and taste some special chocolates.

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

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飞飞翔的鱼12317 July 2023
5.0
In Melbourne's Mornington Forest, a pair of kangaroos, father and son, have become the most popular family in the forest. The father kangaroo, steady and tough, is the guardian of the family; the mother kangaroo, gentle and loving, is the soul of the family; the brother kangaroo, lively and curious, is the hope of the family. The little kangaroo in the mother kangaroo's pocket is the future of the family, quiet and dependent. Each kangaroo interprets the happiness and harmony of this family in its own way. When the sun penetrates the leaves and sprinkles on them, their fur gleams with a warm luster, as if the whole world is illuminated by their existence. They jump and play in the forest, and their free and unrestrained attitude towards life makes people applaud and cheer for them. However, their existence also allows us to see the power of nature and the miracle of life. They are not just a group of kangaroos, but also part of this forest and the key to ecological balance. Their existence reminds us to respect nature, protect ecology, and make every corner of this world full of the power of life. When we leave this forest and this kangaroo family, we take away our awe of life, our gratitude for nature, and our love for life. We know that in our lives, we will encounter various challenges and difficulties, but as long as we have enough courage and determination, we will be able to be as tenacious as kangaroos at any time and in any place. Finally, let us pay tribute to this kangaroo family, to the courage and determination they show, and to the life force they represent. May every life be respected and loved, and may every corner be filled with the power of life.

Mornington Peninsula Shire

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Anonymous user6 June 2026
5.0
Long train ride outside of the city. Surrounding Great nature. Worth to visit

Puffing Billy Railway

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Frequently asked questions

You can give Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne and Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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