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Botany Bay, 15-30 km south of Sydney, holds a very special place in (European) Australian history as the site of Captain Cook’s first landing in April 1770. The landing site is near what is now Kurnell on the southern shores of Botany Bay, which along with La Perouse on the northern shore, comes under the auspices of the 458-ha Botany Bay National Park. As well as possessing highly significant historical sites for both the European and Aboriginal cultures it presents plenty of walking opportunities and ocean views. Joseph Banks, ship’s naturalist on board The Endeavour, named the bay in 1770.
Sights
Bare Island Fort
T 9247 5033. Guided tours on Sat and Sun, $7.70, child $5.50.
Within the small northern sector of the park, around La Perouse on the northern headland, you can take a tour of Bare Island Fort that was erected amidst wartime paranoia and the perceived threat of foreign invasion.
La Perouse Museum and Visitors Centre
T 9311 3379. Wed-Sun 1000-1600, $5.50, child $3.30 . Cable Station Anzac Pde.
Also located on the northern headland is La Perouse Museum and Visitors Centre, on the actual site of the first landing of the First Fleet in 1788. The museum explores the great historical event and the fate of French explorer Captain La Perouse, as well as local Aboriginal and European heritage.
Southern sector walks
The southern sector of the park is larger and has the best walks including the short, 1-km Monument Track, passing several historical markers surrounding Cook’s landing and the more demanding Coast Walk to Bailey lighthouse.
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