Around The World
Australia Timeline
Travel through the major events in Australia's history.
60,000-40,000 B.C.
People from Southeast Asia settle in Australia. Their descendants are the Aboriginal people.8000 B.C.
Aborigines invent the boomerang. This wooden weapon, which is used for hunting, returns to its thrower.1770 A.D.
Britain claims Australia. It settles the first of six colonies in 1788.
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1850s
Gold is found in southern Australia. Entire settlements are deserted as folks rush to the gold mines.1901
The six colonies join to form the Commonwealth of Australia. It has a democratic government. Britain's royalty has only a ceremonial role.1927
Canberra officially replaces Melbourne as the nation's capital.1962
Aborigines are given the right to vote. Five years later, they're recognized as citizens.
CHRISTOPHER PILLITZ—GETTY IMAGES
1976
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act is passed. It is a legal turning point for Aborigines, giving them the right to make claims on their ancestral land in the Northern Territory. Nine years later, Uluru is returned to Aborigines.
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