Timeline of Australia
Discover the events that shaped the continent from its ancient Indigenous roots to the present day.
- Category
- Humanities & Culture
- Tag
- countries
- Events
- 26 events 60,000 BCE – 2019
- Added
60,000 BCE: Arrival of Indigenous Australians
The first humans arrived in Australia, where Indigenous Australians developed a complex system of cultures and societies over the next 60,000 years.
Wikipedia1606: The Dutch East India Company lands in Western Australia
The Dutch East India Company’s ship, Duyfken, landed on the west coast of Australia, and Dutch explorers mapped parts of the continent’s western and northern coasts.
Wikipedia1770: Captain James Cook claims eastern Australia for Great Britain
Captain James Cook claims the eastern coast of Australia for Great Britain and names it New South Wales.
Wikipedia1788: The First Fleet arrives in Sydney Cove
The First Fleet, a group of British ships, arrived in Sydney Cove, New South Wales, to establish a penal colony.
Wikipedia1804: First official exploration of Tasmania
British navigator and explorer Matthew Flinders charts the coastline of Tasmania in the Investigator, the first recorded official exploration of the island.
Wikipedia1824: First inland expedition
Explorer Hamilton Hume and former Royal Navy captain William Hovell lead the first European expedition to travel overland from Sydney to Port Phillip Bay.
Wikipedia1829: Swan River Colony established
The Swan River Colony, later known as Western Australia, is established by Captain James Stirling.
Wikipedia1835: Melbourne founded
John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner establish a settlement on the Yarra River, which becomes the city of Melbourne.
Wikipedia1843: First elections held in Australia
The first elections are held in New South Wales and Tasmania, allowing men with a certain amount of property to vote.
Wikipedia1850: Founding of the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is founded, making it the first university in Australia.
Wikipedia1851: Gold Rush
The discovery of gold in Victoria leads to a massive influx of immigrants and the rapid expansion of the Australian economy.
Wikipedia1901: Federation of Australia
The six colonies of Australia were united into a federal commonwealth, creating the modern-day country of Australia.
Wikipedia1901: Introduction of White Australia Policy
The White Australia Policy was introduced, limiting non-white immigration to Australia until its abolition in 1973.
Wikipedia1911: Foundation of the Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory is founded as the site for the future capital of Australia, Canberra. The new territory is carved out of New South Wales and the site is selected as a compromise between the rival cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
Wikipedia1914: Australia enters World War I
Australia joined the Allies in World War I, sending more than 400,000 troops to fight in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Wikipedia1927: Opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, a world-famous landmark of Australia, was opened to the public on March 19, 1932. The bridge is one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world.
Wikipedia1939: Australia enters World War II
Australia joined the Allies in World War II, sending more than 1 million troops to fight in Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.
Wikipedia1942: Bombing of Darwin
The Japanese launched two air raids on Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, killing at least 243 people and injuring many more.
Wikipedia1962: Opening of the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, was officially opened on October 20, 1973. The building was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.
Wikipedia1967: Referendum to include Indigenous Australians in the census
A referendum was held on May 27, 1967, in which the majority of Australians voted to amend the constitution to include Indigenous Australians in the national census.
Wikipedia1975: Dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam
Queen Elizabeth II dismisses the Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam, causing a constitutional crisis.
Wikipedia1989: Launch of Points-Based Skilled Migration Program
The Australian government launches a points-based skilled migration program aimed at attracting highly skilled immigrants to Australia. The program is designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in the country and is seen as an important step in building a strong, diverse and competitive economy.
Wikipedia2000: Sydney Olympic Games
Australia hosts the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, winning a record 58 medals, including 16 gold.
Wikipedia2008: Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples
The Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, delivers a formal apology in Parliament to the Stolen Generations, Indigenous Australians who were forcibly removed from their families by Australian federal and state government agencies and church missions, under acts of their respective parliaments.
Wikipedia2017: Legalization of same-sex marriage
The Australian Parliament passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage, following a national postal survey which showed majority support for the change.
Wikipedia2019: Start of the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires
One of the worst bushfire seasons in Australian history, with a record-breaking 46 million acres of land burned across the country, killing 34 people and an estimated one billion animals. The fires also caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
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