Australia before 1900s By treigh.ivimy Nov 28, 1606 First European Frirst European to land in Australia was Captain Willem Janszoon. Nov 28, 1688 William Dampier English explorer William Dampier explores the western coast of Australia. Nov 28, 1770 Captain Cook Captain Cook lands in Botany Bay. Nov 28, 1788 Colinisation Australia gets colinised.