Van Diemen's Land

Van Diemen's Land was the original name for the island now known as Tasmania, located south of Australia. Named by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, it remained called Van Diemen's Land until 1856. Historically, it served as a British penal colony from 1803 to 1853, where convicts were sent to serve their sentences. Today, Tasmania is a state of Australia known for its rugged wilderness, unique wildlife, and rich history. The name Van Diemen's Land is often associated with its past as a place of exile and penal settlement.