D'Entrecasteaux Islands

D'Entrecasteaux Islands, since 1884 part of the British protectorate of New Guinea, lie north of the south-eastern extremity of New Guinea. With an area of 1083 sq. m., they comprise three chief islands separated by narrow channels. They are named after the French admiral and explorer, Bruni D'Entrecasteaux (1739-93), who visited these waters in 1792. His name is also preserved in D'ENTRECASTEAUX POINT on the south-west coast of Western Australia; and in D'ENTRECASTEAUX CHANNEL, separating the south of Tasmania from Bruné Island.