The two vessels crossed the equator on 11 December and arrived at Isle de France (Mauritius), on 16 March 1801.

[2] For some 18 months Naturaliste and Géographe explored the less-known regions of New Holland (Australia), and Van Diemen's Land.

The supplies permitted Naturaliste to return to France and Géographe to continue her explorations of the Australian coast.

[1][2] When she left Port Jackson, Naturaliste took with her the Colony's staff surgeon, Mr. James Thomson, whom Governor Philip Gidley King had given permission to return to England.

She was in the Channel when on 26 May 1803 HMS Minerve arrested her and brought her into Portsmouth, even though Naturaliste was flying a cartel flag and had passports attesting to her non-combatant character.