La Perouse
La Perouse is a Sydney suburb on the shores of Botany Bay and home to some historic locations and scenic views. The suburb takes its name from the French explorer La Perouse who arrived here in 1788 eight days after the first fleet arrived from England. Never seen again after sailing into the Pacific his disappearance remained a mystery for decades. It was not until 1828 that a French expedition determined that the La Pérouse expedition was wrecked at Vanikoro, Santa Cruz, north of the New Hebrides Several memorials to him and his crew are near the museum.
We parked on ANZAC Parade as there was plenty of available spaces. From here we walked around the area taking in the views as we went. There are beautiful views of the coast, Conwong Beach and Bare Island from Anzac Parade.
Bare Island
Bare Island was our first stop but was closed to the public when we visited. The foot bridge was open which gave us a good look at one side of the fort as well as back to the headland and beaches. The old fort gives Bare Island a unique appearance making is worth going to. The fort was part of Sydney’s original defences but is now disused. You will need to find opening days and times before visiting if you want to go onto the actual island.
Memorials and Graves
Walking back to the mainland we stopped to look at Macquarie Watchtower before having a walk around the foreshore and Frenchman’s Beach. A memorial erected by the French to honour La Perouse overlooks Botany Bay, near the Museum. The second European buried in Australia, Father Louis Receveur has his gave not far from the Memorial. The first European buried in Australia was one of Captain Cook’s crew in 1770. His grave is located across the water in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, which we had visited that morning.
La Perouse Museum
The museum has items from French explorers which are very interesting. It has a nice little café with nice seating outside looking over the coast and Frenchman’s Beach.
A great place to visit with a range of things to see and do, from early European history to nice walks and scenery.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.