Western Australia By bourkje Jan 1, 1801 Matthew Flinders explored Western Australia In 1801 Matthew Flinders was required to explore the uncharted areas of Australia. Period: Jan 1, 1801 to Jan 1, 1979 History of Western Australia Jan 1, 1827 Captain James Stirling explored the Swan River, but in the hope of finding a good site for a colony. Jan 1, 1850 In 1850, the settlement we know as Perth was declared a colony. Jan 1, 1869 In 1869 John Forrest travelled over 3000 km, exploring the north east of Perth. Jan 1, 1880 In the early 1880’s pearling began in the sea off Broome. Jan 1, 1885 Gold was discovered in W.A at Halls Creek in the Kimberly. Jan 1, 1900 W.A supplied 90% of the world's pearl shell Jan 1, 1979 Diamonds were discovered in an old volcano in 1979