French explorers were important
in the mapping of Australia's coastline.
The names of French explorers can mainly be found on the
coastlines of Western Australia and Tasmania.
Of special interest to us are the expeditions
of Jean-Francois
de Galaup, Comte de la Perouse. |
 |
The Sydney suburb of La Perouse named after the explorer is near to our school.
Some of our students live at La Perouse.
In 1785 the French King Louis XVI sent a fleet of French ships to the
southern oceans to match the discoveries of Captain Cook.
Three years later, on January 26 1788 La Perouse arrived at Botany Bay.
La Perouse set up camp on the northern shore of Botany Bay. The site
of their camp is now known as La Perouse.
La Perouse and his company stayed for only six weeks.
On March 10 1788, La Perouse and his fleet left Botany Bay.
They were never seen again!
The French sent Bruni d'Entrecasteaux to search for La Perouse.
D'Entrecasteaux was also given the task of further exploring the
coast of New Holland and Van Diemen's Land.
D'Entrecasteaux arrived in New Holland in 1792. He made discoveries
on the coast of Western Australia and Tasmania.
He did not find any trace of La Perouse!
Look at the map of Australia and the date of D'Entrecasteaux' arrival.
Can you give reasons why D'Entrecasteaux would not have found any
trace of La Perouse?