In "In a Sunburned Country," Bill Bryson discusses the exploratory journey of Abel Tasman, a Dutchman who was tasked with finding the mythical South Land. Despite sailing 2,000 miles along the coast, Tasman failed to notice a significant landmass adjacent to Australia. His expedition highlights the challenges and uncharted territories that early explorers faced, emphasizing their limitations in navigation and the mysteries of the vast ocean.

This moment in history illustrates the complexities of exploration during that era. Even with significant maritime skills, Tasman's inability to detect land just beyond his sight reflects the unpredictable nature of exploration. Bryson uses this anecdote to convey a sense of wonder about the past and the hidden possibilities of the world that remain to be discovered.