Old Coast Rd Walking Track (French Island National Park)

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Old Coast Rd Walking Track (French Island National Park)

Explore all that French Island National Park has to offer by travelling the Old Coast Walking Track. This 5km walk takes visitors along a gentle undulating sandy track, through heathland and messmate forest. Walkers can stay overnight at the Fairhaven grounds, before their return or continue along to alternative walking tracks. Two lookouts provide views over Western Port Bay along the way.

Whilst walking ensure that you keep a sharp eye for any on the migratory birds that visit French Island at different times during the year. Throughout the wetlands and bushland, look closely to find the endemic French Island Spider-orchid.

Walkers and campers on French Island need to be self-sufficient. before venturing out. Ensure you are equipped with enough water and insect repellent.

Old Coast Rd walking track is a Grade 3 trail

How to get there

Old Coast Rd Walking Track (French Island National Park)

Old Coast Rd Walking Track (French Island National Park)

Need to know

Old Coast Rd Walking Track (French Island National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No fires permitted
  • No dogs allowed
  • No vehicles
  • No firearms allowed

Warnings

  • Animals and pests
    • Snakes

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Notification of Feral Cat Eradication Program using cage traps and soft-jaw leghold traps on French Island

Parks Victoria is using rubber-padded leghold traps and cage traps within French Island National Park and along crown land roadside reserves to capture feral cats. Cage traps may also be deployed on private land with the landowner's permission. 

Your domestic animal may be at risk. Please ensure steps are taken to confine and restrain your domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, to prevent them from being caught in rubber padded leghold or cage traps. Dogs, cats and other domestic animals are not permitting within French Island National Park. Dogs are to be kept on leads when not on private land, especially near bushland and conservation areas.

The trapping is part of the French Island Feral Cat Eradication Program. The objective of this program is to eradicate feral cats from the island to help support native wildlife. Feral cats predate on native wildlife putting pressure on already small populations, including several threatened species such as Long Nosed Potoroo, Swamp Skink, Lewin’s Rail, King Quail and Orange Bellied Parrot.

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