TIMELINE

A Timeline of major events in Western Australia's History

(including some events associated with the discovery and founding of other parts of Australia)

If you are looking for time-lines for individual towns then click on site-map link (near the end of this page) and click each town you are interested in.

60,000 BC

Archaeological evidence (Mungo man) shows hominids were already inhabiting Australia at this time. They were distinct from Aborigines and show different MDNA to all modern humans. This casts doubt on the 'out of Africa' theory of human colonisation. (Note: The actual age of Mungo man is disputed and may be 20,000 years younger than 60,000 years.)

38,000 BC

The ancestors of the Aborigines probably arrive around this time. (1).

Sometime after the arrival of humans the mega fauna of Australia begins to become extinct.

18,000 BC

Onset of the last ice age which would enlarge the Australian mainland to the edge of the continental shelf.

4,000 BC

After the end of the ice age ocean levels reach their current levels and the Australian coastline we know today takes shape.

2,000 BC

Dingoes arrive from Indonesia, probably with fishermen from small coastal villages.

1420 AD

Maps by the Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho are reported to show part of the west coast of Australia but records are unable to confirm any landings

1525

Games de Sequeira is said to have mapped part of the north west but this is disputed.

1602

First likely landing - Portuguese.

1605

Pedro de Quiros coins the name 'Austrialia' and reported on 'Terra Australis'.

1606

First documented landing by Europeans in Australia - Dutch, William Janszoon. (Duyfken)

1611

Hendrik Brouwer pioneered a new route to the Dutch East Indies

1616

Dirk Hartog makes the first confirmed landing on West Australian soil. (Eendracht)

1618

Crew of Zeewolf first sights and records the North West Cape. Later that year the first landing is made there.

1619

Houtman discovers the Abrolhos Islands.

1622

The Leeuwin sails around the south west coast.

The Trial is wrecked.

1627

Franz Thyssen charts part of the coastline. The land is named Nuytsland.

1629

Batavia wrecked on the Abrolhos Islands.

1642

Abel Tasman discovers VanDiemen's Land (Tasmania)

1644

Abel Tasman christens the country 'New Holland' and explores the north west coast.

1656

Vergulde Draeke (Gilt Dragon) wrecked near Ledge Point.

1658

Samuel Volkersen makes the first landfall on Rottnest but does not name the island.

1688

William Dampier becomes the first Englishman to land on West Australian soil. (Cygnet)

1696

Willem de Vlamingh lands on Rottnest and explores and names the Swan River.

1699

Dampier's second voyage in the Roebuck.

1768

Cook's Endevaour voyage.

1772

St. Allouram lands on Hartog Island and claims the land for France when he visits Shark Bay (March 31st).

Cook's Resolution voyage.

1779

Joseph Banks suggests founding a convict settlement at Botany Bay.

1786

Decision made to establish a settlement at Botany Bay.

1788

Sydney Colony established.

1791

George Vancouver lands near Albany and claims the land on behalf of Britain.

1792

D'Entrecasteaux's voyage.

1794

The name Australia is used by George Shaw and appears to be the first documented use.

1801

Matthew Flinders circumnavigates the continent - at quite a distance in some places. (Investigator)

Baudin's voyage. (Geographe and Naturaliste)

1802

Baudin and Flinders meet at Encounter Bay.

1804

Matthew Flinders suggests that Australia be the name adopted for the country.

Foundation of Hobart.

1818

DeFreycinet's expedition. (Uranie)

P.P. King begins his voyages of exploration and becomes the first to circumnavigate the continent close to the coast.

1826

Edmund Lockyer arrives from NSW at Albany and establishes the first settlement in W.A. with troops and convicts

1827

Lockyer claims the land for Britain (January 21).

James Stirling aboard the HMS Success surveys the Swan River with a view to settlement.

1828

Syndicate formed in London for colonisation of Swan River.

Decision of British Government to found the new colony.

1829

Charles Fremantle lands near mouth of the Swan River and claims the land for Britain. (May 2)

First death in the colony. June 10. William Parsons is killed by a falling tree on Garden Island.

James Stirling officially proclaims the territory of Western Australia. (June 18)

Perth is founded (August 12th.)

First European child born in the new colony (Sophia Dent)September 1st. (1)

Ensign Robert Dale leads the first exploration to the east of the. Darling Scarp. (October)

1830

First liquor licenses issued (Jan 1). (First official hangovers Jan 2).

