Living history on the northern shores of Botany Bay
La Perouse is an historical haven that blends Aboriginal, French and Colonial traditions. Named after the navigator Jean-Francois de Galaup de La Perouse, the first Frenchman to arrive in Australia in 1788, this treasure is resplendent with beaches, bays and bushland. La Perouse’s museum contains original maps, antique scientific instruments and intriguing relics recovered from the wrecks of La Perouse’s frigates Boussole and Astrolabe. The museum is also the starting point of a walking trail ending at Endeavour Lighthouse where you’re rewarded with spectacular views across the bay to the site of Captain Cook’s landing place.
Worth exploring and accessible via a bridge from La Perouse is the tiny Bare Island, the site of a fort completed in 1885 to strengthen Sydney’s coastal defence. On weekends there are Aboriginal artefacts, all of which are for sale, on display at the park. Just to the north is tranquil Yarra Bay, a great spot from which to view sailing boats racing across Botany Bay.
La Perouse Highlights....
Dine at the waterfront Boatshed Café or the Yarra Bay 16ft Sailing Club and watch the sailing boats and windsurfers skim the bay.
Enjoy a picnic or swim at one of the tranquil bays surrounding La Perouse.
View the Macquarie Watchtower, the oldest existing building on the Bay’s shores and Australia’s first customs house, built in 1820-21.
Take a scenic coastal walk through the National Park enjoying the wonderful ocean and bay views, rock pools, flora and fauna.
Enjoy the famous snake and reptile show on Sundays and public holidays from 1.30pm (weather permitting).
