Key dates in Australian history By morsecl1 Jan 1, 1642 Tasman discovers Van Diemen's land Jan 1, 1770 Captain Cook discovers NSW Jan 1, 1788 Foundation of Sydney Jan 1, 1798 Bass discovers Bass Straight Jan 1, 1804 Foundation of Hobart Jan 1, 1824 Foundation of Brisbane Jan 1, 1830 Foundation of Perth Jan 1, 1833 Port Arthur opens as a penal settlement in Tasmania Jan 1, 1851 Gold rush begins in Ballarat Jan 1, 1853 Van Diemen's land changed to Tasmania Jan 1, 1854 Eureka Stockade Jan 1, 1880 Capture of the Kelly gang Jan 1, 1890 University of Tasmania founded Jan 1, 1898 First federal referendum Jan 1, 1901 First commonwealth parliament opened Jan 1, 1914 Australian troops fight in WW1 Jan 1, 1932 Opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge Jan 1, 1939 WW2 Begins Jan 1, 1942 Darwin bombed by Japan Jan 1, 1945 WW2 Ends Jan 1, 1948 Holden produces the first Australian car Jan 1, 1956 Melbourne hosts Olympic Games Jan 1, 1965 Australian troops sent to fight in Vietnam Jan 1, 1973 Sydney Opera House opens Jan 1, 2000 Sydney hosts the Olympic Games
