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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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Dutch explorer Abel Tasman explored the west coast of Tasmania, landed on its east coast and named the island Anthoonij van Diemenslandt.
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Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh charted the southwestern coast of Australia, making a landfall at Rottnest Island and the site of the present-day city of Perth.
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English Lieutenant James Cook's expedition in HM Bark Endeavour charted the eastern coast, and claimed it for the British Crown. Australia was dubbed "terra nullius"[5] i.e., according to the European legal precepts of the era, it was "owned" by no-one.
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Early in the morning, Lt. Arthur 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 First Fleet of 11 ships, led by Governor Arthur Phillip, departed from Great Britain for Australia to begin European colonisation.
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A settlement was founded at Risdon on the Derwent River in Van Diemen's Land by Lieutenant Bowen.
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The Rum Rebellion
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The whole of Australia was claimed as British territory. The settlement of Perth was founded. Swan River Colony was declared by Charles Fremantle for Britain.
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Victoria separated from New South Wales.
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The Victorian gold rush started when gold was found at Summerhill Creek and Ballarat.
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The Eureka Stockade
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Australian rules football codified, Melbourne Football Club founded
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The last convicts to be transported to Australia arrived in Western Australia in 1868.
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The bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged.
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Australia becomes a federation. Edmund Barton becomes the 1st Prime Minister of Australia; the 7th Earl of Hopetoun becomes Governor-General
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Australian soldiers are sent to the First World War. This was first time Australians had fought under the Australian flag, as opposed to that of Britain's.
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September, Australia enters the Second World War following the German Invasion of Poland. The 2nd Australian Imperial Force is raised.
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Australia celebrates centenary of Federation
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Black Saturday bushfires: Massive bushfires swept across Victoria, resulting in 173 fatalities
