La Perouse sounds very French but please don’t get misled by the name. We are not in the outskirts of Paris, but very much within the suburb limits of south-eastern Sydney. But let us not forget that the early white settlers to the continent country came from various nations. La Perouse is in fact in the state of New South Wales, which is approximately fourteen kilometers from the Sydney CBD (central business district.). This is one place, in the city of Randwick, teeming with visit sites that provide a real peek into the history, the botany and the geography of the area.

La Perouse was actually the French naval officer and explorer Jean Francois de Galaup, comte de La Perouse (1741-88), who landed in Australia in 1788. It is in his memory that this place has been named.

There are numerous attractions here that can keep a visitor occupied the whole day. Some notable land-marks are the Bare Island that served as a military post long ago, the Frenchmans Bay that provided a safe and secluded swimming area for the troops, and the Congwong Beach. However, the dominant attractions for tourists are the La Perouse History Museum and the Bare Island Fort, linked to the mainland by a foot-bridge.

The La Perouse Museum is a treasure trove of the early French explorer’s history, and if you thought Captain Cook was a fictional figure, then you need to think again. A short walk from the museum towards the Endeavour Lighthouse offers a fantastic view of the bay across where the famous pirate made his base. Interestingly, the La Perouse Museum was originally a home for orphaned children and run by the Salvation Army. The museum has on display a trove of maps, ship relics, instruments that were used by the French explorers, including an obelisk close by that suffices as the La Perouse Monument.

Today, La Perouse is also about the Aboriginal people who originally resided in that area. During the week, visitors can do an aboriginal guided round of the Yarra Bay House, or even purchase their artefacts as souvenirs. On weekends one can witness live the demonstrative skill of the aboriginal in the usage of the boomerang. On Sunday afternoons, people from Sydney city head down to ‘The Loop’ at La Perouse to watch the exclusive live reptile show. And they showcase many impressive reptiles. Yes the crocodile show is a big attraction with the tourists and the children.

In all, La Perouse has plenty to offer in terms of local history and original culture. There are very interesting guided tours and skill demonstrations that keep the interest in culture alive. If all that wandering around made you feel hungry, you could just head down towards the Frenchmans Bay and check the menu’s of the cafes and small restaurants. They are well reputed and serve excellent snacks.

For further information and clarification:

La Perouse Museum
Cable Station, Anzac Parade
La Perouse, Sydney
New South Wales 2036
Ph: (02) 9311 3379