Australia’s first inhabitants were the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They are the Indigenous people of Australia. Australia’s Indigenous cultures are the oldest continuing cultures in the world.

Historically, Aboriginal people are from mainland Australia and Tasmania. They have lived here for between 40 000 and 60 000 years.

Torres Strait Islanders are from islands to the north of Queensland.

European settlement started when the first 11 convict ships, which became known as the ‘First Fleet’, arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788.

European settlement started when the first 11 convict ships, which became known as the ‘First Fleet’, arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788.

The first governor of the colony of New South Wales was Captain Arthur Phillip. He overcame many problems in the first few years of European settlement.

Early free settlers were from Great Britain and Ireland.This British and Irish heritage has had a major influence on Australia’s history, culture and political institutions.

In 1851, gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria. People from all around the world came to these colonies to try their luck at making a fortune.

In 1851, gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria. People from all around the world came to these colonies to try their luck at making a fortune. Chinese people arriving at this time were the first large group of migrants not from Europe.

In 1901, the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia.

In 1901, the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia. At that time, Australia’s population was counted at about four million people. This number did not include the Indigenous people.

Today, Australia has a population of about 22 million people.

Today, Australia has a population of about 22 million people. Over one quarter of these people were born overseas.

Canberra is Australia’s capital city.

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales.

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria.

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland.

Perth is the capital of Western Australia.

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia.

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania.