Led by Willem Janszoon, the Duyfken sailed from the Dutch East Indies in 1605, driven by the search for new trading routes and resources. In February of 1606, Janszoon and his crew made landfall on the western shore of Cape York Peninsula, recognizing that this land was not part of New Guinea, but rather an uncharted territory that would later be known as Australia. The crew engaged with Indigenous Australians during their time on land, although the details of these encounters were poorly documented. Janszoon’s voyage was groundbreaking as it constituted the first recorded European sighting of the Australian coastline, despite the misunderstanding of its geographical context.

Janszoon's expedition faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and limited supplies. The crew's navigation skills and the ship's durability played crucial roles in their journey along the coast. The Duyfken, a small vessel by the standards of the time, was unhindered in its pursuit of untapped commercial opportunities, seeking new markets for trade in spices and other goods. After weeks of exploration, Janszoon returned to Batavia with valuable knowledge of the new land, contributing to the broader narrative of European exploration in the Asia-Pacific region. This voyage exemplified early European ambitions toward colonization and resource exploitation in territories beyond Europe.

The Janszoon voyage did not immediately lead to a wave of further expeditions to Australia. However, it planted the seeds of curiosity regarding this vast continent. In the ensuing years, other explorers would follow in Janszoon’s wake, contributing further to the mapping and eventual colonization of Australia. His journey is often overshadowed by later expeditions, yet it represents a critical moment in the history of exploration and maritime navigation, emphasizing the resolve of early navigators to chart unknown territories.