Australia 1788-1850 By Shannon.B Jan 26, 1788 First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove Feb 11, 1799 Penal Colony in Sydney recieves a ship full of Irish political prisoners for the first tme. Sep 7, 1803 First British Settlement in Van Deiman's Land at Launceston Feb 11, 1813 Three men successfully crossed the Blue Mountains. Jan 31, 1814 Holey Dollar' and 'dump' are used as then Australian coin made from the spanish dollar. Instigated by Lahclan Macquarie out of £10 000 spanish. Dec 21, 1817 Lachlan Macquarie approved the name change of New Holland to "Australia" Feb 10, 1823 Traces of gold found near Bathurst May 24, 1841 First reticulated gas system is launched in Sydney. Feb 11, 1844 Governor George Gipps moves to suppress all reports of gold discoveries in New South Wales. Jan 1, 1850 First adhesive postage stamps are used in New South Wales.