Naturaliste Tours
Naturaliste Tours
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Discover the history, natural beauty & abundant wildlife of French Island, an unspoilt, remote island only 1 hour from Melbourne and a 15 min ferry from Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula. Naturaliste Tours operates small guided tours in 4WD off ride vehicles. Experience the vast array of flora & fauna, stop at historic sites, lookout points and see the wildlife such as koalas & echidnas.
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5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Dora Exploradora
3 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Brilliant tour, guide and taste of the island. My partner and I did the explorer tour. Can’t say enough. Very easy to book online includes ferry ticket - great value! Lunch with a local was amazing with some local wine to try as well. Highly recommend. Only complaint was it wasn’t long enough! 🙂
Written 24 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Dora_siempre_anda, for the lovely review and feedback. The Discover French Island is a great introductory tour and give you a glimpse of this very large island and the beautiful flora and fauna and of course the lovely locals and their fascinating off grid lifestyle.
Hope to you see you back on our French Island Winery Tour - Wines, Vines and Vistas where you explore the delightful vineyard, meet the local winemaker and have a fabulous lunch.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written 31 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonja M
Melbourne, Australia48 contributions
June 2018 • Solo
I thoroughly enjoyed exploring French Island with Steve, our guide from Naturiste Tours. The ferry was quick and smooth and I felt relaxed and comfortable in the four-wheel-drive vehicle which we explored the island in.
It was great spotting the koalas and I was delighted to see my first echidna.
Steve gave us a great insight into the lives of the French Islanders and his passion for the island is obvious.
I would have liked a few more walks if possible within the time frame.
It was great spotting the koalas and I was delighted to see my first echidna.
Steve gave us a great insight into the lives of the French Islanders and his passion for the island is obvious.
I would have liked a few more walks if possible within the time frame.
Written 21 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review. The tour offers a glimpse into this intriguing island with opportunity to stop and see wildlife, take in the views and the wide variety of changing landscape from salt marshes and rolling fields to swamps, forests and volcanic rock beaches, as well as historic buildings such as the restored chicory kilns. I have passed on your feedback of a few more walks, thank you.
Hope yo see you back in the spring when the wildflowers and unique orchids are in bloom.
Warmest regards,
Leanne
Written 23 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CHOOKSFROMELTHAM
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We had a fantastic tour with Steve Ross yesterday as he was extremely knowledgeable on topography, history and the flora and fauna of French Island. The four wheel drive transporter was very comfortable and handled the unmade roads of French Island with ease.
Written 3 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review. Steve, shares his knowledge in a very informative an personalised style. And we love our 4WD vehicle - we call him Bruce!
Hope to see you on French Island again one day soon.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written 5 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosemary
Melbourne, Australia134 contributions
Oct 2019
After disembarking at Phillip Island from our cruise ship, we walked over to the Visitor Info.stand. There were several options but we decided to do a tour of French Island with Naturaliste Tours of French Island as we had never visited, despite living in Melbourne.The tour leaves from the Cowes jetty and a 20 minute ferry ride takes you to Stony Point, then on to Tankerton, French Island.That was an interesting trip in itself. We were met at the jetty by our tour guide, Julie. As a local resident, she was very knowledgeable and shared her love of the island with us. We learnt more about the history and saw some of the flora and fauna of the island. We travelled in an OKA 4 wheel drive vehicle which managed the terrain brilliantly. We were lucky to have lunch at Mandalaye Park, a beautiful property which offers accommodation cottages. Celia, our hostess provided a delicious lunch accompanied by some excellent French Island wines. It was absolutely delightful having lunch on the cottage veranda.We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and our time with Julie on French Island. I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone.
Written 3 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Rosemary for the wonderful review. Yes, French Island is a unique, off the grid, eco destination and the history, people and lifestyle is very interesting. The island landscape and vegetation is dramatic and changes with the seasons. The OKA 4 wheel drive vehicle manages the terrain in all weathers and being elevated makes for great viewing.
Mandlaye Park is a beautiful property and we are delighted to be able to share this on the tour. Perhaps you can join us on the 8th of December for Picnic in the Park @ Mandalye Park which will be a lovely day of Wine, Food & Music. This is part of our Summer Events Series.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written 10 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stuart
Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Thank-you to Steve at Naturaliste Tours for an excellent tour of French Island. Although only 80 minutes from Melbourne, a visit to French Island is transporting offering interesting and wild landscapes. Steve has excellent knowledge offering keen insights on topics ranging from flora and fauna, history through to the intriguing island lifestyle. We were able to see quite a number or wild koalas and birds of prey. A fascinating day that I can highly recommend.
