Bruni d'Entrecasteaux was a French navigator and explorer born in 1739. He is best known for his voyages in the late 18th century, particularly his expeditions to the southern coasts of Australia and the islands of the South Pacific. His work contributed to the mapping and understanding of these regions during a time of significant exploration. D'Entrecasteaux's most notable expedition took place from 1791 to 1793, where he aimed to locate the lost La Pérouse expedition. He explored areas such as Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef, providing valuable information about the geography and natural history of these locations. His contributions are recognized in the field of maritime exploration.