History of Australia By milton Nov 18, 1606 Dutch Explorers are the first to sail to Australia. Apr 1, 1770 Australia is claimed for Great Britain by Captain James Cook. Jan 26, 1788 The British send prisoners to Australia as punishment. Mar 13, 1861 Boundaries for colonies of Australia are created by the government. May 23, 1868 The British stop sending prisoners to Australia. Jan 1, 1901 The Commonwealth of Australia is established. May 9, 1927 Canberra is completed, which replaces Melbourne as the nation's capital. May 27, 1967 Fedral government starts to pass laws to help the Aborigines. Feb 2, 1986 All legal ties with the British Empire are severed with the passing of the Australia Act. Aug 12, 1999 55% of voters reject the idea of becoming an independent republic.