First marriage in the colony (James Knight and May A Smith on Jan 18).

Experimental farm established at York (Feb 14.)

Settlement at Augusta started by Turner, Molloy and Bussell party. (May)

Swan River in flood May-June

Colonial hospital opens (June 15.)

Ensign Dale explores east of the Darling Scarp. (Sept.)

First criminal conviction recorded (Oct 1.)

Legislative Council established (Nov 1.)

Thomas Bannister explores the country from Perth to Albany overland. (Dec 14.)

Executive Council established.

1831

J.S. Roe leads an overland exploration to Albany.

Round House gaol at Fremantle is completed (Jan 18.)

Frederickstown becomes Albany as W.A. takes over from N.S.W. (March 7.) - convicts withdrawn.

Lt. Governor Stirling becomes Governor Stirling.

Agricultural Society established. (May 28.)

Yagan comes to the attention of the authorities by killing a settler near Melville Water. (Aug 1.)

First newspaper established.

1832

Established governing bodies meet for the first time. (February 7.)

Civil and criminal court system established.

The colony's first (and last) duel is fought.

First census is held. (July 1st.)

Gov. Stirling returns to England to seek more support for the colony. (Aug 12.)

1833

Yagan is shot dead (July 11th.)

Sir Richard Spencer is appointed Government Resident at Albany.

1834

Foundation Day (June 1.) declared a public holiday.

Battle of Pinjarra.

Colony exports its first wool shipment.

1835

The Lady Stirling (first ship built in the colony) is launched.

J.S. Roe leads the Great Southern Expedition. (Oct-Dec).

George Shenton has the South Perth flour mill constructed.

1836

First brewery established.

1837

Bank of Western Australia opens (June 1.)

Stirling resigns as Governor. (Dec 31.)

George Grey's first expedition.

Colonies first brewery is established.

1839

John Hutt becomes the colony's second Governor.

Aboriginal prison established on Rottnest.

The almost forgotten Lieutenant Lort Stokes explores a large part of the north coast of Australia.

1840

West Australian Company establishes a settlement at Australind.

1841

Eyre arrives in Albany after travelling overland from Adelaide and making the first east-west crossing of Australia.

Causeway and bridge first spans the Swan River.

1842

Parkhurst boys transported.

Master and Servant Act becomes law.

1843

Publicans Act banns Aborigines from being supplied with alcohol.

First causeway opens over the Swan River and a toll is charged.

1844

John Gavin (aged 15) is the first white person hanged in W.A. (Parkhurst transportee.)

First horses bred in the colony for use in India are shipped out.

1845

A.C. & F.T. Gregory's expedition.

1846

Andrew Clarke takes over as Governor.

Coal is discovered.

New Norcia Mission founded.

1847

Governor Clarke dies.

1848

Charles Fitzgerald takes over as Governor.

First official census.

18 Deposits of lead and copper discovered.

1849

Transportation of convicts approved.

1850

First convicts arrive (June 1) aboard the Scindian.

1851

Pearling industry starts operations.

1852

Direct mail service operates from Albany to Britain.

1854

Robert Austin's expedition seen as a failure but he is the first to report likely gold in the Murchison. He is ignored by history.

First postage stamps are introduced. Going against tradition W.A. issued stamps bearing the image of a black swan and not the reigning monarch.

1855

A.E. Kennedy appointed Governor.

A.C. Gregory's expedition to Victoria River.

1856

Mathew Hale becomes the first Bishop of Perth. (One source says 1857).

Perth is proclaimed a city by Queen Victoria. (Sep 23.)

1857

F.T. Gregory's expedition to Murchison and Gascoyne.

1858

A.C. Gregory's second expedition.

1861

F.T. Gregory's expedition to Nichol Bay.

1862

John Stephen Hampton appointed Governor.

1864-66

Charles Cooke Hunt opens up a trail to the goldfields and sinks wells but does not find gold.

Roebuck Bay Pastoral Association, Camden Harbour Pastoral Association and Denison Plains Association all try to settle the north west.

1866

Bridge over the river at Fremantle opens. (Built by convicts.)

C.C. Hunt's expedition to Hampton Plains.

1867

Elections held for Legislative Council.

