The Friends of the Laperouse Museum Inc. is a community organisation and a foundation member of The Laperouse International Network, dedicated to the preservation of the Bicentennial Gift from the Australian French community by way of the Laperouse Museum commemorating the voyage of Jean-François de Galaup Comte de Lapérouse.

The Laperouse voyage of discovery aimed to complete the charting of the Pacific Ocean's lands commenced by Captain James Cook.

The Friends' office is located within the historic Cable Station complex that houses the Laperouse Museum. We are a key stakeholder and active member of Randwick Council's La Perouse Museum and Headland Trust - represented by our President Carol Abela.

Original anchor from 1788 French expedition now on display at The Laperouse Museum.

See the video here —> Link

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Museum is open Wednesdays and Fridays 10am to 2pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm.  

Events

Annual General Meeting:

Saturday 23 November 2024 12:00pm

La Perouse Museum

Light refreshments following the AGM

Lecture:

Saturday 23 November 2024 1:00pm

Patrick Llewellyn will present the Pierre Roussel Memorial Lecture

 Terra Gallica: when Australia was almost French

From Saint-Aloüarn, who took possession of Australia for Louis XV at Shark Bay (Western Australia) in 1772, to the scientists of the Baudin expedition who drew up a plan for Napoleon's invasion of Sydney, to Dumont d'Urville, who explored King George Sound (now Albany) to make Western Australia a French colony, France and England have always competed for possession of the island continent. Starting with the famous painting of Lapérouse unfolding the map of his expedition in front of Louis XVI, with his hand pointing to Australia, this lecture tells the long story of this race with its many twists and turns.

 Patrick Llewellyn is French and has a degree in humanities. For almost 12 years, he has specialised in the history of the great scientific maritime expeditions of the 18th century, in particular that of Nicolas Baudin, the battle of the longitudes and marine chronometers. He was involved in organising the Art of Science exhibition in Australia in 2016, dedicated to Captain Baudin's expedition, and facilitated the loan to Australia from the Musée National de la Marine in Paris of one of only two surviving marine chronometers from the Baudin expedition, and the large copper plate used to engrave the first complete map of the Australian coastline in Paris in 1811. Patrick gave numerous lectures in Australia in 2015 and 2016.

 For more than two centuries, France and Australia have forged strong links. Between 1772 and 1827, no fewer than nine French scientific expeditions explored the Australian coastline. French scientists drew maps, studied flora and fauna, and opened up to the Aborigines. In the century that followed, Australians and French shed their blood side by side in two world wars.

 As recently as December 2023, the governments of our two nations solemnly renewed their cooperation through a multi-year agenda covering areas as broad and fundamental as rare metals, defence, culture, history, Antarctica, oceans, space and sport.

 It's these connections that we want to highlight in our lecture tour. For the first time, 12 events will offer 4 different lectures in 6 Australian cities and Nouméa (New Caledonia). Historical, cultural and human discoveries never before presented.

 Patrick’s lecture is sponsored by Accor Hotels and Bausele – Australia’s watch since 2011

 RSVP by 17.10.24 to  friendsofthelaperousemuseum@gmail.com

 Please note: On street parking is very limited. The 390X is a frequent bus service from Bondi Junction to La Perouse via Randwick and Maroubra Junction.

Recent Events:

On Saturday 17 February 2024, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC delivered the Pierre Roussel Memorial Lecture.
Copy of Her Excellency’s speech: Click here.

On Sunday 18 February, the Annual Pere Receveur Commemoration Mass was celebrated on the verandah of the La Perouse Museum. Thank you to Randwick City Council for the marquee, the Seaside Lions for their sausage sizzle; and cold water provided by the Friends.

On Saturday 9 March, an informal social function was held during which visiting historian, Hubert Sagnières, related and discussed some of his passions, knowledge and experiences of French explorers.

Hubert graciously donated a copy of his book, Daring French Explorations: Trailblazing Adventures around the World: 1714-1854, Featuring Bougainville, Lapérouse, Dumont d’Urville, and more.

 Refer ‘Past Events’ page for complete the list of events.

Visit the Museum’s webpage http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/buildings/la-perouse-museum