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The name Australia comes from the Latin term 'terra australis incognita', meaning "unknown southern land", because for so long the continent of Australia was theorised, but not realised.
Matthew Flinders did not discover Australia, but he was the first to circumnavigate the continent. He suggested the name "Terra Australis" and this became Australia, the name officially adopted in 1824. When all the colonies federated to become states under a central government in 1901, the name Commonwealth of Australia was adopted for the new nation.
Prior to this, Australia was known by the Dutch as New Holland (from the early 1600s), whilst in 1770 James Cook claimed the eastern half of the continent as New South Wales, on behalf of England.
For more details on how the term Terra Australisoriginally came about, please see the related link.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAustralians are often called "Aussies" which is pronounced "Oz-ies", so that's where the name "Oz" comes from.
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What is Labor Day called in Australia?
Labor Day in Australia is called Labour Day.
Why is Western Australia called Western Australia?
Because it is the western part of Australia
What was the first fleet of ships called that landed in australia?
The first fleet of ships that landed in Australia was simply called the First Fleet.
What is the name for Australia's mostly uninhabited interior?
Australia's interior is called the Outback.
What ship discovered australia?
The ship that discovered Australia was called the Duyfken and came from Holland. This Dutch vessel sighted Australia's coast in 1606.
What is the dry center of Australia called?
The dry inland of Australia is called the Outback.
What are wellies called in Australia?
Wellies, or wellingtons, are called gumboots in Australia.
What is Labor Day called in Australia?
Labor Day in Australia is called Labour Day.
What is Australia's name?
Australia's official name is the Commonwealth of Australia. The continent is simply called 'Australia'.
Why was WA called western Australia?
because its in Australia
Why Australia is called land of golden fleece?
Australia
Is there an island called Australia?
I think you are thinking of Australia, but Australia is a continent not an island.
What is New Holland now called?
New Holland is now called Australia. Specifically, that part of Australia is mostly the state of Western Australia.
What is the German word for Australia?
"Australia" is called "Australien" in German.
Is cantaloupe in Australia?
Yes. In Australia, cantaloupe is called rockmelon.
Why is south Australia not called southern Australia?
Because it isn't
What is Australia mean in french?
Australia is called Australie in French.
