Extract date: 14/06/2026
| Name | Cape Arnhem |
|---|---|
| Type Designation | Cape |
| Place Id | 11534 |
| Place Type | Feature |
| Status | Recorded |
| Date Registered | |
| Location (Datum GDA94) | |
| Latitude: -12° 20' S (Decimal degrees -12.3442) | |
| Longitude: 136° 58' E (Decimal degrees 136.978) | |
| Locality / Suburb | |
| East Arnhem | |
| Local Government Area | |
| East Arnhem Shire Council | |
| History/Origin | Cape Arnhem, derives its name from one of the two Dutch ships "Pera" and "Arnhem" which in April 1623 proceeded in company along the south coast of New Guinea. During this part of the journey, Meliszoon, the skipper of the "Arnhem", and some of his men lost their lives as a result of an attack by natives while they were on land. The second mate of the "Pera", William Joosten van Colster, a young man, was then appointed skipper. The two ships separated in the southeast part of the Gulf of Carpentaria on 27 April 1623. Van Colster continued westwards along the coast naming the northeastern extremity of Arnhem Land, the Wessel Islands and possibly Groote Eylandt. On 5 May 1623, expedition leader Jan Cartenszoon named it Cape Homeland. |
| Date | Gazettal | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| (None Found) |