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I came across this while doing research for my TL. Namely that there's been a theory around since the 1780s that the Portuguese got to Australia before the French.
The scenario I envisaged is a sort of scuffle breaking out when the French start claiming Australia (I really like the idea of the name 'Ulimaroa' which a Swede came up with in the 1770s based on Cook's journals mentions of a native 'Olhemaroa' - not sure if it would be too 'rule of cool' to use it? And what would be a decent French "mangling" of it? I know the name probably refers to Grand Terre island rather than Australia, but Australie sounds too literal). Portugal starts saying that they knew about Australia first and that they have dibs on it (and of course Britain gets involved because a) the Portuguese are their oldest allies and more importantly, b) they don't want the French to have it).
The name 'Australis/-a' seems to have only emerged in the 17th century, while the theory is based (seemingly) predominantly on the Dieppe maps from the 16th. There the "continent" is referred to as "Grand Java" or "Java la Grande" but I'm not sure if the Portuguese would keep such a name?
Alternate French names for Australia that AREN'T Australie/Antipodée or Nouvelle-Hollande are likewise welcome. Especially since Louisiana (after King Louis) is both already taken, and unlikely to be used for a whole continent.