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Southeast Asian Macassan traders from modern-day Indonesia began visiting northern Australia, particularly Arnhem Land, to harvest sea cucumbers. These interactions are among the earliest foreign contacts with Indigenous Australians and had significant cultural and trade impacts. -
Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon became the first known European to land on Australian soil at Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. This marked the start of European interest in the continent. -
British explorer Captain James Cook charted the east coast of Australia and claimed the land for Britain, calling it New South Wales. This event set the stage for later British colonization. -
The First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived in Botany Bay, bringing convicts, marines, and settlers. This marks the beginning of British colonization and the founding of Sydney, Australia’s first European settlement. -
The discovery of gold in Victoria triggered a massive influx of migrants. The gold rush dramatically increased Australia’s wealth and led to the development of major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. -
On January 1, Australia became a federation of six colonies, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. This marked the country’s emergence as a self-governing nation within the British Empire. -
Australian and New Zealand troops fought in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. Despite the heavy losses, this event is considered a defining moment in Australia’s national identity and is commemorated every year on ANZAC Day. -
During World War II, Australian forces played a crucial role in halting the Japanese advance in the Pacific, particularly during the battle on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. This event is seen as pivotal in Australia's defense. -
A landmark referendum resulted in more than 90% of Australians voting to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the federal government to create laws for them, marking a major step forward in Indigenous rights. -
A gunman killed 35 people in Port Arthur, Tasmania, leading to the introduction of strict gun control laws in Australia, which remain some of the most stringent in the world.