Key Takeaways
- French Island is a remote haven located 70km from Melbourne, accessible only by an expensive ferry or barge.
- The island has a small human population of 139 people, who live off-grid and prefer to keep things quiet.
- The island is a refuge for native wildlife, including koalas, echidnas, and endangered species such as the eastern-barred bandicoot and the long-nosed potoroo.
- The community is self-governed and objects to large-scale development, preferring to maintain their quiet and isolated way of life.
- The island’s isolation is both its appeal and its biggest drawback, with limited access to amenities and services.
Introduction to French Island
Approaching French Island on the ferry at dawn, one may be greeted by the sight of hundreds of ibis in flight, resembling a murmuration of starlings. The island is a remote haven, hidden in plain sight, located 70km from Melbourne in the middle of Western Port Bay. While nearby Phillip Island boasts popular holiday attractions and a large population, French Island, twice its size, can only be accessed by an expensive and intermittent ferry or barge. This limited access has helped to preserve the island’s natural beauty and unique way of life.
The Island’s History and Heritage
The island has a rich history, with the Boon Wurrung people being the traditional owners of the land. The first Europeans to visit the island were the Baudin expedition in 1802, and the island was later named French Island by colonists. The island’s history is also marked by the presence of pastoralists, who cleared old growth trees for grazing land and introduced sheep and cattle to the island. The island also had a prison farm, which operated from 1915 to 1976, and was later used as a youth camp and an eco-lodge.
The Island’s Isolation and Appeal
The island’s isolation has long been the source of its appeal and its biggest drawback, for tourists and locals alike. The lack of public transport, amenities, and services has helped to preserve the island’s natural beauty and unique way of life. However, this isolation also makes it difficult for people to access the island, and for locals to access basic services such as healthcare and shopping. The island’s residents have learned to be self-sufficient, with many living off-grid and relying on solar power, rainwater tanks, and their own gardens for food.
The Island’s Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
The island is a refuge for native wildlife, including koalas, echidnas, and endangered species such as the eastern-barred bandicoot and the long-nosed potoroo. The island is also home to a variety of bird species, including orange-bellied parrots, cape Barren geese, and masked lapwings. The island’s unique ecosystem is protected by the French Island Community Association, which works to maintain the island’s natural beauty and prevent large-scale development. The association has also worked to eradicate feral cats and foxes, which has helped to protect the island’s native wildlife.
The Island’s Community and Lifestyle
The island’s community is small and tight-knit, with many residents knowing each other and working together to maintain the island’s unique way of life. The island has a median age of 52, which is 14 years older than the rest of the country, and the local primary school currently has no students. However, the community is working to attract younger families and to help island residents age in place. The island’s residents enjoy a unique lifestyle, with many living off-grid and relying on their own resources for food, water, and energy. The island’s isolation also makes it an ideal place for people who value peace and quiet, and who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its many charms, French Island faces several challenges, including the need to attract younger families and to provide basic services such as healthcare and education. The island’s isolation also makes it difficult for people to access the island, and for locals to access basic services. However, the community is working to address these challenges, and to maintain the island’s unique way of life. The island’s unique ecosystem and natural beauty also make it an attractive destination for tourists, who can enjoy the island’s wildlife, scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Overall, French Island is a unique and special place, with a rich history, a strong community, and a beautiful natural environment.