Australia's history

  • First Fleet Arrives

    First Fleet Arrives
    British ships land in Australia with convicts and settlers. This marks the start of European settlement.
  • New South Wales Colony

    New South Wales Colony
    The British officially create the New South Wales colony.
  • Sending Convicts (1788-1868)

    Sending Convicts (1788-1868)
    Britain sends many prisoners to Australia to serve their sentences and help build the colony.
  • Exploring Australia (1790-1820)

    Exploring Australia (1790-1820)
    British explorers map the Australian coast and inland areas, setting up more colonies.
  • Conflicts in Tasmania (1824-1830)

    Conflicts in Tasmania (1824-1830)
    Fights between British settlers and Indigenous Tasmanians result in many deaths and the displacement of native people.
  • Gold Rush

    Gold Rush
    Gold is found in New South Wales and Victoria, attracting lots of people and boosting the economy.
  • Australia Becomes a Nation

    Australia Becomes a Nation
    The six colonies join to form the Commonwealth of Australia, becoming a self-governing country within the British Empire.
  • Full Independence

    Full Independence
    Australia gains full legal independence from Britain.
  • Post-War Immigration

    Post-War Immigration
    Australia welcomes millions of immigrants to grow the population and economy.
  • Land Rights for Indigenous People

    Land Rights for Indigenous People
    The High Court recognizes Indigenous land rights in the Mabo case, leading to significant changes.