Firstfleet 1

History of Colonisation of Australia

  • First European landing

    First European landing
    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.
  • Period: to

    Timeline of History of Colonisation of Australia

  • Dutch explorer explores west coast of Tasmania

    Dutch explorer explores west coast of Tasmania
    Dutch explorer Abel Tasman explored the west coast of Tasmania, landed on its east coast and named the island Anthoonij van Diemenslandt.
  • Dutch explorer lands in Perth

    Dutch explorer lands in Perth
    Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh charted the southwestern coast of Australia, making a landfall at Rottnest Island and the site of the present-day city of Perth.
  • Captain Cook's landing

    Captain Cook's landing
    English Lieutenant James Cook's expedition in HM Bark Endeavour charted the eastern coast, and claimed it for the British Crown. Australia was dubbed "terra nullius"[5] i.e., according to the European legal precepts of the era, it was "owned" by no-one.
  • Australia Day

    Australia Day
    Early in the morning, Lt. Arthur 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.
  • The First Fleet's landing

    The First Fleet's landing
    The First Fleet of 11 ships, led by Governor Arthur Phillip, departed from Great Britain for Australia to begin European colonisation.
  • Settlement of Van Diemen's Land

    Settlement of Van Diemen's Land
    A settlement was founded at Risdon on the Derwent River in Van Diemen's Land by Lieutenant Bowen.
  • The Rum Rebellion

    The Rum Rebellion
    The Rum Rebellion
  • City of Swan River Created (Perth)

    City of Swan River Created (Perth)
    The whole of Australia was claimed as British territory. The settlement of Perth was founded. Swan River Colony was declared by Charles Fremantle for Britain.
  • Colony of Victoria created (Victoria seperated from NSW)

    Colony of Victoria created (Victoria seperated from NSW)
    Victoria separated from New South Wales.
  • Gold Rush Began

    Gold Rush Began
    The Victorian gold rush started when gold was found at Summerhill Creek and Ballarat.
  • The Eureka Stockade

    The Eureka Stockade
    The Eureka Stockade
  • AFL established

    AFL established
    Australian rules football codified, Melbourne Football Club founded
  • Convict transportation ends

    Convict transportation ends
    The last convicts to be transported to Australia arrived in Western Australia in 1868.
  • Ned Kelly is hanged

    Ned Kelly is hanged
    The bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged.
  • Federation

    Federation
    Australia becomes a federation. Edmund Barton becomes the 1st Prime Minister of Australia; the 7th Earl of Hopetoun becomes Governor-General
  • World War 1

    World War 1
    Australian soldiers are sent to the First World War. This was first time Australians had fought under the Australian flag, as opposed to that of Britain's.
  • World War 2

    World War 2
    September, Australia enters the Second World War following the German Invasion of Poland. The 2nd Australian Imperial Force is raised.
  • 100 year aniversary of Federation

    100 year aniversary of Federation
    Australia celebrates centenary of Federation
  • Black Saturday Bushfires

    Black Saturday Bushfires
    Black Saturday bushfires: Massive bushfires swept across Victoria, resulting in 173 fatalities