Australia´s Colonial History

  • 1606

    The first European to land at Australia is Dutch explorer Captain Willem Janszoon.
  • 1606

    The first European to land at Australia is Dutch explorer Captain Willem Janszoon.
  • 1688

    English explorer William Dampier explores the western coast of Australia.
  • 1688

    English explorer William Dampier explores the western coast of Australia.
  • 1770

    Captain James Cook lands at botany bay with his ship,the HMS Endeavour. He then proceeds to the eastern coast of Australia,claiming it for Great Britain.
  • 1770

    Captain James Cook lands at Botany Bay with his ship, the HMS Endeavour.
  • 1788

    The first British settlement is established at Sydney by Captain Arthur Phillip. It is the start of the British penal colony which is made up of mostly prisoners.
  • 1788

    The first British settlement is established in Sydney.
  • 1803

    Australia is proven to be an island.Navigator Matthew Flinders completes his sail around the island.
  • 1808

    The Rum Rebellion occurs
  • 1829

    Colony of Western Australia established at Perth by Captain James Stirling.
  • 1836

    South Australia was established,with Adelaide as its capital.
  • 1850's

    Gold is found in many locations leading to gold rushes thought the decade.Aborigines are treated very badly and their numbers collapse.