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The first Europeans to reach Australia's shores, and still maintain records of their visits through the years, were the Dutch. They named the southern continent after their own land of Holland.

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15y ago
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14y ago

The first recorded European sighting of the Australian mainland was made by the Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon, who sighted the coast of Cape York Peninsula in 1606. During the 17th century, the Dutch charted the whole of the western and northern Coastlines of what they called New Holland, but they made no attempt at settlement.

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Q: Why was Australia formerly known as new Holland?
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Related questions

What country is also known as Holland?

New Holland was the original name give to Australia by European explorers.


What was western Australia called in 1788?

Western Australia was known as New Holland in 1788.


When was New Holland renamed Australia?

The name "Australia" was formally adopted in 1824, but the western half of the continent (then known as New Holland) was not considered part of Australia until the British formally claimed it in 1829.


When was New Holland changed to Australia?

The name "Australia" was formally adopted in 1824, but the western half of the continent (then known as New Holland) was not considered part of Australia until the British formally claimed it in 1829.


Did Australia use to be part of new holland?

Australia use to be new holland. they where called new holland because the dutch found it when they accidently crashed into on their way to Indonesia


What is New Holland now called?

New Holland is now called Australia. Specifically, that part of Australia is mostly the state of Western Australia.


When did the dutch called Australia New Holland?

From the 1600s, the Dutch traders named the western half of the Australia "New Holland".


What man claimed Australia for his country?

James Cook claimed the eastern half of Australia, then still known as New Holland, for England. He named it New South Wales, claiming it in 1770.


What other names did Australia have?

New holland


What was Australia called in 1770?

New Holland


Who named Australia New Holland?

New Holland, the western half of the Austalian continent, became Australia by default - a consequence of British colonisation. The name "Australia" was formally adopted for the rest of the continent in 1824, but the New Holland part of the continent was not considered part of Australia until the British formally claimed it in 1829.


How long did Australia become new Holland?

100