Australia History -
A Brief Overview
Various indigenous populations have inhabited this continent and have developed unique traditions, deeply connected with the land. However, for the rest of the world, the land of the South was unknown.
Written evidence of the history of Australia goes back to some 400 years ago. Spanish and Dutch explorers sailed along its northern coasts. Other European voyagers or traders followed. But it was only in 1770 that James Cook, an English captain claimed the land for the British Crown. He named the coastline New South Wales.
Captain's Cook monument on the Kurnell peninsula
 This is how Botany Bay looks today.
Captain Cook anchored his ship "The Endeavour" here on 29 April 1770.
The Convicts - Part of
the History of Australia
At the time of Cook’s discovery, Britain's jails were packed with impoverished people who had committed some offence to survive. Australia was the solution to empty these jails. 11 ships, half packed with convicts, set course to the southern land. After an 8 months voyage the ships arrived in Sydney Harbour. On 26 January 1788, the fleet's captain, Arthur Philip, established the first settlement. We now celebrate Australia Day on this date, every year.
Australian Settlements
Remarkable events in the Australian history include clearing of huge areas of land for agriculture and new settlements around Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane. But settlements are not limited to places that will later become capital cities. Isolated towns spread in the attempt to conquer more land and survive a difficult environment. A British settlement was established in today’s Tasmania as early as 1803. British emigrants founded Western Australia in 1829. Groups of colonists in New South Wales considered themselves as separate provinces and formed South Australia in 1836, Victoria in 1851, and Queensland in 1859. The Northern Territory was founded in 1863 as part of the Province of South Australia.
Australia History and
its Gold Rush Age
1852 was the year when immigrants flooded to Australia hoping to find gold. The gold rush changed the history of Australia: the population increased exponentially and the economy started to boom. The first railway and telegraphs appeared.
1901 - An Important Moment
in Australia History
On 1 January 1901 the 6 colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Melbourne was the capital, but the other major cities were strong competitors for the title. That is why, in 1908, a new location was chosen to build a new federal capital - Canberra. The surrounding area forms today the Australian Capital Territories (ACT).
The World Wars in the
History of Australia
Australia participated to both world wars and paid a heavy toll. Australian and New Zealand troops fought in the Middle East between 1914 and 1916. Anzac Day, celebrated on 25 April, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the joined forces during the First World War. Anzac Day is embedded in Australia history. It is the day when the country commemorates its heroes.
Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney
Post War Prosperity
End of the second world war marked the start of a prosperity era for the history of Australia. And a change era. Two million immigrants arrived in the following 30 years, mainly from Europe at the beginning. This was in line with the "White Australia" policy. The abolition of this policy in the 1970's changed the face of Australia.
Today's Australia is a
Vibrant Multicultural Country
 Different ethnic groups form the fabric of this country. People from 200 countries call Australia home. Never in the history of Australia was multiculturalism stronger than it is today. It is reflected in our way of life, the foods we eat, the sports we play, the events we celebrate. It forms our diverse, cosmopolitan culture.
Celebration of Chinese New Year - Parramatta
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