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Just 17km south of the city, on the eastern side of Botany Bay, lies the beautiful and interesting area of La Perouse Sydney. If you’re looking for a fun day out, this is an easy place to get to with plenty of things to do.
The sand at La Perouse Beach and Congwong Beach is dazzling white, the water is amazingly clear and it’s usually much quieter than at the busy Eastern Suburbs beaches like Bondi.
La Perouse also offers walking tracks through the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, historical landmarks such as Bare Island Fort and La Perouse Museum, and plenty of green space.
So if you’re looking for a great day out of the city, here’s my guide to La Perouse Sydney!
La Perouse Beach/Frenchmans Beach
La Perouse Beach, technically called Frenchmans Beach, is a lovely long curve of soft sand running parallel to Endeavour Avenue. It does have the industrial view of Port Botany to the west but it’s still extremely pretty, with trees lining the rear, plenty of amenities close to hand and extremely clear, calm water for swimming.
Congwong Beach, La Perouse
Follow the 100m track starting in Cann Park in La Perouse Sydney and you’ll soon reach picturesque and isolated Congwong Beach.
The turquoise waves at Congwong are slightly bigger than at Frenchmans Beach, but it’s not too rough to swim in. You’ll be surrounded by rocks and greenery so it’s a great escape from city life in Sydney.
If you’re feeling adventurous it’s only a further 600m to Little Congwong nudist beach!
Things to Do in La Perouse
- SWIM – in the tranquil water at La Perouse Beach, or in the slightly bigger waves at Congwong Beach.
- SNORKEL OR SCUBA DIVE – around Bare Island, one of Sydney’s most popular dive spots and a great place for beginners due to the shallow water.
- EXPLORE – La Perouse Museum or take a guided tour around Bare Island Fort (used as the location for the Virus Factory in Mission Impossible 2) , both open on Sundays only.
- LEARN – about Aboriginal culture at the Blak Markets mini festival, held quarterly on Bare Island, $2.50 pp. Peruse market stalls selling Aboriginal clothing, jewellery and artwork; enjoy traditional dance performances and an acoustic sound stage; watch spear making and cooking; and try real bush tucker food. If reptiles are your thing head to Cann Park from 1:30pm on Sundays and public holidays to watch the snake man of La Perouse educating the crowds on Australia’s often dangerous slithering friends. The show has been running in the area for over 100 years, but now focuses on education and promotes the awareness and protection of reptiles.
- PLAY – at the children’s playground behind Frenchmans Beach.
- EXERCISE – at the outdoor fitness station on Endeavour Avenue behind Frenchmans Beach.
- WALK – along the coastal tracks in Kamay Botany Bay National Park to Henry Head or Cape Banks.
Amenities
- TOILETS – behind La Perouse Beach and next to the track to Congwong Beach on Anzac Parade.
- BARBECUES & PICNIC TABLES – also behind La Perouse Beach.
Cafes & Restaurants in La Perouse Sydney
- Try Paris Seafood La Perouse directly behind Frenchmans Beach on Endeavour Avenue or the small strip of cafes on Anzac Parade between Endeavour Avenue and Goorawahl Avenue. Note that The Boatshed La Perouse, overlooking Frenchmans Beach, is closed at the time of writing, but under renovation.
Parking in La Perouse Sydney
- Parking is plentiful at La Perouse – just head to the very southern end of Anzac Parade and the entire loop is lined with free, unrestricted parking spaces. You’ll want the eastern side for Congwong Beach and the western side for Frenchmans.
- Alternatively, there are parking spots along Endeavour Avenue.
Bus to La Perouse from Sydney
- It’s about 35 minutes on the L94 bus from Museum Station in Sydney CBD down to Anzac Parade Terminus. Use the NSW trip planner to check times.
If you’re looking for more amazing beaches in south-eastern Sydney, check out my blog post reviewing all the beaches from Maroubra down to Yarra Bay. Happy exploring!
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Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.
