The American Revolution
The revolt by Britain's American colonies in July 1776 focused public and political interest on the possible use of New South Wales as a penal colony.
Botany Bay selected as a penal colony
With increasing pressure on already overcrowded jails and prison hulks, Britain's Home Secretary, Lord Sydney, announced in 1786 that Botany Bay had been selected as a new penal colony.
Settlement at Norfolk Island
On 6 March, 1788 Lieutenant Philip Gidley King established a settlement at Norfolk Island with a group of fifteen convicts and seven free men.
The Merino sheep is introduced into Australia
In 1797 John Macarthur purchased the first Merino sheep imported to New South Wales.
First settlement in Port Phillip District
In 1803 Lieutenant Colonel David Collins and a company of nearly 300 convicts arrived in Port Phillip to establish a settlement.
Britain’s Colonial Secretary proposes a federal system
In 1847 Britain's Colonial Secretary, Earl Grey, proposed a cooperative federal system for Australia.
Matthew Flinders popularises the name ‘Australia’
The name Australia began to be used to describe the continent following the publishing of Captain Matthew Flinders' A Voyage to Terra Australis.
My Family’s Story
The first Cresp came from Antibes France. His name was Joshephin Cresp and his parent's names were Catherine Tassanari and Joseph Louis Cresp.
Moreton Bay penal settlement
Moreton Bay (Brisbane) was established in 1825 as a penal settlement of the colony of New South Wales.
Henty family settle at Portland Bay
In search of fine grazing land, Edward Henty and his family arrived at Portland Bay on 19 November 1834.
Batman signs a ‘Treaty’ with Aboriginal people
In 1835 free settlers from Tasmania established a new settlement in Port Phillip along the Yarra River.