White people, initiating what is known as 'white settlement' and the permanent colonization of Australia, officially began their arrival in 1788. This pivotal year marked the establishment of the first British colony on the continent.
The Beginning of Permanent European Settlement
The significant turning point for the arrival and permanent presence of white people in Australia occurred with the landing of the First Fleet. Led by Captain Arthur Phillip, this fleet arrived at Botany Bay on January 18, 1788, before moving to the more suitable Sydney Cove, where they formally established the British colony of New South Wales on January 26, 1788. This date is widely recognised as the inception of modern Australia and the beginning of European colonization.
From this point onwards, Australia was regarded by the British as a colony of settlement, fundamentally differing from a colony of conquest. This distinction underscored their intent to establish a new society rather than merely exploiting existing resources or populations.
Earlier European Encounters
While 1788 marks the commencement of white settlement, European interaction with the Australian continent predates this period.
- 1606: The Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon made the first documented European sighting of the Australian coast.
- 1770: Lieutenant James Cook, an English explorer, extensively charted the eastern coast of Australia. His voyages led to him claiming the eastern half of the continent for Great Britain, naming it New South Wales. Cook's arrival laid the groundwork for future British colonization, even though permanent settlement did not begin for another 18 years.
These earlier voyages were primarily about exploration and mapping, not the establishment of permanent settlements. The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, therefore, signifies the true commencement of white people's arrival for the purpose of living and establishing a society in Australia.
Key Milestones in European Arrival and Settlement
To provide a clear timeline, here are the pivotal moments concerning the arrival of white people in Australia:
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| First Documented European Sighting | 1606 | Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon's expedition onboard the Duyfken is the first recorded European contact with Australia, specifically the Cape York Peninsula. |
| Lieutenant James Cook's Arrival | 1770 | Cook charted the eastern coast of Australia, claiming it for Britain and paving the way for future colonization. His comprehensive exploration made the continent appealing for British expansion. |
| First Fleet's Arrival | January 26, 1788 | This date marks the formal establishment of the first permanent European settlement in Australia at Sydney Cove. Led by Captain Arthur Phillip, it initiated a continuous wave of European migration and the shaping of colonial Australia. This is commonly referred to as the beginning of 'white settlement'. |
The period following 1788, often termed the 'Initial invasion and colonisation' (1788 to 1890), saw the rapid expansion of British settlements across the continent. This era profoundly transformed the landscape and the lives of Indigenous Australians.
For more information on the early history of Australia, you can explore resources from reputable institutions like the National Museum of Australia.
