Australia History By CyborgJr Jan 1, 1606 First Europeans sailed to Australia, but didn't settle. Jan 1, 1768 Cook's first voyage. Jan 1, 1770 Captain James cook sailed around Australia. Jan 1, 1772 Cook's second voyage. Jan 1, 1776 Cook's third voyage. Jan 1, 1787 First Fleet left England to start a prison colony. Jan 1, 1788 New South Wales was officialy a prison colony. Jan 1, 1833 Port Aurthur was the destination of hardest convicted criminals. Jan 1, 1861 Government officials made boundaries for the colonies. Jan 1, 1868 Prisoners were no longer exported to Australia. Jan 1, 1901 Common Wealth of Australia was established. Jan 1, 1901 Immigration Restriction Act of 1901. Jan 1, 1927 Canberra was completed. Jan 1, 1967 Federal Government passed legislation to help the aborigines. Jan 1, 1986 Australia Act. Jan 1, 1999 Voters rejected the idea of becoming an independant republic.
