Was Australia a closed continent for tourist long ago?

Australia was not a closed continent for tourist long ago. In fact, Australia has a long history of welcoming tourists, dating back to the 18th century when Captain James Cook first arrived in Australia in 1770. By the 19th century, Australia was a popular destination for British and European tourists, who came to see the country's unique flora and fauna, as well as its Aboriginal culture. In the 20th century, Australia became even more accessible to tourists, with the development of air travel and the rise of the tourism industry. Today, Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 9 million international visitors in 2019.