FRENCH ISLAND
Victoria's Natural Escape
Why not experience a full day on French Island with an exhilarating
If you are curious about Western Port's mystery island, or seeking
game of tennis in the morning and a relaxing bus tour in the
an alternative, rewarding natural experience, you are invited to visit
afternoon with Lois Airs?
French Island, Melbourne's own backyard wilderness. To get to
Lunch can be BYO or purchased before Lois takes you on a tour of
French Island travel (by car or train) to Stony Point, just south of
this unspoilt Island. Included in the tour will be a brief stop at French
Hastings for a relaxing 15 minute ferry cruise to Tankerton jetty, to
Island Fruit to pick juicy sun ripened apricots, or stroll around the
be met by a friendly tour or accommodation operator.
huge dam and observe the bird life. The tour includes a delicious
French Island has something for everyone, whether you or your
Devonshire tea, featuring jam made from locally grown fruit, at the
visitors are local, international, individuals or a group such as
Bayview Chicory Kiln Tea Room and Museum. During you day you
schools, corporate (work retreats) or social clubs. You can burn
will be sure to see koalas, echidnas, wildflowers and many birds.
up energy cycling, bush walking, koala or bird spotting, or perhaps
The Island is serviced by an 85-passenger Inter Island Ferries
enjoy a game of tennis, go fishing, or of course take a tour.
catamaran, the George Bass. There is one shop, no pub, no
Managed by Rod Johnston of French Island Eco Tours, Tortoise
electricity or water supply, no petrol station, but the residents enjoy a
Head Lodge caters for individuals, couples (etc) or groups up
full and healthy lifestyle, which now includes a wonderful new tennis
to 30 or so, and is located a short 200m walk from the Island's
Tankerton Jetty. There are 3 living/function rooms, two with fires.
Another Island Experience...
Accommodation is in en-suited family cabins, or shared facility
rooms. Meals can be self catered or on busier nights, a delicious
walking with a llama
meal will be prepared of healthy local meats and produce, and
cooked and by local professional chefs. Themed
The walk is leisurely to allow you to escape the stresses of
music nights, Christmas in July parties and a
city life. We have time to enjoy the panoramic views, take
return of the Lodge's famous murder mystery
photographs and generally enjoy the company of the llamas.
parties are also planned.
Lunch features local produce, French Island Organic Olive oil
Rod operates his award winning French Island
and is accompanied by French Island wines. This is followed
"Discovery" Eco Tour on Sunday afternoons
by fresh coffee or tea and a tasty dessert. After a short walk
including an organic, buffet lunch visit to
back to the farm we will return you in time to catch the 4.30pm
the Island's McLeod Eco Farm and historic
ferry back to Stony Point or Cowes. Stay a little calmer, go
reform prison.
- Alison & Jane at Tanderum
walk with a lama!
FRENCH ISLAND BUS TOURS
For your next weekend
FRENCH ISLAND
getaway, social party
or work retreat, consider our
TORTOISE HEAD LODGE
with LOIS AIRS (a fourth generation islander)
3 star lodge, now under new
manager Rod Johnston.
Tues & Thurs 8.30am or 12pm, Sun 10am or 12pm
Public Holidays and Sat in School H/days 10am or 12pm
· Magnificent views
ENJOYMENT FOR ALL AGES
from every room
· 2 cosy fires, 3 function rooms
Stops for viewing koalas, echidnas, birds, flora. Biodynamic walk and talk.
Devonshire teas at 1890's Bayview Chicory Kiln museum, memorabilia of former
· 4 en-suite cabins,
prison, friendly farm animals. Talk on llamas, olives, apricots, wine, honey, astro,
6 shared facility rooms
B&B and Perseverance School.
· Only 250 m from the jetty
Adult $18, Con $15, Child $10 (ferry fares extra)
Groups, Cyclists & Campers welcome daily at our farm.
· FREE French Island mini-tour
Biodynamic Lunch: Tues, Sat. (advanced Bookings) Ad. $34 Con $30 Child $20
· Victorian Tourism Award
phone. (03) 5980 1234
Bookings 5980 1241
Winning Manager
Bring ad for $5 refund per adult with child
· Self or full catering available
Accommodation & Eco Tour packages from $100 pp
F R E N C H IS L A N D
LL A M A E X P E R I E N C E
Get EXCITED about Melbourne's own Eco-Island with French Island Eco Tours,
Stay a little calmer go walking with a llama'
Victorian Eco-Award winners and fully accredited tourism operators.
Enjoy beautiful coastal views over Westernport
· Choice of lunch or afternoon tea tours
bay while strolling through our olive grove & along
at McLeod Eco Farm (former reform prison)
local laneways to our bushland picnic spot.
Your llama will carry a delicious lunch featuring
· Tours depart Stony Pt & Cowes Sundays only & other
our olive oil & French Island wines.
days by arrangement (Closed August).
For groups of 4-8 people. Bookings essential.
· Lunch tour includes 2 course organic lunch
Cost: $80 per person
$40 Adults, $37 Con, $20 Child
(inc: morning tea & 3 course lunch with wine).
Ask us about our vouchers & packages
*prices subject to change
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Peninsula Visitor . . . Summer 2007-08
