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Europeans first came to Australia
First Europeons came to Australia. -
Captain James Cook claims east Australia
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". -
Arthur Phillip founded penal settlement
British Navy captain Arthur Phillip founds a penal settlement at Sydney. He had arrived with a fleet of 11 vessels, carrying nearly 800 convicts. The Aboriginal population at the time is thought to number several hundred thousand.. -
Colony of Western Australia established
Colony of Western Australia established at Perth by Captain James Stirling. -
New South Wales as prision
New South Wales was officicaly a prision. -
South Australia
South Australia established, with Adelaide as its capital. -
Gold is found.
Gold is found at several locations leading to gold rushes throughout the decade. -
Commonwealth
The common wealth of Australia was established. -
Canberra
- Canberra is founded and designated as the capital.
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Australia Act is passed
All legal ties with the British Empire were severed.
