TIMELINE OF AUSTRALIA By sarah2982 Jan 1, 1778 The first European settlement arrives in Sydney Cove consisting of 750 convicts Jan 1, 1779 The first penal settlement is established in Botany Bay Jan 1, 1788 Arthur Phillip became the first governor of New South Wales Jan 1, 1803 First European settlement in Hobart Jan 1, 1824 First European settlement at Brisbane River Jan 1, 1825 Tasmania became an independant colony from New South Wales Jan 1, 1829 First European settlement is establidhed at the Swan River Western Australia Jan 1, 1835 First European settlement established at Port Phillip Bay, Victoria Jan 1, 1836 First European settlement established at The Old Gum Tree, South Australia Jan 1, 1836 South Australia became an independant colony Jan 1, 1850 Western Australia became a penal colony Jan 1, 1851 Victoria became an independant colony Jan 1, 1855 Self government in Victoria Jan 1, 1856 Self government begins in Tasmania Jan 1, 1857 Self government in South Australia Jan 1, 1859 Queensland became an independant colony from New South Wales Jan 1, 1859 Self government in Queensland begins Jan 1, 1890 Self government begins in Western Australia