Making a nation By ASHARR Period: 1750 to 1949 Making a nation 1770 James Cooks landing 1785 First settlement at Sydeny Cove 1804 Tasmania first settlement 1812 WA, swan river colony 1851 Start of Gold Rushes 1856 Introduction of 8 hour day 1872 Free, compulsory and secular education 1901 The harverster judgement 1914 Start of World War 1