Stories of a different time at La Perouse

• Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
• Explore the headland at La Perouse and discuss the history of the 1820s Macquarie Watchtower. It was the first customs building in Australia.
• Visit the monument to French naval explorer Lapérouse, after whom the site is named
• Learn about the La Perouse cable station and former Salvation Army home for women, also located at this site
• Walk across the wooden bridge to meet at Bare Island gate
• Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
• Morning tea and toilet break on Bare Island
• Explore Bare Island and discuss early Aboriginal culture and Cook's landing spot in Botany Bay in 1770
• Discuss the fascinating discoveries of renowned naturalist Sir Joseph Banks
• Convict uniform dress-up and role-play
• Lunch and toilet break on Bare Island
• Discover the Happy Valley Great Depression camp of the 1930s, which was once located at this site
• Make our way back to the bus and depart

Please wear fully enclosed shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

Get driving directions

Bare Island is located at the end of Anzac Parade in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Follow Anzac Parade towards La Perouse. The area has coach and car parking, a museum, picnic areas, historic fort and a beach.

• Stories of a different time at La Perouse factsheet

Our rangers and guides have the technical skill and experience to assess the risks and the benefits of a variety of activities delivered as part of our learning programs.

We believe in including opportunities that allow students to learn and experience for themselves through exploration in the natural environment.

Please make your own risk assessment based on the information provided. Detailed potential risks and controls are provided for the site to assist teachers in risk management planning. Teachers and carers should be aware of, and consider the needs, abilities and medical conditions of students when visiting this site. The supervision of students remains the responsibility of the teacher. The school must ensure an adequate number of adult supervisors are present.

Disability access level - hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty. The downstairs section of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but there are steps involved so you'll need some assistance. The upstairs section is inaccessible due to a narrow stairway. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.