Important Events

Discover some big moments from Australia's history!

1851

Gold discoveries brought many people to Australia.

1854

Gold miners protested against unfair mining rules.

1889

Henry Parkes called for the Australian colonies to unite.

1901

Six colonies joined together to form Australia.

Gold Rush

Gold was discovered in Australia in 1851. Thousands of people travelled to the goldfields hoping to find gold.

The Gold Rush brought many new people to Australia and helped towns, businesses and transport grow quickly.

People came from many different countries to search for gold in Australia.

In 1854, gold miners at Ballarat protested against expensive mining licences and rules they believed were unfair.

The Eureka Stockade became an important part of Australia's story about democracy, rights and representation.

The miners used a special blue-and-white flag that later became known as the Eureka Flag.

In 1889, Henry Parkes gave an important speech in Tenterfield, New South Wales.

He encouraged the Australian colonies to work together and move towards becoming one nation.

The speech is often remembered as an important step towards Australian Federation.

On 1 January 1901, six Australian colonies joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

Australia became one nation with a new federal government while the states kept their own governments.

The six colonies became the six states of Australia: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.