Timeline of Australia

Chronology

44 events spanning the history of Australia. BCE/CE dating.

1. 4000 BCE

   The first Aborigines arrive

   The first Aborigines arrive from south-east Asia. By 20,000 BC they have spread throughout the mainland and Tasmania.

2. 1770

   Lieutenant James Cook charts the easter coastline

   Lieutenant James Cook charts the Easter coastline of the continent aboard the Endeavour and claims the land as a British possession.

3. 1787

   New South Wales Courts Act

   New South Wales Courts Act established. An Act to keep the convicts on the straight and narrow.

4. 1788

   Britain establishes the Colony of New South Wales at Sydney Cove

   Britain establishes the Colony of New South Wales at Sydney Cove.

5. 1801

   Lieutenant John Murray lands at bay he names Port Phillip

   Lieutenant John Murray lands at bay he names Port Phillip.

6. 1804

   David Collins establishes convict settlement at Hobart on the Derwent River

   David Collins establishes convict settlement at Hobart on the Derwent River in Van Diemen’s Land. William Paterson establishes second settlement in Van Diemen’s Land, named Gworge Town on Tamar River.

7. 1810

   Governor Lachlan Macquarie takes office, Ellis Bent becomes deputy judge advocate

   Governor Lachlan Macquarie takes office and Ellis Bent becomes the Colony’s third deputy judge advocate.

8. 1829

   Australia claimed as British territory

   Australia claimed as British territory.

9. 1837 – 1840

   George Grey explores Western Australia

   George Grey explores Western Australia.

10. 1841

    George Grey appointed Governor of South Australia

    George Grey appointed Governor of South Australia.