Almost a French Australia

Almost a French Australia by Noelene Bloomfield

Discover how close Australia came to French colonisation and the 1780s events that shaped our nation's destiny.

A Fascinating What-If of Australian History

Almost a French Australia by Noelene Bloomfield tells the remarkable story of how close Australia was to being split between the French and English. Only a series of events in the 1780s prevented the French from consolidating their place in terra Australis. This fascinating book explores an alternate history that almost came to pass.

La Pérouse and the Race for Australia

Following explorers like La Pérouse, Bloomfield explains the French expeditions to Australia and reveals why the French eventually withdrew from the race for colonisation. This compelling account examines the diplomatic manoeuvres, exploration voyages, and historical accidents that determined Australia would be British rather than French—or divided between the two powers.

Perfect for readers interested in:

• Australian colonial history
• French exploration and La Pérouse
• Alternative history and what-ifs
• Early European contact with Australia
• Maritime exploration history
• How Australia's destiny was shaped

Why this book fascinates: Almost a French Australia reveals how different our nation could have been. From language and culture to legal systems and national identity, this book explores the pivotal moments when Australia's future hung in the balance between French and British colonisation.

Ideal for: History enthusiasts, students of Australian colonial history, readers interested in French exploration, and anyone curious about the alternative paths Australia's history could have taken.

Explore the fascinating story of how Australia almost became French and the events that shaped our nation's destiny.