French Island

One of the greatest adventures I had on a bike was with my wife at French Island.  French Island is the largest coastal island off Victoria, and is located in Western Port Bay, approximately 61km’s South East of Melbourne.  French Island is accessible and you can take your bikes over via Ferry:

http://www.interislandferries.com.au/fi_costs.php

All the roads are gravel, so you would need to take an appropriate bike, or can rent a Mountain Bikes on the Island (would recommend to bring one).  French Island only has about 60 permanent residents living there, and you will find it perfect to ride around as there will be minimal traffic.  The access roads around the island aren’t that scenic, but if you ride out to one of the many coastal views you will see stunning sights.

A must do is to visit the French Island Museum & Tea Rooms where you can be served fresh tea and scones:

http://www.frenchislandtours.com.au/frenchislandtours.com.au/Museum_%26_Tearooms.html

This is located on a farm, where you can get to experience farm life close up.  There is also a converted Prison which has been turned into a farm (McLeod’s Farm) which is also worth a visit.  There is accommodation on the island, and you could easily spend several day’s Mountain Biking around this great Island.  There is also an abundance of great native walks to do.

French Island is a hidden wonder for riding.  I’ve only ridden this paradise once, and hope to return at some stage over the year.

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/314569/Park-note-French-Island-National-Park.PDF