| In the late 16th century Dutch trading interests were centred on East Indian Islands. |
In 1602, with Government backing, Dutch merchants incorporated the "Dutch East India Company". Their headquarters were at Batavia in Java, but they had stations in Borneo, Celebes, the Moluccas, Ceylon, Persia and throughout the eastern seas.
In 1613 the company instructed all ships to follow a new route to the Spice Islands.
After leaving the Cape of Good Hope, instead of sailing via Madagascar or Mauritius, they were to sail due east over 6,500 kms. and then turn north to Java. This, they said, should halve sailing time by catching the prevailing winds.
The new route brought the companies ships close to Australia and many were blown directly to the coast, inevitably leading to the discovery and settlement of Australia.
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