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The first Aborigines arrive from south-east Asia. By 20,000 BC they have spread throughout the mainland and Tasmania.
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Captain James Cook charts the east coast in his ship HM Endeavour. Cook claims it as a British possession and names eastern Australia "New South Wales".
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A second major settlement is established at Van Diemen's. This is where convicts were taken when they arrived in Australia to serve their transportation sentence.
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The first commercial batch of wool is shipped from Sydney to England. By the year 2000, 80% of the world's supply of merino wool will come from Australia.
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Governor Macquarie suggests that the name 'Australia' is used to describe the continent, rather than 'New Holland' which it was known for in the begging. Australia becomes the name used by everyone.
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By this time there is only 20 million sheep because of the wool.
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Between 1830 and 1834, many Aborigines are persuaded to come into captivity in exchange for food, clothing and protection. They are placed on Flinders Island, in Bass Strait, where disease and isolation quickly take their toll.
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The last convicts are transported to Australia.
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The Commonwealth of Australia becomes a reality.
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Sydney Harbour Bridge opens.
