The Australian Colonies: Year 5 Study Guide
From 1788, British colonies were established on land where First Nations Peoples had lived for tens of thousands of years.
Before 1788, hundreds of First Nations groups with their own languages, laws and Country lived across the continent. In 1788 the First Fleet from Britain arrived at Sydney Cove and established the colony of New South Wales, first as a place to send convicts. Over the next decades, settlers established further colonies: Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.
The six colonies were separate until 1 January 1901, when they joined to form the Commonwealth of Australia, which is known as Federation.
Colonies at a glance
Dates show when each was founded or separated as its own colony. Use them with a timeline and a map to see how settlement spread.
| Colony | Started or separated | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 1788 | first British colony |
| Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) | 1803–1825 | settled from Sydney |
| Western Australia | 1829 | Swan River colony |
| South Australia | 1836 | planned free settlement |
| Victoria | 1851 | separated from NSW; gold rush |
| Queensland | 1859 | separated from NSW |
Why people came
Reasons included convict transportation, land for farming and grazing, the wool industry and the gold rushes of the 1850s, which attracted people from many countries, including China. Free settlers, convicts, soldiers and officials all had different experiences. Records such as diaries, ship lists, maps and paintings help us understand them.
Why did they come?
Diaries, maps, images.
Whose view is it?
Use at least two sources.
Impact on First Nations Peoples
Colonisation had devastating effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. They lost land, food sources and sacred sites, were affected by introduced diseases and conflict, and many were forced from their Country. Despite this, First Nations Peoples resisted, survived and kept their cultures strong. Historians use First Nations oral histories and records as well as colonial documents to understand this period.
Worked example and common mistakes
Example: Compare two sources on the arrival of the First Fleet, a settler's journal and a First Nations account, and note whose voice is missing from each. Common mistakes: describing the land as 'empty' before 1788, mixing up the dates of colonies and presenting only one point of view. Use respectful, accurate terms and ask your teacher or community resources if unsure.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. The First Fleet arrived and the colony of New South Wales began. 2. For example, Victoria and South Australia. 3. Each source shows only one point of view; comparing gives a fuller picture.
✨ Key Takeaways
- First Nations Peoples lived on the continent long before 1788.
- Six colonies became states in 1901.
- Sources show different viewpoints.
- Colonisation had lasting effects.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- What event happened in 1788?
- Name two colonies.
- Why compare more than one source?
Print a history timeline worksheet →