In what year did Europeans first arrive in Australia?

The year when Europeans first arrived in Australia is 1606. This was marked by the arrival of the Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon, who navigated the western coast of Cape York Peninsula. His expedition was significant as it marked the first known European contact with the Australian continent.

While 1770 is a notable year in the history of European exploration in Australia, as Captain James Cook made his voyage and claimed the eastern coast for Great Britain, it was not the first arrival. The year 1788 is important because it marks the establishment of the first British colony in Australia when the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson. The year 1801 is later in the timeline and does not represent a significant event in terms of the initial arrival of Europeans on the continent.

Thus, the correct answer is tied to the date that reflects the first recorded European presence in Australia, which is 1606.