French place names in the Margaret River Region

Have you noticed any French place names on your travels around the Margaret River Region? While Dutch explorers had sketched Western Australia’s southwestern coast, the French surveyed and charted the region, starting with two expeditions in 1772 led by captain Nicholas Baudin.

Here are the people and stories behind some of the French names you’ll find on your next visit to the region.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Geographe Bay’s crystal clear, calm waters has become synonymous with the relaxed nature of the region. The word Géographe originates from Captain Nicholas Baudin’s 1800 expedition ship. Géographe was a grand 20-gun Serpente-class corvette and departed Le Havre, France, carrying scholars, painters and designers.

Located at the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, Cape Naturaliste was named after the second French Navy ship in Baudin’s 1800 expedition. Today, Cape Naturaliste is home to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and is a popular area for walking, whale watching and admiring Sugarloaf Rock – a massive, boulder emerging from the ocean.

One of the best kept secrets amongst locals, Point Piquet is a heavenly little rocky outcrop between two sheltered bays that becomes a whale-watching hotspot come spring. However, do you know how its name came to be? Sub-Lieutenant Antoine Picquet, who was dismissed and jailed by Captain Baudin, inspired critics to name the Point, Picquet, in protest.

Cape Clairault is a gorgeous stretch of granite along the Cape-to-Cape Track that was named after celebrated mathematician Alexis Clairault in 1802 by Captain Baudin and his crew. Experience the power of the Indian Ocean, unique flora and fauna on this stretch of granite coast, as you hike from Canal Rocks south.

Cape Mentelle is a rugged series of steep, cliff-lined bays and was named after the prominent scientific brothers Edme and Francois Mentelle. To view this gorgeous stretch of the coastline, park at the mouth of the Margaret River and walk about 500 metres north. It’s a wonderful spot to watch the crashing surf too. Look out for the resident osprey and its nest!

Famous for friendly stingrays and a flawless beach, Hamelin Bay was named after the captain of the Naturaliste ship, Jacques Hamelin. Upon his return to France, Hamelin was appointed to plan the fleet to invade England for Napoleon. Hamelin Bay and nearby Augusta are quintessential seaside holiday towns, a mecca for those wanting to explore beyond the tourist track and to discover secret spots all for themselves. Our 3-Day Escape takes in Hamelin Bay, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and lunch overlooking the Blackwood River in Augusta.

Cape Gosselin is the French name for Cape Leeuwin, the southernmost point of the Margaret River region and Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. A wild and rugged cape surrounded by submerged rocks and shipwrecks, take a guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and admire the point where two oceans meet. As an aside, ‘Leeuwin’ comes from the Dutch word for Lion, and Cape Leeuwin was named by the French surveyors as a nod to the Dutch who got here first – just!

Saint Alouarn Island is a group of small, uninhabited islands located approximately three miles off the coast of Cape Leeuwin. It was named by the French explorer D’ Entrecasteaux in 1792 after Louis Saint Alouarn, who first surveyed Western Australian in 1772.

While you won’t see Captain Nicholas Baudin mentioned on Australian maps (he fell out of favour with Napoleon and French authorities), Baudin’s black cockatoo (Zanda baudinii) was named in his honour in 1832. This long-billed white-tailed black cockatoo often flies over Margaret River and along the coast, feasting on shrubs and gumnuts from marri trees.

Learn more about the beauty of Western Australia and what is on offer. Read further on how wonderful of a journey it is and then come with us to experience something unforgettable.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated to our offers and deals!

We are committed to protecting your privacy