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first Dutch explorer sailed to Australia
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captain james cook discovers australia
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the first fleet left England with convicts
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first fleet arriven in Australia and set up a colony
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New South Wales was officially a penal (prison) colony consisting mainly of convicts, marines (guards), and the marines’ families
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government officials created boundaries for the colonies that are still in place today
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British stopped transporing prisoners to Australia
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January 1, 1901: the Commonwealth of Australia was established.