The MV Cape Don is a former lighthouse tender built by the State Dockyard at Newcastle, New South Wales in 1962. It is now a museum ship at the former coal loading wharf in Balls Head Bay New South Wales, Australia.
Cape Don
La Perouse Sydney Australia
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.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park Sydney
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Kamay Botany Bay National Park is the home to significant historical events as well as beautiful coastal scenery. It is the place in which Captain James Cook first landed in Australia and claimed the whole continent for England. The sight of the first flag raising now has several very large flags flying there including the Aboriginal flag to acknowledge their prior habitation of the country. The first European buried in Australia is also located here.
The Monument Precinct
First stop here is the Kurnell visitors centre. The area has Cook’s landing spot, where Europeans and aboriginal people first met and the flags.
In the same area is a monument to Daniel Carl Solander, the first Swede to arrive in Australia. He was on the Endeavour Expedition with Cook, assisting Banks with the collection of botanical specimens.
The first European grave is well marked, belonging to Forby Sutherland who died of tuberculosis.
The Leap
Only a short drive around the coast is The Leap with a small roadside carpark and stairs down to a rock platform. The short walk down is worthwhile for the interesting rock formations in the area. Be careful of the tide and slippery rocks when you are walking around.
Stairs at the Leap 
Rock Formation at The Leap 
Rock Formation at The Leap
Cape Solander
Our final stop was at the Cape Solander Lookout for some spectacular coastal views.
So, if you are interested in Australian colonial history, want to see some great coastal scenery, or just want to have a relaxing day out, this is a great place to visit.
From here we headed over to La Perouse and some more Australian History.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.