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First European Contact
Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon is the first European to sight Australia, landing on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula. This marks the beginning of European interest in the continent. -
Captain James Cook Claims Australia for Britain
Captain Cook explores the east coast of Australia and claims it for Britain. This act lays the groundwork for future British colonization. -
First Fleet Arrives
The First Fleet lands at Botany Bay, establishing the British penal colony at Sydney Cove. This begins the systematic colonization and dispossession of Indigenous lands. -
Establishment of Moreton Bay Penal Settlement
The penal colony of Moreton Bay (modern-day Brisbane) is established as part of Britain’s strategy to expand control over more parts of the Australian continent. -
Myall Creek Massacre
One of the most infamous events of colonial violence against Indigenous Australians occurs when European settlers massacre 28 unarmed Indigenous people near Myall Creek, New South Wales. It reflects the brutality of frontier conflict during colonial expansion. -
Australian Gold Rush
The gold rush leads to a rapid increase in immigration, including non-European miners, heightening racial tensions and conflicts, particularly against Chinese migrants. The population boom also accelerates the colonization of inland Australia. -
Self-Government for Australian Colonies
New South Wales becomes the first Australian colony to achieve self-government, followed by other colonies. While this increases local autonomy, Indigenous Australians remain marginalized and excluded from political participation. -
Aboriginal Protection Act (Victoria)
The Victorian Aboriginal Protection Act is enacted, allowing the government to control many aspects of the lives of Indigenous Australians. This is part of broader policies of protection and assimilation which impact Indigenous communities for decades. -
Federation of Australia
The six colonies unite to form the Commonwealth of Australia. However, the new constitution enshrines exclusionary policies, such as the White Australia Policy, which limits non-European immigration and further entrenches Indigenous marginalization. -
Australia held a referendum on the monarchy.
Australians just weren't ready to give the Royal Family the heave-ho in 1999.
The referendum was decided with a majority of Australians — 55 per cent — voting No to the question of abolishing the monarchy.