Fairhaven Campground
Detailed notes
A free, walk-in-only beachside campground on French Island National Park's west coast, 5km from Tankerton Jetty (reached via passenger ferry from Stony Point). Up to 40 people across 10 sites. No open fires at any time (highly combustible island vegetation) — bring a gas stove. Basic toilets, tank water (must be purified/boiled). Shared picnic tables, shelter, gas BBQ. General store ~7.5km away. Free but must be booked online, no vehicle-based camping. No dogs. Note: French Island has Ross River virus present and very limited medical response (air ambulance only).
Access is manageable but take the last stretch slowly, especially after rain.
On the ground you'll find basic (non-flush) toilets, no showers, unpowered sites, no fire pits (gas cooking only). Nearest shops: French Island General Store, Tankerton, ~5km — handy for anything you forget.
It sits roughly 65 km from Melbourne in the Phillip Island / Bass Coast, which makes it an easy run for a weekend or even an overnighter.
Beginner Confidence Score
May present challenges for beginners
Why we recommend this campsite
- Easy 65 km drive from Melbourne — no big day on the road
- No 4WD required — any normal car can get you there
- Shops nearby if you forget supplies or run low
- Free to camp
Things to know before you go
- Book early on weekends and holidays — popular sites fill fast
- Mobile reception not confirmed — download maps and tell someone your plans before you leave
- Basic non-flush toilets only — bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser
- No showers on site — pack wipes or a portable shower
- No fire pits — plan to cook on a gas stove and check fire restrictions
Weather confidence
Generally suitable for most beginners throughout the year. Conditions are usually gentle, so it's a forgiving place to learn the ropes.
Seasonal advice
- The sweet spot here is spring and autumn — mild days, cooler nights and the fewest weather surprises for a first trip.
- Winter nights in this part of Victoria get genuinely cold — a four-season bag or extra blankets make the difference between a good night and a miserable one.
- Always check Parks Victoria for fire restrictions and total fire ban days before you pack the car.
Hidden tips
- Download offline maps and pin the exact site before you lose signal on the drive in.General tip
- Free sites fill on a first-come basis — roll in Friday afternoon, not Saturday morning.General tip
- Set up with the morning sun in mind so the tent dries quickly and you're not packing away wet canvas.General tip
- The nearest town often has a better bakery or pub than the reviews suggest — worth a midday break.General tip
- Bring a cheap groundsheet a touch smaller than your tent floor — it keeps the underside clean and dry.General tip
Crowd expectations
This one stays relatively quiet most of the year. You'll likely share it with a handful of other campers rather than a full house — ideal if you're after a low-key first trip.
Local knowledge
- Locals treat the Phillip Island / Bass Coast as a year-round spot, but they avoid the peak summer rush and head out in the shoulder seasons.
- The nearest town is your friend — grab firewood, ice and bait there rather than hauling it from the city.
- Wildlife is part of the experience here — store food in the car overnight so you're not woken by curious visitors.
- Phone the local ranger or visitor centre the week before; they'll tell you about track closures and conditions no website lists.
Full site details
- · Best season: .
- · Booking: yes.
- · Check Parks Victoria for fire restrictions before you go.
Campsite information was last reviewed in September 2026. Fees, facilities, dog rules, access and closures can change at any time — always check with the park or operator before you travel. Distances and drive times are approximate, measured from Melbourne CBD in normal traffic.
The full guide for Fairhaven Campground is a Premium feature
Detailed notes, seasonal advice, hidden tips, local knowledge, maps and our beginner confidence breakdown for every campsite are available to Premium members.
Unlock with Premium