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English explorer William Dampier explores the western coast of Australia.
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Captain James Cook lands at Botany Bay with his ship, the HMS Endeavour. He then proceeds to map the eastern coast of Australia, claiming it for Great Britain.
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The first British settlement is established at Sydney by Captain Arthur Phillip. It is the start of the British penal colony which is made up of mostly prisoners.
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Australia is proven to be an island when English navigator Matthew Flinders completes his sail around the island.
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The Rum Rebellion occurs and the current governor, William Bligh, is arrested and removed from office.
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The name of the island is changed from "New Holland" to "Australia."
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The settlement of Perth is founded on the southwest coast. England lays claim to the entire continent of Australia.
