Australia's History By AnimalLover2468 Period: Apr 2, 1770 to Sep 2, 1999 Times Apr 3, 1771 James Cook sailed to Austalia Apr 3, 1787 British ships called the “First Fleet” left England with convicts to establish a prison colony Apr 20, 1788 British prioners went to austalia Jul 20, 1832 New South Wales was officially a penal (prison) colony consisting mainly of convicts, marines (guards), and the marines’ families Aug 20, 1868 British transported prisoners to Australia until Jan 1, 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia was established Jan 4, 1901 Immigration Restriction Act Feb 20, 1927 Melbourne served as the national capital until Canberra was completed Apr 21, 1967 1 federal government began to pass legislation to help the Aborigines May 21, 1986 Australia Act -- all legal ties with the British Empire were severed
