Australia´s History

James Cook Claims Australia for Britain

Apr 29, 1770

British explorer Captain James Cook lands on the east coast of Australia, specifically at Botany Bay, and claims the land for Great Britain. This marked the beginning of British interest in Australia, eventually leading to colonization.

First Fleet Arrives

Jan 26, 1778

The First Fleet, consisting of 11 ships carrying convicts, soldiers, and settlers, arrives at Port Jackson (modern-day Sydney). This is the official beginning of European settlement in Australia, establishing the first penal colony at Sydney Cove.

Australian Gold Rush Begins

May 15, 1851

Gold is discovered in New South Wales and Victoria, triggering a gold rush that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to Australia. The gold rush led to a significant population increase and economic growth, transforming Australia’s development.

First Secret Ballot

Mar 22, 1856

Australia becomes the first country to introduce the secret ballot for voting in parliamentary elections, starting in Victoria and South Australia. This innovation became a global standard in modern democracies.

Federation of Australia

Jan 1, 1901

The six British colonies unite to form the Commonwealth of Australia, a self-governing nation within the British Empire. This marks Australia’s official founding as a nation with its own federal government.

ANZAC Gallipoli Campaign

Apr 25, 1915

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops land at Gallipoli, Turkey, during World War I in a failed attempt to capture the Ottoman Empire’s capital. Though unsuccessful, the campaign is seen as a defining moment in Australian national identity and the ANZAC spirit of courage and sacrifice.

Completion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Mar 19, 1932

The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is completed and opened to the public. It becomes a symbol of Australia's progress and engineering capabilities during the early 20th century.

Bombing of Darwin

Feb 19, 1942

Japanese forces bomb the northern Australian city of Darwin during World War II, marking the first direct attack on Australian soil. This event highlighted Australia’s vulnerability to foreign invasion and strengthened ties with the United States for future defense alliances.

Indigenous Australians Referendum

May 27, 1967

Australians vote overwhelmingly in a referendum to include Aboriginal people in the national census and allow the federal government to create laws for them. This was a major step towards improving civil rights and recognition for Indigenous Australians.

Australia Act

Mar 3, 1986

The Australia Act was passed, by both the Australian and British parliaments. The Act effectively severed the remaining constitutional ties between Australia and the United Kingdom. It ended the ability of the British government and Parliament to legislate for Australia and removed the possibility of appeals from Australian courts to the British Privy Council.