Van Diemen's Land, now known as Tasmania, entered European awareness through a series of dramatic voyages. This course traces early encounters with the island, focusing on explorers such as Abel Tasman, James Cook and William Bligh. We examine the motivations, experiences and consequences of these journeys, and how exploration reshaped understanding of the region. Ideal for those interested in Australian history, exploration and the legacies of early contact.

DELIVERY MODE

• Online

SUGGESTED READING

• John West, The History of Tasmania, Angus & Robertson (1981)
• Lloyd Robson, A History of Tasmania, Vol I, Oxford University Press (Melbourne, 1983)
• Arthur Phillips; Patsy Adam Smith, Historic Tasmanian Sketchbook, Rigby Ltd (1977)

COURSE OUTLINE

• Abel Tasman (1642), Maria Island
• Du Fresne, Furneaux, Cook’s 3rd journey
• Bligh’s 3rd journey (1792)
• Bruny D’Encastreaux (1792)
• Bruny Island
• Bass & Flinders (1798)
• Risdon (1803)
• Collins Settlement, Port Phillip (1803)
• Sullivan’s Cove Hobart (1804)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Have a greater understanding of the early exploration of 'Van Diemen’s Land'.