Discovery of Australia: Abel Tasman

A man who has a sea named after him and who came to Austarlia-New Zealand 126 years before Captain James Cook, is the subject of this article. Abel Tasman's voyage to the northern and western coasts of Australia occurred in 1644, while Captain James Cook's first voyage to the eastern coast of Australia took place in 1770. Abel Tasman was a Dutch navigator whose achievements remain pivotal in the annals of exploration. Yet, despite his significant contributions to our understanding of the world, Abel Tasman is not as widely recognised as other explorers like Columbus or Magellan. In this article, we will delve into the life and accomplishments of Abel Tasman and explore whether he has been under-recognised in the grand tapestry of exploration history.

The Life of Abel Tasman

    Abel Tasman was born around 1603 in the Dutch Republic, a time when the world was beginning to feel the winds of change in the form of the Age of Exploration. Little is known about his early life, but it is clear that he possessed the qualities of a born explorer. Tasman joined the Dutch East India Company, a trading company that had a profound impact on the development of global exploration during the 17th century.

Achievements

The Voyage of 1642-43: Abel Tasman's most famous voyage took place between 1642 and 1643 when he embarked on a journey to the largely uncharted waters of the South Pacific. His expedition was well-equipped with two ships, the "Heemskerck" and the "Zeehaen," and a crew ready to face the unknown.

    Tasman's expedition reached the western coast of the island that would later bear his name. He initially named it "Van Diemen's Land" in honour of Anthony van Diemen, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies at the time. However, this name would be changed to Tasmania in his honour in 1856. The name change was also part of a broader effort to distance the island from its convict past, as Van Diemen's Land had been used as a British penal colony. Tasmania is an Australian state and is known for its natural beauty and unique wildlife.

    While Tasman did not set foot on the island itself during this voyage, he did establish that it was a separate landmass from the Australian mainland, contributing significantly to the geographical knowledge of the time. His exploration of the coast of Australia, as well as encounters with the indigenous people, added invaluable information to European understanding of this part of the world.

(Image: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=506688)

The Voyage of 1644

    Tasman's exploration endeavours did not end with his voyage to the southern lands. In 1644, he set out on another journey, this time with the intention of mapping the northern coast of Australia. His expedition travelled along the northern coast and made several important discoveries, including the Gulf of Carpentaria.

    During this voyage, Tasman encountered indigenous peoples of the region, including the Aboriginal people of Australia. While some interactions with the indigenous populations were marked by misunderstandings and conflicts, Tasman's voyages nonetheless opened the door to future interactions between Europeans and the people of Australia.

Recognition and Under-Recognition

    Despite the significance of Abel Tasman's achievements, he remains relatively under-recognised in comparison to other explorers of his time. Several factors contribute to this under-recognition:

    One of the reasons for Tasman's relative obscurity is the limited personal fame he achieved during his lifetime. Unlike explorers such as Christopher Columbus or Ferdinand Magellan, whose names are almost synonymous with their discoveries, Tasman's name did not become a household one. This may be attributed to the fact that he did not make any monumental personal discoveries or set foot on the lands he explored, as Columbus did when he reached the Americas.

    Another factor that has contributed to Tasman's under-recognition is the historical context of his explorations. His voyages occurred during a time when the Dutch Republic was heavily involved in global exploration and trade, and as a result, his contributions were somewhat overshadowed by the larger colonial and trading activities of his contemporaries.

    Furthermore, political shifts in the world have influenced the recognition of explorers. For instance, while Tasman was a Dutch explorer, much of the recognition in exploration history has been dominated by Spanish, Portuguese, and British explorers due to their empires' prominence and influence in the annals of history.

    Tasman's limited resources and support for his explorations could also be considered a factor in his under-recognition. His expeditions were relatively small and lacked the funding and support of larger, state-sponsored expeditions. This may have limited the scope and impact of his voyages and contributed to his relative obscurity.

Abel Tasman's Legacy

    Despite his under-recognition, Abel Tasman's legacy is undeniable. His voyages expanded the known world, adding crucial information to maps and charts. His explorations helped clarify the geography of the South Pacific and the relationship between Australia and its neighbouring islands. Tasman's expeditions also paved the way for future explorations and interactions in the region. While he did not establish permanent European settlements in the lands he explored, his journeys laid the foundation for future Dutch and European involvement in the region.

    There are several places around the world named after Abel Tasman, though they are not as well-known as Tasmania. Some of these places include:

1. Tasman Sea: The Tasman Sea is the body of water that lies between Australia and New Zealand. It was named in honour of Abel Tasman, recognising his contributions to the exploration of the region.

2. Tasman Peninsula: Located in Tasmania, Australia, the Tasman Peninsula is a prominent geographical feature that bears Abel Tasman's name. It is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and historic sites.

3. Tasman Glacier: The Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand's South Island. It is situated in the Southern Alps and was named after Abel Tasman.

4. Tasman District: In New Zealand, there is a region called the Tasman District located on the South Island. It encompasses a variety of landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and vineyards.

5. Tasman Bay: Located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, Tasman Bay is a picturesque coastal area known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.