A pewter plate left by Dirk Hartog in 1616 was replaced by Willem de Vlamingh in 1697, marking a pivotal moment in the mapping of the continent then known as New Holland. This action formalized the connection between the Dutch Republic and the western reaches of the Australian landmass, serving as a permanent record of successive visits by European mariners.
Maritime Career and Early Expeditions
Baptized on 28 November 1640 in Oost-Vlieland, Willem de Vlamingh established a career as a whaling skipper. His maritime experience expanded significantly in 1664 when he sailed to Novaya Zemlya, resulting in the discovery of Jelmerland. By 1688, he had joined the Dutch East India Company, completing multiple voyages to Batavia before receiving a command that would define his historical footprint.
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In 1694, Nicolaes Witsen requested an expedition to locate the Ridderschap van Holland, a company vessel lost with 325 people on board. De Vlamingh took command of a three-ship fleet, including the Geelvink, the Nijptang, and the Weseltje, the latter captained by his son, Cornelis. The ships navigated around Scotland and stopped at the Cape of Good Hope, eventually crossing the Indian Ocean via the Brouwer Route.
Exploration of the Australian Coast
The expedition arrived at Rottnest Island on 29 December 1696, where the crew encountered quokkas. De Vlamingh mistook these marsupials for large rats and named the location 't Eylandt 't Rottenest. Moving to the mainland, the crew entered the Zwaanenrivier in January 1697, named for the black swans observed in the area. Despite efforts to make contact, the expedition failed to secure a meeting with the indigenous population.
Legacy and Scientific Contributions
Beyond cartographic data, the mission yielded samples of shells, fruit, and vegetation sent to Witsen. While de Vlamingh returned to the Dutch East Indies and later commanded a return fleet, records regarding his final days remain ambiguous. He is officially cited as having died in 1698.
Fast facts
- Born: 1640, Oost-Vlieland
- Died: 1698
- Citizenship: Dutch Republic
- Primary Occupation: Explorer
- Discovery: Jelmerland (1664)
- Mission: Search for Ridderschap van Holland
- Naming: Rottnest Island and Swan River
Questions readers ask
Why did de Vlamingh go to Australia?
He was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to search for survivors of the Ridderschap van Holland, which had vanished in 1694.
What did he contribute to geography?
He charted parts of the western coast of the continent and left a new pewter plate at Dirk Hartog Island to document the Dutch presence.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer
