Dutch Exploration of New Holland

The Dutch Named Australia New Holland and Abandoned It On January 26, 1606, Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon landed on the coast of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia, marking the beginning of Dutch exploration in the region. Dutch cartographer Joan Blaeu would later name the continent New Holland in 1644. By 1663, the Dutch had mapped much of the Australian coastline, but they ultimately decided to leave.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think the Dutch were just another European power that stumbled upon Australia during the Age of Exploration. The standard story goes that they, like many others, were searching for new trade routes and resources. However, this oversimplifies the Dutch role in Australian history. In reality, the Dutch had a more complex and nuanced relationship with the continent.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Gerrit Knaap argues that the Dutch were actively exploring and mapping the Australian coastline from 1606 onwards, with expeditions led by explorers like Willem Janszoon and Abel Tasman. On November 24, 1642, Tasman sighted the west coast of Tasmania, which he named Anthoonij van Diemens Landt, and by 1644, the Dutch had mapped much of the Australian coastline. According to the journal of Tasman, the Dutch East India Company's primary goal was to find new trade routes and resources, but they were disappointed with what they found in Australia. The Dutch considered the land to be worthless due to its lack of valuable resources and poor agricultural prospects. Historian Jan van Linschoten wrote about the Dutch explorations in his book "Itinerario" published in 1596, providing valuable insights into the Dutch mindset during this period. Dutch explorer François Pelsaert also documented his experiences in Australia in his 1637 report "Ongeluckige voyagie", which highlights the difficulties the Dutch faced in the region. By 1663, the Dutch had largely abandoned their interests in Australia, focusing instead on more lucrative colonies in the East Indies.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Charles Griffith and institutions such as the Australian National University have played a significant role in suppressing this story by focusing on the British colonization of Australia. Specifically, Griffith's work on the early European exploration of Australia barely mentions the Dutch, which has contributed to the lack of attention given to this period. The Australian government's decision to emphasize the country's British heritage has also led to the Dutch history being overlooked. A concrete reason for this oversight is the fact that many of the Dutch records from this period were not translated into English, making them inaccessible to Australian historians. As a result, the story of the Dutch in Australia has been largely ignored in favor of more prominent narratives.

The Ripple Effect

The Dutch decision to abandon Australia had significant consequences for the indigenous population, who were later subjected to British colonization. The lack of Dutch settlement also meant that the British were able to establish themselves as the dominant European power in the region. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the fact that Australia's eastern coast is dominated by cities founded by the British, such as Sydney and Brisbane, rather than Dutch settlements. The absence of a Dutch presence in Australia also meant that the country's language, culture, and institutions were shaped by British, rather than Dutch, influences.

The Line That Says It All

The Dutch East India Company's official records show that they ceased all efforts to establish a settlement in Australia in 1668, deeming the land to be of no significant value.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Dutch exploration and colonization of Australia in the 17th century.