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The Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship Duyfken, under Captain Willem Janszoon, explored the western coast of Cape York Peninsula. This was the first recorded landfall by a European on Australian soil.
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English Lieutenant James Cook's expedition in HMS Endeavour charted the eastern coast, and claimed it for the British Crown.
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The First Fleet of 11 ships, led by Governor Arthur Phillip, departed from Great Britain for Australia to begin European colonisation.
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At 2:15 pm, the brig HMS Supply anchored on the northern side of Botany Bay. Captain Arthur Phillip began exploring the surrounding countryside and made contact with the Aboriginal Australians.
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Early in the morning, Captain Phillip took a party ashore Sydney Cove, raised the British colours and British sovereignty over New South Wales was formally proclaimed. This day is now celebrated as Australia Day. In a ceremony at sunset Phillip and the officers drank to the health of the king and the royal family, and success to the new colony. In the meantime, La Perouse entered Botany Bay as the remaining British ships prepared to leave.
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The Rum Rebellion. The Rum Rebellion of 1808 was the only successful armed takeover of government in Australian history. During the 19th century, it was widely referred to as the Great Rebellion.
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Governor Lachlan Macquarie petitioned the British Admiralty to use the name "Australia" instead of "New Holland"
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Permission was granted to change the name of the continent from "New Holland" to "Australia"
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The Victorian gold rush started when gold was found at Summerhill Creek and Ballarat
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Gold was discovered at Southern Cross, Western Australia.
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A severe depression hit Australia.
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Australia enters the Second World War following the German Invasion of Poland. The 2nd Australian Imperial Force is raised.