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1770
Captain James Cook lands at Botany Bay with his ship, the HMS Endeavour. He then proceeds to map the eastern coast of Australia, claiming it for Great Britain -
1788
The first British settlement is established at Sydney by Captain Arthur Phillip. It is the start of the British penal colony which is made up of mostly prisoners. -
1803
Australia is proven to be an island when English navigator Matthew Flinders completes his sail around the island. -
1824
The name of the island is changed from "New Holland" to "Australia." -
1829
The settlement of Perth is founded on the southwest coast. England lays claim to the entire continent of Australia. -
1841
New Zealand becomes its own colony separate from New South Wales. -
1851
Gold is discovered in the southeast region of Victoria. Prospectors flock to the area in the Victoria Gold Rush. -
1863
Gold is discovered in the southeast region of Victoria. Prospectors flock to the area in the Victoria Gold Rush. -
1880
Folk hero Ned Kelly, sometimes called the Australian "Robin Hood", is executed for murder. -
1901
The famous poem The Man from Snowy River is published by Banjo Paterson. -
1902
Women are guaranteed the right to vote through the Franchise Act. -
1914
World War I begins. Australia fights on the side of the Allies and Great Britain.