Timeline Description: Australia has been the home to humans for thousands of years, even though it wasn't officially a country until the last few centuries. This is a timeline of its existence.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 60,000 B.C. | The first humans come to the continent The first people who came to Australia most likely came from South Asia. They were called Aboriginal. |
| 8000 B.C. | The boomerang was invented The Aboriginal people invented the boomerang. They used it for hunting. |
| 1522 A.D. | The first Europeans find Australia It is said that a ship from Portugal found the Australian continent in 1522, but it has never been proven. |
| 1606 | The first official spotting of Australia It became an official spotting of new land when the Dutch East India Company sailed into the western coast of Australia. |
| 1770 | Australia is claimed for Great Britain British ships sailed into port and claimed the land of Australia for the British crown. |
| 1788 | The first colonies are set up British settlers arrived and began setting up colonies in Australia. They faced many hardships the first few years. |
| 1824 | Australia is officially named Australia's name was officially set as "Australia", in place of the previous name "New Holland". |
| 1850 | An Australian gold rush When gold was found in southern Australia many settlers left their steads and rushed to the gold mines. |
| 1873 | Ayer's Rock is discovered A huge sandstone rock was found in Australia. It quickly became famous and was named Ayer's Rock. |
| 1901 | Australia becomes an independent federation Australia had been under British rule up until this time, but they became an independent nation at this point. |
| 1902 | The Australian flag is approved and flown King Edward of England approved the design for the Australian flag and it was officially flown. |
| 1911 | The Navy was founded Australia formed their first official navy fleet in 1911. |
| 1927 | The capital city changes Melbourne had been Australia's capital city until it was replaced by Canberra. |
| 1940 | Penicillin is developed Scientists in Australia developed the strong antibiotic called Penicillin. It has saved many lives. |
| 2000 | The Olympics come to Australia The 16th Summer Olympics were held in Melbourne in 1956, and the 27th Summer Games were held in Sydney in 2000. |