Who was the captain of the British ship of the discovery of Australia?

Answer 1

The British did not discover Australia.

Australia was 'officially' discovered by the Dutch in 1606. The first British ship to land on Australia's shores only did so in 1688, and this was William Dampier.

It is likely that the question refers to Lieutenant James Cook, who was not yet a captain when he charted Australia's eastern coastline. Cook is wrongly credited with discovering Australia, as he is the one who claimed the east coast for Great Britain.

Answer 2

Australia was not discovered by any English sea captain.

It is likely that the answer to this question is supposed to be Captain Cook, but that would be incorrect on two counts. Firstly, Cook was only a lieutenant when he charted Australia's east coast; secondly, he did not discover Australia.

Many sailors and traders visited Australia's shores prior to the Europeans, but credit for the "discovery" of Australia goes to Willem Jansz/Janszoon, a Dutchman who was seeking new trade routes and trade associates. Commanding the Duyfken, he became the first recorded European to step foot on Australia's shores on the western shore of Cape York Peninsula, on 26 February 1606.