Australia Timeline

60,000-40,000 B.C.

Jan 1, 1000

People from Southeast Asia settle in Australia. Their descendants are the Aboriginal people.
Real Date Unknown

8000 B.C.

Jan 1, 2000

Aborigines invent the boomerang. This wooden weapon, which is used for hunting, returns to its thrower.
Real Date Unknown

1770 A.D.

Jan 1, 3000

Britain claims Australia. It settles the first of six colonies in 1788.
Real Date unknown

1850s

Mar 30, 4000

Gold is found in southern Australia. Entire settlements are deserted as folks rush to the gold mines.

1901

Mar 30, 5000

The six colonies join to form the Commonwealth of Australia. It has a democratic government. Britain's royalty has only a ceremonial role.

1927

Mar 30, 6000

Canberra officially replaces Melbourne as the nation's capital.

1962

Mar 30, 7000

Aborigines are given the right to vote. Five years later, they're recognized as citizens.

1976

Mar 30, 8000

The Aboriginal Land Rights Act is passed. It is a legal turning point for Aborigines, giving them the right to make claims on their ancestral land in the Northern Territory. Nine years later, Uluru is returned to Aborigines.

2000

Mar 30, 9000

Sydney hosts the Summer Olympic Games.

2008

Mar 30, 9999

The Australian parliament formally apologizes for past wrongs committed against the Aboriginal people.