History of Australia (Salma et Ela) By ccottet-emard 1770 Captain Cook claims Australia for the british 1789 First colony built in Sydney Cove 1790 First free settlers arrived in Australia 1803 New colony set up for convicts on Tasmania 1840 Half of the population of Australia was born there 1851 Setting up of Victoria and discorving of gold 1855 "Self-Government" of 4 provinces 1859 Creation of Queensland 1891 80% of the population was born there and reflexion on Australia's union and independance 1901 " Commonwealth" of Australia and self governing for all provinces