When Australia Was Almost French

The Institut de recherche Nicolas Baudin presents a one-time-only Melbourne lecture exploring the unexpected connections between France and Australia.

For over 200 years France and Australia have shared an intriguing history. From 1772 to 1827, nine French expeditions charted Australia’s coastline, mapping its terrain, cataloguing its flora and fauna, and engaging with Indigenous communities. But the story didn’t end there.

This event is part of an exclusive 2024 lecture tour across six Australian cities and New Caledonia. French historian Patrick Llewellyn will present unique moments of Franco-Australian history and highlight the intense rivalry between France and England for control over Australia.