History of Australia By connortalley Period: Jan 1, 1600 to Dec 31, 2000 History of Australia Mar 21, 1606 Explorers first discover Australia Period: Mar 21, 1738 to Mar 21, 1832 New south wales was mainly a prison colony Apr 2, 1738 link to timespan Mar 21, 1770 Cpt. James Cook sails around Australia Claimed New South WAles Mar 21, 1787 "First Fleet" sets sail from england to establish prison colony Mar 21, 1788 British fleet lands in Australia Period: Mar 21, 1833 to Mar 21, 1850 Port arthur was Australia's largest prison Apr 2, 1833 link to port arthur timespan Mar 21, 1861 Government set Today's colony boundaries Jan 1, 1901 Commonwealth of Australia was established Mar 21, 1927 National capital of Australia Was created Mar 21, 1986 Australia Act All legal Ties with britain were severed
