Frenchman's Rock is not an entirely unique place name. There is another we know of in Port Elliot, SA and then there is a Frenchman's Peak in the Cape Le Grand National Park east of Esperance, WA. Tasmania also has a Frenchman's Cap although not yet seen by us. These place names all refer to the French exploration of Australian coastline and notably to the expeditions of discovery led by Nicolas Baudin. We photographed a bust of Baudin in Bunbury and here in Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island his journey aboard Le Geographe is once again remembered. This Frenchman's Rock is not a geographical landmark like a hill top that looks like a french mariners cap, it is graffiti! To be more precise, this is a facsimile of the graffiti'd rock in the original location in Hog Bay. The original rock was removed for safe keeping and is on display at the Visitor Centre.
'Expedition of discovery by Captain Baudin in the Geographe 1803'
Nearby rocks
It is presumed that the inscription was made by crew from Le Geographe while ashore collecting water. It was a successful deployment from a source located nearby. It was to be the settlement's main water supply for some time. Matthew Flinders shared information of this water source with Nicolas Baudin who was exploring the region at the same time, when they met at Rosetta Head, Encounter Bay (Victor Harbour). Flinders had tragically already lost 7 crew the previous year searching for fresh water around Cape Catastrophe just south of Port Lincoln. Although Baudin and Flinders were ostensibly in competition with one another and their nations at war, it seems that they had a reasonable relationship. Other evidence to this is Flinders naming other coastal features in recognition of Baudin.
This commemorative installation references the comradeship of the two mariners, Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin plus the sharing of information about the sources of fresh water which would have been transported aboard in casks.
A well was constructed and went on to become the water supply for a fledgeling community of sealers and whalers and was in use until the 1960's
The nearby ferry port
Off they all go, back to the mainland across a calm Backstairs Passage
Slumming it for the summer?
Hog Bay, Penneshaw
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