The Duyfken was a small Dutch ship, specifically a type of vessel known as a fluyt, that played a significant role in early exploration. Built in 1606, it is best known for being one of the first European ships to reach the shores of Australia. The ship was part of the Dutch East India Company's efforts to explore new trade routes. In 1606, the Duyfken sailed under the command of Willem Janszoon and made landfall on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula. This voyage marked a crucial moment in maritime history, as it contributed to the European understanding of the Australian continent and its resources. The ship's journey is celebrated as a key event in the age of exploration.