Commemorative ride to La Perouse - 10th March 2024

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As you are aware, 10th March 1788 was the date on which La Perouse and his two ships departed Botany Bay after their six weeks encampment at what is now known as Frenchman’s Bay.

Sadly, they were never seen again, but the wrecks of the two ships, La Boussole and L’Astrolabe, were discovered about 40 years later near the Solomon Islands.
Our ride on Sunday 10th March 2024 took us from St Ives along the Link Road, through Northbridge, over Long Gully Bridge, then via Cahill Expressway to Botany, where we followed the Foreshore Drive, past the huge Shipping docks, past Botany Cemetery (holding many First Fleeters’ graves) then on to easy bike parking at La Perouse near Bare Island and the Museum.
There was no commemoration of 10th March, despite previous ceremonies which I have attended – sad.
We wandered around the Museum’s 3 sections – specialising in a. Communications b. Indigenous history c. La Perouse’s six-week visit (26 January – 10 March).
Randwick Council hosts Bastille Day (avec croissants) onsite on 14th July each year.
There IS a new Ferry Terminal  under construction, replacing that which was destroyed in a storm years ago – a passenger ferry will run between La Perouse to Kurnell – yeah!!
Next stop – the Prince of Wales Lookout – a brilliant viewing place, looking straight out to sea – easy parking.
Then on to Botany Road and Croquembouche – our favourite patisserie –BUT quel domage – it’s gone!! We had to make do with the place next door.
Final stopping place – Bonny meets Sir Joseph Banks only a block away – the full-size statue of Joe Banks examining a twig of (wait for it!) BANKSIA, with his looking glass.
(Herself again covers over the name of one of the donor Big Tobacco companies – such a pity it’s a dying trade.)
Thanks for the company – I’ll be back there for croissants and coffee on Bastille Day. Vive La France!
MTC

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