The correct statement is: Captain James Cook, a British captain, explored the Pacific islands reaching the Southeast coast of Australia.
This exploration by Captain Cook and subsequent voyages by other British explorers in the late 18th century led to Britain establishing colonies in the Pacific. Cook's exploration of Australia and his favorable reports about the fertile land and resources found there encouraged the British to claim Australia as a colony in 1788. Other Pacific islands, such as Fiji and Tonga, were also colonized by the British due to their strategic location and potential for trade and resources.