La Perouse

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.