In naming the continent “Australia”, Flinders’ motivation was one of unification.
He wanted to make the land mass known by a name that would not pay attention to the names recognising European colonial powers of Holland and Great Britain. He believed the continent should be named in recognition of its status as the only significant land mass in its location, and refer to a version of historical name “Terra Australis Incognito” –Unknown Great South Land whose existence was supposed to be necessary for the equilibrium of the globe.