Written 9 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review. French Island is indeed a hidden treasure trove of wild and interesting landscapes, wildlife in natural settings and fascinating history on the door step of Melbourne. French Island is accessible by a 15 minute ferry ride from either Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula or Cowes on Phillip Island,whihc is included in the tour price. For those who do not wish to drive there is a train station at Stony Point, a short stroll to the ferry.
Regards,
Leanne
Written 16 May 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chelsea M
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The staff are lovely and full of information, they have such a happy and bubbly personality and make your experience worth while.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive feedback! We are delighted to hear that you found our staff to be lovely, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We strive to provide our customers with an enjoyable and informative experience, and it is great to know that we were able to make your visit worthwhile. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 16 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Abu Abdullah
2 contributions
Dec 2021
French Island was an amazing place, and I would have no other tour guide to accompany us than Naturaliste Tours - especially when your guide was Adam. He was an insightful yet charming tour guide who took us through the tranquil place that is French Island. Cecile and Louis were amazing caretakers in our trip to the island, and the place was wonderful. Such a beautiful landscape, and so quite, it's as if you are tens of thousands of kilometres away from the city, when its just around 50 from Melbourne City. Would highly recommend!
Written 11 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you GlassesGuy321 for the fantastic review. French Island is indeed a hidden treasure and right on our door step. So glad you enjoyed the experience. Your lovely comments have been passed on.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written 6 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neil M
1 contribution
Nov 2021
This was a great experience with our guide Matt who introduced us to outstanding local people where we not only learnt about the history, flora and fauna but were really impressed with the gracious welcome we received. Thoroughly recommend this tour for all.
Written 18 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the lovely review and feedback. You comments have been passed on to Matt.
Glad you enjoyed the interesting history, flora and fauna of course the warm welcome, that is French Island.
Hope to see you again.
Regards,
Leanne
Written 1 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane Northwood
4 contributions
Mar 2020
After taking a UK and American visitor and ourselves on this tour after 30 years on the Peninsula we were not disappointed. Steve, our guide, spotted all the animals on request. A wonderful home cooked lunch with the owner of the homestead at the end of the tour was amazing. We will bring other friends with us and spread the word. Fantastic day, thank you so much.
Written 20 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the wonderful review. French Island is a hidden gem, right on our doorstep. With wildlife encounters, an opportunity to meet locals and hear about the fascinating, off grid lifestyle and history of the island it truly is unique experience.
We look forward to welcoming you and friends and family back again.
Warmest regards,
Written 22 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Local
185 contributions
Jan 2020
French Island is certainly not the ordinary destination but Naturaliste Tours goes further and makes it like a discovery journey.Thanks to Steve who has a wealth of knowledge about the island, I learned a lot about the History of French Island,the tradition of chicory and the local flora and fauna .During the Tour, we saw echidnas, koalas, spiders, one snake and a lot of migratory birds.If you like Tours with a difference, focused on nature, in a peaceful environment with a nice and very informative guide, this tour is for you.The tour finishes at the local cafe.Ferries are very reliable.
Finally, the price of the Tour is very reasonable and includes lunch.
Final tip : ferries are free for seniors on weekends and public holidays
Finally, the price of the Tour is very reasonable and includes lunch.
Final tip : ferries are free for seniors on weekends and public holidays
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Annie for the wonderful review. You have encapsulated the "Discover French Island Tour" very well. Our guides are very knowledgable and enthusiastic about the Island, its history, flora and fauna.
We have recently added the" Wines, Vines & Vistas" tour which is great for food, wine and nature lovers and for those looking for a unique experience away from the normal offerings.
Hope to see you on another tour or sailing with Western Port Ferries sometime soon.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Would this tour be suitable for my 80 year old mother who is not good with steps but can walk (slowly) on flat ground?
Written 1 October 2019
I'd like to visit the prison there, is that possible on this tour? I believe the other one doesn't do it.
Written 3 August 2018
Sadly, the prison has recently been bought by an overseas investor and is closed to the public.
Written 7 August 2018
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