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Dutch Landed In Australia
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. -
Captain Cooks landing
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. -
Australia Day
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. -
The landing of the first fleet
The First Fleet of 11 ships, led by Governor Arthur Phillip, departed from Great Britain for Australia to begin European colonisation. -
Rum Rebellion
The Rum Rebellion of 1808 was the only successful armed takeover of government in Australian history. During the 19th century it was widely referred to as the Great Rebellion. -
city of Swan River created (Perth)
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. -
settlement of Van Diemen's Land
The penal settlement of Port Arthur was founded in Van Diemen's Land. -
Gold rush begins
The Victorian gold rush started when gold was found at Summerhill Creek and Ballarat. -
Colony of Victoria created
Victoria separated from New South Wales in this year and Victoria became a colony. -
Eureka Stockade
The Battle of Eureka Stockade (by which the rebellion is popularly known) was fought between miners and the Colonial forces of Australia on 3 December 1854 at Eureka Lead and named for the stockade structure erected by miners during the conflict.[1] Resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, the majority of which were insurgents, it was the most significant conflict in the colonial history of Victoria. -
Convict transportation ends
The transportation of convicts to Norfolk Island ceased. -
Australia became a Federation
Australia becomes a federation. Edmund Barton becomes the 1st Prime Minister of Australia; the 7th Earl of Hopetoun becomes Governor-General -
World War 1
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. -
World War 1 Ends
First World War ends with 60,000 Australian soldiers dead. -
World War 2
in September, Australia enters the Second World War following the German Invasion of Poland. The 2nd Australian Imperial Force is raised. -
Japanese inflict Sandakan Death March
Japanese inflict Sandakan Death March on 2,000 Australian and British prisoners of war – only 6 survive. The single worst war crime perpetrated against Australians. -
The Battle of Borneo
Australian forces lead Battle of Borneo -
Bali bombings
2002 Bali bombings, the deadliest act of terrorism in the history of Indonesia, killing 202 people (including 88 Australians) -
We say sorry
Kevin Rudd leads bi-partisan Parliamentary to formally apology to the Stolen Generations. -
Black Saturday
Black Saturday bushfires: Massive bushfires swept across Victoria, resulting in 173 fatalities
