Tasmania Colonisation Timeline By SebY5 Nov 24, 1642 Abel Tasman discovers Tasmania Period: Nov 24, 1642 to Jan 1, 1855 Van Diemen's Land 1802 French find Tasmania Apr 1, 1803 British find Tasmania Feb 21, 1804 Hobart established 1806 Launceston Settlement 1830 Port Arthur settlement Period: 1840 to 1845 Economic depression 1842 Hobart becomes a city 1853 End of convict transportation to Tasmania Jan 1, 1855 Van Diemen's Land renamed Tasmania Period: Jan 2, 1855 to Jan 1, 1901 Tasmania Jan 1, 1901 Tasmania becomes a state of Australia