Pieter Nuyts was a Dutch explorer and navigator born in 1598. He is best known for his role in the early exploration of Australia, particularly during his voyage with the Dutch East India Company in 1627. Nuyts was the first European to chart parts of the southern coast of Australia, including areas now known as South Australia. During his expedition, Nuyts and his crew encountered various landscapes and indigenous peoples. His findings contributed to European knowledge of the region, although he did not establish any permanent settlements. Nuyts returned to the Netherlands in 1629, where he continued his career in maritime navigation.