jan 1, 1699 - William Dampier arrives in Australia

Description:

In 1699, William Dampier arrived in Australia. He was a voyager, natural historian, novelist, hydrographer (which means the science of surveying and charting bodies of water, such as seas, lakes and rivers) and he was a buccaneer.

William Dampier was the first Englishman to outline the Australian coastline, and he was the first person from Europe to tackle a scientific study of Australia's landscape, oceans, plants and wildlife/sealife.

Although William considered circumnavigating the entire country, he was blocked from doing so by the dismast of his ship.

Meanings: Circumnavigate means to sail or travel all the way round (something, especially the world).
Dismast means to remove or break off the mast of.

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