First contacts: tall ship Duyfken
Related topics
Climb aboard, handle artefacts and investigate the first recorded contact between European and First Nations people.
Students can step back in time in this immersive experience, exploring the life-sized replica vessel Duyfken and handling objects as they learn about the importance of historical sources.
In an object-based learning workshop, students learn about the Dutch spice trade, the first contact between the Dutch and Wik people, and trade between the Macassans and Yolngu people. Students consider the impacts of European exploration on First Nations people and create messages of reconciliation.
Students also explore the top decks of replica tall ship Duyfken while learning about the ship’s voyage to Australia in 1606 and navigator Willem Jansz. Students learn to identify key features of the ship, including the bilge pump, whipstaff, windlass and more.
This program covers key curriculum areas, including First Contacts between the Dutch and Wik people at Cape Keerweer in 1606, navigator Willem Jansz, and the significance of trade for the Macassan and Yolngu peoples.
Curriculum links
Also included
- Free self-guided access to museum exhibitions and HMAS Vampire outside of the scheduled program times. If you wish to visit any other vessels, please include the details in your booking form.
- All groups have a 30-minute recess and safety induction on arrival.
- Please indicate in your booking enquiry if you would like to schedule a lunch break during your visit.
Additional information
The excursion will go ahead in wet weather, replacing outdoor activities with a digital interactive in the museum’s classroom and a tour through the museum galleries.
The tour is conducted outside. It involves bending (to enter small spaces on the vessel) and walking along uneven surfaces (such as the wharves and gangways). Visitors must wear flat, closed-toe shoes. Sunhats are strongly recommended.
Cost
$225 per group of 15 students.
Free for teachers and supervising adults within the required supervision ratio.
Book with another education program on the same day for $300 per group of 15 students.
Discounts are available to schools with an ICSEA score of 800 or lower.
Accessibility
This program is conducted within the main museum building, along the wharves, and on board Duyfken.
- There is ramp and lift access within the main museum building.
- Wheelchair users can access the wharf with assistance.
- Unfortunately, due to the slope of the gangways and vessel design, Duyfken is not wheelchair accessible.
- Alternative arrangements can be made for wheelchair users to experience the program from the wharf.
Please indicate in your booking enquiry if anyone in your group has additional support needs so that we can ensure everyone has a positive experience at the museum.
Still have questions?
Read the frequently asked questions to find out more.
Pre visit activity
Before your visit to Duyfken, discover the story of the first European vessel to meet the First Nations people of Australia on Wik country on the Cape York Peninsula in 1606.
Stay for the whole day!
Book two programs on the same day for a discounted price.
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Back in the classroom
Discover the Museum’s award-winning educational games and digital resources across a range of stages and subjects.
1606 - Contact at Cape Keerweer
This education resource introduces students to the Duyfken, which was the first European vessel to meet the First Nations people of Australia on Wik country on the Cape York Peninsula in 1606.
