Colonization of Australia: Quick Facts

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Facts

Date	1788 - c. 1930
Location	Australia • Torres Strait Islands
Participants	Australian Aboriginal peoples • British Empire • Torres Strait Islander peoples

Photos

Rock art of a European ship

Map of Australia and surrounding region highlighting the location of New South Wales on the southeastern coast of Australia, with neighboring countries and islands such as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and several Pacific islands labeled.

Map of New South Wales, Australia, showing major cities and towns, including Sydney (the state capital), Newcastle, Wollongong, and others. The map outlines state and political boundaries with neighboring states and territories, and marks coastal areas along the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea.

Map of New South Wales, Australia, highlighting physical features such as mountain ranges, national parks, rivers, and coastal areas. Key features include the Great Dividing Range, Kosciuszko National Park, and the location of the Australian Capital Territory. Neighboring regions-Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Jervis Bay Territory-are also marked, with the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea to the east.

Early New South Wales

Sheep in Australia

Caroline Chisholm

Map of Australia and surrounding regions, with the state of Victoria highlighted in the southeastern part of the country. Neighboring countries and islands such as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands are labeled, along with nearby seas including the Indian Ocean, Coral Sea, and Tasman Sea.

Map of the Australian state of Victoria showing major cities and towns, including Melbourne (the state capital), Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, and others. State boundaries with South Australia, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory are marked, with surrounding bodies of water labeled as the Indian Ocean, Bass Strait, and Tasman Sea. An inset map highlights Victoria's location within Australia.

Map of the Australian state of Victoria highlighting physical features such as the Great Dividing Range, Australian Alps, national parks, major lakes, and rivers. The map shows borders with South Australia and New South Wales, and includes surrounding bodies of water like the Indian Ocean, Bass Strait, and Tasman Sea. Major landmarks such as Mount Bogong and Wilson's Promontory are labeled.

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Topics

First Fleet terra nullius penal colony Scramble for Africa

Key People

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Pemulwuy

Australian Aboriginal warrior

Arthur Phillip

Arthur Phillip

British admiral