Burke and Wills expedition
In 1861 residents of Victoria and South Australia funded competing expeditions to cross Australia from south to north through the centre.
John McDouall Stuart’s return crossing of the continent
In 1862 an expedition led by John McDouall Stuart completed the first successful south-north crossing of the continent.
First Intercolonial Conference
Between 1863 and 1888 seven intercolonial conferences were held to consider various intercolonial issues.
Australian Natives’ Association established
In 1871 the Australian Natives' Association (ANA) was established in Melbourne as a mutual society, with membership restricted to white, Australian-born men.
Woman’s Christian Temperance Union
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was established in New South Wales in 1882.
The Bulletin magazine first published in Sydney
The Bulletin was highly influential in Australian culture and politics.
Queensland annexes southern New Guinea
Fearing possible German occupation of New Guinea, Queensland annexed southern New Guinea in 1883.
Sir Henry Parkes’ Tenterfield Oration
The 'Father of Federation', Sir Henry Parkes made his famous Tenterfield Oration in 1889.
William Barak founded Coranderrk Aboriginal Station
In 1863 William Barak and his cousin Simon Wonga chose Coranderrk near Healesville as the site for a mission for Aboriginal people.
Caroline Chisholm
Caroline Chisholm, the ‘Emigrants Friend’, arrived in Sydney in 1838 and became a great leader in social reform.
The First Fleet lands at Sydney Cove
On 20 January, 1788 the last of the 11 ships of the First Fleet commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip arrived at Botany Bay in New South Wales.