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Discivery
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship Duyfken, under Captain Willem Janszoon, explored the western coast of Cape York Peninsula. This was the first recorded landfall by a European on Australian soil. -
Claimed
English Lieutenant James Cook's expedition in HMS Endeavour charted the eastern coast, and claimed it for the British Crown. -
colonization
The First Fleet of 11 ships, led by Governor Arthur Phillip, departed from Great Britain for Australia to begin European colonisation. -
Natives
At 2:15 pm, the brig HMS Supply anchored on the northern side of Botany Bay. Captain Arthur Phillip began exploring the surrounding countryside and made contact with the Aboriginal Australians. -
Botty Bay
Early in the morning, Captain Phillip took a party ashore Sydney Cove, raised the British colours and British sovereignty over New South Wales was formally proclaimed. This day is now celebrated as Australia Day. In a ceremony at sunset Phillip and the officers drank to the health of the king and the royal family, and success to the new colony. In the meantime, La Perouse entered Botany Bay as the remaining British ships prepared to leave. -
Rum Rebellion
The Rum Rebellion. The Rum Rebellion of 1808 was the only successful armed takeover of government in Australian history. During the 19th century, it was widely referred to as the Great Rebellion. -
Australia
Governor Lachlan Macquarie petitioned the British Admiralty to use the name "Australia" instead of "New Holland" -
Creation of Australia
Permission was granted to change the name of the continent from "New Holland" to "Australia" -
Gold Rush
The Victorian gold rush started when gold was found at Summerhill Creek and Ballarat -
More Gold
Gold was discovered at Southern Cross, Western Australia. -
severe Depression
A severe depression hit Australia. -
WWII
Australia enters the Second World War following the German Invasion of Poland. The 2nd Australian Imperial Force is raised.