#19: The Discoverer of Australia
Contrary to common belief, James Cook was not the first European to visit Australia. Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon holds that distinction, having sighted Australia’s coast in 1605-1606. At the time, Janszoon mistakenly believed he had discovered an extension of New Guinea’s landmass.
Despite his historic encounter with Australia’s shores, Janszoon’s exploration did not lead to significant European settlement or exploration of the continent. Nonetheless, his voyage remains a crucial chapter in the early European exploration of Australia and highlights the diverse history of encounters between Indigenous Australians and European explorers.