1868

Transportation of convicts from England ends. Last ship Hougoumont arrives (Jan 10.)

1869

First telegraph line opens between Perth and Fremantle. (June) - one source says 1870.

Frederick Weld appointed Governor.

John Forrest leads an expedition from Perth to the Leonora area.

1870

Representative Government established. New constitution adopted.

John Forrest leads the first expedition to cross Australia from west to east. (Mar 30-Aug 27.)

Perth town hall opens (June 1st).

1871

First private railway in the state running on wooden rails. Western Australian Timber Co.

Alexander Forrest leads an expedition from Perth to the goldfields and Esperance.

Elementary Education Act passed. Compulsory education for all children aged between 6 and 14 years old.

Districts Road Act is passed and 18 Road Boards are established. (3 more added by the end of the year).

1873

Ernest Giles' first expedition.

Peter Warburton's expedition from Alice Springs to Perth.

1874

John Forrest leads an expedition from Geraldton to central Australia.

1875

Governor Robinson appointed.

Ernest Giles' second expedition.

1876

Catalpa rescue. Irish prisoners escape.

1877

Telegraph connects Perth to Adelaide, Darwin and London. (Dec. 9th.)

Governor Ord appointed.

Aboriginal Protection Board established.

1879

First Government railway in the state constructed from Geraldton to Northampton.

Alexander Forrest leads and expedition to the Kimberley.

First edition of the West Australian newspaper.

Secret ballot introduced for the election of Legislative Council.

1880

Governor Robinson appointed. (again)

George Shenton becomes the first Mayor of Perth.

1881

Railway from Perth to Guildford completed.

1882

The age of consent for girls is raised from 10 to 14 years of age.

1883

Frederick Napier Broome appointed Governor.

1884

First workers union formed by Fremantle Society of Carpenters and Joiners.

1885

The first payable gold is discovered at Halls Creek.

Federal Council Act passed.

First Australian rules football match played. (June 6th)

1886

Kimberley goldfield proclaimed.

1887

First telephone service introduced in Perth and Fremantle.

1888

Aborigines are denied the right to hold a miner's license.

Yilgarn Goldfield proclaimed.

Pilbara Goldfield proclaimed.

1889

Ernest Favec leads an expedition to the Gascoyne and Fortescue rivers.

Great Southern Railway opens.

1890

Constitution proclaimed (October 21) John Forrest becomes the 1st Premier (22nd December)

First shipment of cattle from the Kimberley arrives at Fremantle in June.

Governor Robinson appointed. (third time)

Imperial Act conferring Responsible Government passed.

1891

Parliament officially opens (January 20).

Murchison Goldfield proclaimed.

1892

Married women gain the right to own property in their own right.

Construction of Fremantle harbour begins.

Coolgardie Goldfield discovered.

1893

John Forrest introduces the Homestead Act.

Paddy Hannan finds gold at Kalgoorlie.

Electricity becomes available in Perth city.

1891

First manned balloon flight takes place over Perth. (23rd March.)

1892

Copper found at Ravensthorpe.

1894

Agricultural Bank is established.

All major mining centres are connected to Perth by telegraph.

Midland railway opens.

Menzies goldfield proclaimed.

1895

School attendance becomes compulsory.

Government purchases Great Southern Railway.

1896

Great Southern Railway purchased by the Government.

The first piped water service in Perth starts operation.

1897

S.S. Sultan becomes the first steamer to use the new Fremantle harbour. (May.)

1898

First self propelled motor car imported.

Coal discovered at Collie.

First motor car arrives in Perth.

Perth Zoo opens (Oct 17.)

The Land Act divides the state into six divisions, Kimberley, North West (now Pilbara), Eastern (now Wheat belt and Goldfields), South West, Western (now Mid-West and Metro) and Eucla (now Great Southern).

1899

Women given the vote.

Legislative Council becomes an elected instead of an appointed body.

Free education in Government schools for 6-14 year olds.

First electric tram operates in Perth (Hay St.)

Perth Mint opens (June 21.)

First contingent of troops leave W.A. for the Boer War. Nov. 7. 69 officers and 1168 other ranks eventually serve there.

Truck Act. Employees had to be paid wages in cash not in goods.

Kalgoorlie water pipeline begins construction.

1900

Electoral terms set at three years and members are paid a salary.

