Australian History —

Key Cultural & Social Events

April 29, 1770

Lieutenant James Cook lands at Botany Bay

Captain on the Endeavour, Cook surveys the East Coast of Australia.

April 29, 1770
August 22, 1770

Exploration & First Contacts – Australia is named

Cook claims the east coast for Britain at Possession Island.

August 22, 1770
January 26, 1788

First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove

Governor Arthur Phillip raises the British flag

January 26, 1788
February 15, 1803

Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania)

First European settlement established at Risdon Cove

February 15, 1803
March 4, 1804

Convict Era & Early Colony

Castle Hill Rebellion (Second Battle of Vinegar Hill) by Irish convicts.

March 4, 1804
May 11, 1813

Blue Mountains Crossing

Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth begin Blue Mountains crossing

May 11, 1813
May 11, 1813

Blue Mountains Crossing

Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth begin Blue Mountains crossing

May 11, 1813
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