Drygalski Island was first viewed from the continental Antarctic coast in November 1912 by members of the Western Base Party of the Australian Antarctic Expedition (1911-1914), and observed more closely from Sir Douglas Mawson's ship Aurora on the homeward journey in January 1914.
A illa Drygalski foi vista por primeira vez desde a costa continental da Antártida en novembro de 1912 por membros do Western Base Party da Expedición Antártica Australiana (1911-1914) e observada máis de preto desde a nave Aurora de Sir Douglas Mawson na viaxe de regreso a casa en xaneiro de 1914.