10 important events in Australian History By busyjim Apr 29, 1770 James Cook lands in Botany Bay 1788 The first British settlement is established in Sydney Cove 1803 The British settle in Van Deimen's Land 1824 Moreton Bay convict settlement established 1828 Swan river colony established 1836 Settlement of Adelaide established 1851 Australian Goldrush starts 1855 Introduction of the 8 hour working day Jan 1, 1901 Australia Federates 1914 WW1 starts