Built in 1832 in Jarrow on Tyne by the renowned shipbuilders Thomas and Robert Brown Junior, Africaine was a sturdy vessel with a tonnage of 317 tons.

By August 1837, ownership had changed hands to Michael Connolly, J. Griffiths, and William Dutton, with the ship now registered in Launceston, Tasmania.

One of its notable journeys began on 27 June 1836, when it departed from London, carrying settlers bound for the newly established colony of South Australia.

The wreck marked the end of a ship that had played a small yet significant part in the early history of Australian colonization, carrying people who would go on to shape the future of the continent.

[3] Africaine first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1832 as African, with Thompson, master, Fenwick, owner, and trade London–Quebec.

Robert Gouger and John Brown chartered Africaine in 1836 to carry goods and passengers as part of the First Fleet of South Australia.

[6][a] Soon after unloading her passengers and cargo at Holdfast Bay, Africaine went on to Hobart Town in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) to acquire more supplies.