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| In the month of March, in the year 1606, a small ship, the Duyfken, captained by Willem Janszoon and sailing far away from its home country of the Netherlands, chanced upon a wild coastline that did not appear on any of its charts. The crew of the ship stepped ashore. Could this be a small island? A part of New Guinea? The mysterious 'Unknown South Land' that people thought must exist to balance the continents of the northern hemisphere? They were to be the first Europeans to set foot on the unique and uncharted continent of Australia. |
Welcome to our website. As you explore our pages you will discover many interesting things about the four hundred years of friendship between the Dutch and the Australians.
2006 was the 400th year since Dutch sailors first landed in Australia, and people in both Australia and the Netherlands celebrated the special relationships they have shared since then.
In the early part of our 400 years of shared history, the Dutch sent out many
ships to visit Australia. The Dutch have always been great sailors and were interested
in discovering new lands and setting up trade routes to the East Indies (now
Indonesia and the surrounding countries). They would take silver and gold from
the Netherlands to trade for spices, silk, coffee, tea, porcelain and sugar.
Between 1606 and 1770, many ships set out but their journeys were hazardous and
many did not return.
Go to 'Ships' Logs' and read about the voyages of two famous Dutch vessels.
A special relationship was forged between Australia and the Netherlands during
the Second World War. The Netherlands was one of Australia's allies and sent
personnel and equipment from the Merchant Navy, the Royal Netherlands Navy, the
Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army to help
defend Australia and the other Allied countries. In turn, Australian troops in
the Netherlands helped the Dutch to gain liberation from the German army.
Over the years, many Dutch people have immigrated to Australia and today there are over 200,000 people living in Australia who are of Dutch descent.
Go to 'Our Friendship' and discover what life was like for some of the Dutch people who came to Australia.
How much do you know about the Netherlands? How does it differ from Australia?
Are there customs, traditions and philosophies that we share? In a way, Australia
and the Netherlands are natural partners on opposite sides of the world. Every
year around 60,000 Dutch people visit Australia and an even greater number of
Australians visit the Netherlands. It is good to understand each other better
so that we can enjoy our special relationship even more.
Go to 'Our Cultures' and check how much you know about the similarities and differences between the Australian and Dutch cultures.
Why do we sometimes call the Netherlands 'Holland'? Did you know that there are
more bicycles in the Netherlands than people? Which famous Dutch artist died
penniless but created paintings that now sell for millions of dollars?
The Netherlands is a country full of amazing places and people. We have collected some interesting facts and figures to dazzle your brain.
Click on 'Fast Facts' for some fascinating Dutch trivia.
What fun it is to be able to speak more than one language.
Click on 'Speak Dutch' for an opportunity to learn how to count to ten in Dutch and how to speak some common phrases.
Just like Australia, the Netherlands have some special icons that are typically
associated with their country.
Click on 'Dutch Icons' to view a 3D model of a Tulip and a Bicycle.
Test your skills by completing the quizzes.
Click on 'Quizzes' for an online Crossword and a Multiple Choice interactive.
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