Fairhaven Campground: A Secluded Off-Grid Escape on French Island

For a truly unique and off-grid adventure, Fairhaven Campground on French Island offers an escape unlike any other in Victoria. Located within the rugged and pristine French Island National Park, this campground is a secluded haven for self-sufficient hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Accessible only by ferry from the mainland, French Island is a step back in time, with a sparse population, unsealed roads, and an incredible abundance of wildlife. The Fairhaven Campground is situated on the island’s west coast, providing a basic but beautiful base from which to explore the mangroves, woodlands, and coastal heathlands that make this island so special. It’s the ultimate destination for those wanting to truly disconnect, with the sounds of the bay and the calls of native birds as the only interruptions.

This is a walk-in or cycle-in campground, located approximately 5km from the Tankerton jetty where the ferry arrives. The journey is part of the experience, winding through the island’s unique landscape. The campground itself offers a small number of designated sites in a natural bush setting, along with a non-flush toilet and a rainwater tank (water must be treated). As it’s located within a National Park, **pets are strictly prohibited**. There are no bins, so a carry-in, carry-out ethos is essential. Open fires are also not permitted, so campers must bring a fuel stove. All supplies, including food and sufficient water, must be brought over on the ferry from the mainland towns of Stony Point or Cowes. For the prepared adventurer, Fairhaven offers an unforgettable experience—watching the sunset over Western Port Bay, spotting koalas in the wild, and enjoying the profound peace of an island largely untouched by modern development.

Campground Information

• Name: Fairhaven Campground
• Address: Coast Road, French Island, VIC 3921, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.341899811070455, 145.28001509501684
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria. French Island National Park Official Page

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote coastal setting in French Island National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents only (hike-in or cycle-in).
• Road Access: Island accessible by passenger ferry. Campground is reached via a 5km unsealed track from the jetty.
• Site Surface: Natural earth/grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard national park limits apply.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet, picnic table, rainwater tank (treat before use).
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or be prepared to treat water from the tank.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited and unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of designated sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All food, water, fuel stove, tent, first aid supplies, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly prohibited on French Island.
• Fishing: Yes, from the coast.
• Short Walks: Direct access to coastal and forest walking and cycling tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions (Mainland Access via Ferry)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Westernport Hotel (San Remo) – via Stony Point ferry + drive
  • Hotel Phillip Island (Cowes) – via Stony Point ferry + drive
  • Hastings Hotel (Hastings) – via Stony Point ferry + drive
• Places to Eat:
  • French Island General Store (very limited options) – approx. 7 km from campground
  • Cafes and takeaways in Stony Point and Hastings (mainland).
• Local Attractions:
  • French Island National Park (koala spotting, bird watching)
  • French Island General Store
  • Historic Chicory Kilns
  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade (via ferry from Stony Point)

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island (Newhaven) – via ferry
  • Stony Point Caravan Park (mainland)
  • Anchor Belle Holiday Park (Cowes) – via ferry
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • There are no other designated free camps on French Island or the nearby mainland.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Stony Point Caravan Park (mainland)
  • Cowes Foreshore Caravan Park (Phillip Island)
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mainland only, at Hastings or Grantville.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Bring from the mainland.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also at Tankerton Jetty.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with strong sea breezes. Perfect for coastal exploration. Average maximums are around 24°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often calm, ideal for hiking and cycling. Average maximums range from 17°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, windy, and often wet. Can be very exposed. Average maximums are around 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with clearing skies. Excellent for wildlife viewing. Average maximums range from 16°C to 20°C.