Which European explorer sighted the island now called Tasmania in 1642?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator who named it Van Diemen's Land after a Dutch official
- Step 1: The island was named after the governor of the Dutch East Indies by the navigator who sighted it. Answer: Abel Tasman. Why not the others: Janszoon landed on Cape York in 1606, Peron sailed with Baudin in 1801 to 1803 and Bass explored the strait in 1798.
Practise more Colonial and Federation History.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Australian General Knowledge mock tests.
More Colonial and Federation History questions
- Which event took place at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788?
- On what date did the six colonies join to form the Commonwealth of Australia?
- Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?
- What was the Eureka Stockade of 1854?
- What does Anzac Day, held on 25 April, commemorate?
- What did the High Court decide in the Mabo case of 1992?