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Not always.
The Australian continent was variously known as Locac or Lucach, India meridional (South India), Java le Grande and Terra Australis by Mercator (and others) during the late 1500s.
The name Australia is derived from the Latin phrase terra australis incognita meaning 'unknown south land' in reference to the as yet unknown land mass believed to lie in the south throughout the Middle Ages.
Portuguese sailor Pedro Fernández de Quirós (in portuguese Fernandes de Queirós), searched for this new land in 1606 while serving in the spanish navy, and called it Austrialia del Espíritu Santo or 'Great South Land of the Holy Spirit'. The word "Austrialia", slightly different from the current "Australia", was a mixture formed by "Austria" (the country of origin of the Habsburg dinasty) and "Austral" ("Southern"). In those times the current nations of Spain and Portugal were under the rule of the same crown. The word Austrialia was intended to be an homage to the ruling monarchs. Different variations on the name were used in many languages. There was, however, a German document dating back to 1545 describing a southern land mass as Australia.
Following Dutch exploration along the western coastline, the Dutch named the western half of the continent New Holland, whilst James Cook named the eastern half of the continent New South Wales, over 150 years after the Dutch.
After Matthew Flinders circumnavigated Australia, he then proposed the name Terra Australis, which became Australia, the name adopted in 1824.
What else can I help you with?
Why did Italy moved to Australia to get a better place?
Many Italians moved to Australia because the life they had always known back in Italy was one of abject poverty.
How did snakes get to Australia?
Snakes have always been in Australia.
South Australia is known as the what state?
South Australia is known as the "Festival State".
Which place in Australia is known as Down under?
The continent country of Australia is often referred to as "down under". This goes back to the early pioneer years when looking at a map (or world globe) Australia is always depicted at being almost at the bottom of the world, or down under.
When did Australia become a free country?
Australia has always been a free country and hopefully will always be one.
What was South Australia called before 1901?
South Australia. Prior to being known as the state of South Australia, it was known as the colony of South Australia.
Why is Australia known as the dark continent?
Australia is not known as the "Dark Continent", that would be Africa.
Was Queensland Australia always known as Queensland?
No. This was name it gained when it separated from New South Wales in 1859. Prior to this, the main settled area was known as the Colony of the Moreton Bay District.
Which continent is known as last of the lands?
Australia
When did Australia become an lsland?
Australia was always an island as well as a continent.
Does Australia have a history of violent revolution?
No, the closest thing we had to it was a brief local uprising known as the 1854 Eureka rebellion there were less then 50 soldier in volved in it. Australia has always made its political changes through negotiation with England and has always remained an ally of it original mother country. and as a mater of fact Australia's head of state is still the monarch of England.
What two different names does Australia have?
Australia is only known as Australia. Its official name is the Commonwealth of Australia.
