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British Arrival
James Cook first spots Australia and claims it in the name of England. He travelled up the East coast of Australia. -
First Fleet
The First Fleet of 11 ships left Portsmouth in 1787 with more than 1480 men, women and children onboard. Although most were British, there were also African, American and French convicts. After a voyage of three months the First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay on 24 January 1788. Here the Aboriginal people, who had lived in isolation for 40,000 years, met the British in an uneasy stand off at what is now known as Frenchmans Beach at La Perouse. -
Van Diemen's Land
It was the seocnd major settlement in Australia, in Van Diemen's land, which is modern day Tasmania. -
First European Crossing in Sydney
Although indigenous people had walked trade routes across Sydney for thousands of years, Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson, and William Wentworth, lead the first European crossing from Sydney. 1813 was also the first year Merino wool was comercially exported to England. -
First Newspaper
William Wentworth establishes the first newspaper, which campaigns for political and social equality between newcomers and the convicts. -
Becoming British
The British Government claims Western Australia and the whole continent of Australia is now claimed as being British. There was a formal decleration of the swan river colony, now know as Perth. -
British Convicts
British convicts were longing for transportation to Australia, as they thought it would offer a fresh start. -
SA settlers
The first settlers arrive at Kangaroo Island in SA aboard 9 ships. They later find Adelaide and develop it into a well built city. SA is a convict free state. -
Myall Creek Massacre
A group of 7 white men murder 30 Indigeonous Australians and 7 of them are hung for their crime. This is because Governer George Gipps, who had only recently arrived saw it unfair that they were not punished just because they were white. -
Gold Rushes and Victoria
The first big lump of gold is found and Victoria is split from NSW after popular demand by settlers. -
Vote
White men who are working and own or rent a house are granted the right to vote. Also, Victoria, NSW, SA, and Van Diemans Land (Tasmania) become self governing countries. -
Henry Parkes
Henry Parkes was the NSW premier for the fifth time. Henry Parkes makes a speech at Tenterfeild encouraging the colonies all to join and form a nation. He never lived to see the nation form. -
Victoria Education Act
A bill is passed by the Victoian Government making education compulsary for any child over the age of 6. -
Becoming a Nation
Australia begins life as Australia. The federation of the colonies to create the Commonwealth of Australia. Melbourne was chosen as the temporary seat of government while a purpose-designed capital city, Canberra, was constructed. Also, the white Australia policy is introduced. -
Telephone
The first telephone call was made between Sydney and Melbourne