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French Island

Location

FRENCH ISLAND VIC 3921 - Property No L10050

File Number

L10050

Level

Regional

Statement of Significance

The gently undulating topography of this island rises to a maximum height of 314 feet above sea level at one point only, i.e. Mt. Wellington. In the past there have been attempts to develop the land for agriculture or forestry, but the soil over most of the island is poor and many such ventures have failed. However, successful farms have been developed on the sandstone in the south-western sector of the island.

Abandoned and badly managed farms are reverting to scrub (and swamps). Ruins of stone chicory kilns and mud brick buildings, some associated with the 1890's Village Settlement schemes, give historic character to the landscape. Landscape values are high, particularly along the coast, which is dotted with swamps and saltmarshes in the north and cliffed in the south, and from elevated viewing points such as the heathy woodlands running east-west across the island.

LOCATION:

North-central Western Port Bay

Group