The voyages of Abel Tasman helped the Dutch to draw maps of Australia and the Pacific

Abel Tasman was the first known European to travel to Lutruwita (Tasmania), Aotearoa (New Zealand),Tonga and Fiji. He mapped more of Australia’s coastline than any other navigator, and gave the name 'New Holland' to the Unknown South Land.
[icon] The animation shows the highlights of Abel Tasman’s voyages in the 17th century. Watch it together with your students and answer the discussion questions below. &nbsp;

A: Heemskerck and Zeehaen. Practice saying them out loud. They are pronounced Haym - skerk and Zay-harn.

1. What were the names of Abel Tasman’s two ships on his voyage in 1642?

2. In which years did Tasman start his two voyages?

A: Anthony van Diemen, the Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company, instructed him to complete the map of the Unknown South Land and look for new land and trading opportunities with people from other countries.&nbsp;

3. Why did Tasman go on his voyages?

A: He was the first European to visit Lutruwita, Aotearoa and Tonga, and he mapped more of the Australian coastline than any other explorer.&nbsp;

4. Why do you think Tasman was an important navigator?

A: Tasman did not meet any First Nations Australians on his voyage in 1642. The journals from his 1644 voyage have been lost, so very little is known about meetings that may have taken place along the north coast of Australia. In Aotearoa, however, Dutch and possibly Māori men, died in the violent encounter at Mohua (Golden Bay). Although the Dutch did not colonise Australia or Aotearoa, the renaming of places by Tasman was a way of claiming ownership of First Nations peoples’ Country.

5. What were the impacts of his voyages on First Nations peoples in Australia and the Pacific?

Discussion questions

The chapters contain more information about Abel Tasman’s story. You’ll discover an interactive map about his voyages, images from the Museum’s collection, and more activity ideas for your students!

Abel Tasman Abel Tasman

The voyages of Abel Tasman helped the Dutch to draw maps of Australia and the Pacific

Discussion questions

Chapters

Abel Tasman