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1778
The first fleet, made up of 11 ships, arrived at Botany Bay. There were convicts and free settlers on-board the ships to help start the new colonies. -
1790 - 1802
An aboriginal called Pemulwuy leads the Aboriginal resistance in the Sydney area. Their attacks were mainly targeted at colonial farms and settlements. He became such a pest the Governor King that he offered rewards to anyone who could kill him. -
1817
The first bank in Australia was opened. It was called the Bank of New South Wales but later changed its name to Westpac. -
1824
The ‘Black War’ begins in Tasmania. The Black War was the fight between the Aboriginals and European settlers in Tasmania. The black lasted until 1830. At the same time, the Aboriginal resistance was being crushed on the Bathurst Plains, in New South Wales. -
1836
South Australia was established, with Adelaide as its capital. It was the first colony to be made up of only free settlers. -
1837
The British Parliament criticises the Australian Colonies on their policies towards the Aboriginals. -
1841
The islands of New Zealand were separated from the colony of New South Wales and made their own colony. This ended much confusion over the relationships between islands and the Australia colony. -
1851
Gold was discovered in Victoria which revolutionized Australia, as a major influx of migrants arrived, particularly from China, and the country’s wealth dramatically increased. Over the next 10 years, the population tripled. -
1868
Great Britain stops sending convicts to Australia. During the period between 1788 and 1868, more than 160,000 convicts were sent to Australia. -
1901
The Commonwealth of Australia was formed. Edmund Barton served as the first Prime Minister of Australia. And the Australian national flag was implemented.