Donald Mackay cycles round Australia.

Referendum on federation.

The age of consent for girls is raised from 14 to 16 years of age.

1901

Western Australia becomes part of the Commonwealth of Australia. (January 1st.)

Lt. F. W. Bell becomes the first West Australian to be awarded a Victoria Cross (Boer War).

First federal elections (Mar 29.)

F.S. Brockman leads an expedition from King Sound.

1902

Minimum wage is established by legislation.

1903

Goldfields water scheme is opened.

1905

First tram operates in Fremantle.

1906

First sewage system comes into use in Perth.

1907

Plural voting abolished.

Land and Income tax starts to be levied in W.A.

1909

Compulsory national service instituted.

1911

First aero plane flight in Perth. Bristol Boxkite piloted by J.J. Hammond. (January 3rd.)

University of W.A. begins construction.

1912

State shipping service commences.

1913

First wireless (radio) station opens in Applecross. (One source says 6WF started broadcasting June 4th 1924)

University of W.A. commences operation.

The first Australian bank notes are printed.

1914

Wesfarmers Co-op is formed.

World War One begins.

First successful Australian made aero plane flies at Coolgardie. (17 May.)

1916

First conscription referendum.

1917

Second conscription referendum.

1918

World War One ends. (November 11th.)

1919

Riots in Kalgoorlie.

1920

First trans-continental flight. Melbourne to Perth. DH4 piloted by F.S. Briggs (Landed in Perth December 2.)

1921

Edith Dicksey Cowan becomes the first female member of Parliament.

Group settlement scheme begins.

First airmail service established (December)

1922

Western Australian Airways becomes the first to commence regular commercial flights. (Later to become MacRobertson Miller Aviation in 1934.).

1924

Radio station 6WF conducts first radio broadcasts.

1926

Major flooding from the Swan River causes a railway bridge to collapse. (July).

Muresk Agricultural College in Northam starts to function.

1927

Aborigines banned from entering the centre of Perth. (Remains in force until 1948.)

1928

Woolworths Pty. Ltd. opens the first of its Perth based stores.

1929

J.T. Franklin becomes the first Lord Mayor of Perth.

Aero Club of Australia (W.A. Branch) later Royal Aero Club is incorporated.

Interstate air services begin.

Fremantle becomes a city. (June 3rd)

New York stock exchange crash triggers the great depression. (Oct. 24.)

'Talkies' or movies with sound are seen in Perth for the first time.

1930

First interstate phone service opens.

1932

State lottery introduced.

Central buildings at the University of Western Australia completed and St. George's College officially opens.

1933

W.A. votes to secede from the rest of the country.

Sir. James Mitchell becomes the first locally born state Governor. (Technically he was Lt. Governor to begin with.)

1934

Goldfields riots.

1935

Flying Doctor service starts in W.A.

1939

World War Two begins. Australia declares war on Germany on (September 3rd.)

1942

North west towns bombed by Japanese planes.

1945

World War Two ends. (Japan surrenders August 15th, Surrender signed September 2nd. Pres. Truman declares an end to hostilities on December 31st.)

1948

Aborigines recognised as Australian citizens.

1950

Australia embroiled in the Korean war.

Petrol rationing ends in May.

1952

British atomic tests on the Monte Bello Islands.

1954

First Narrows bridge begins construction.

1955

Kwinana oil refinery opens.

1958

Tram services finish in Perth.

Roe Street brothels closed after Government makes a ruling. (July)

1959

First television broadcast. (October 17th.)

Narrows bridge opens to traffic.

1962

Empire games held at Perry Lakes.

Perth gets the name 'City of Light' as John Glenn passed over the city in his Mercury spacecraft.

The Bendix G15 becomes the first functional computer to be installed in W.A. It was second hand and cost 21,000 pounds. It had just 7kb of memory.

First direct jet flights to London begin.

1964

NASA builds a tracking station at Carnarvon.

Eric Edgar Cooke becomes the last person hanged in W.A.

1966

Ord River project begins.

USA builds a base at North West Cape.

Decimal currency is introduced on (February 14th.)

1968

October 14th - Meckering earthquake.

1969

Aboriginal workers gain the right to equal pay but are then driven off many stations.

1970

Standard gauge railway finally goes all the way to Sydney.

First Test Match cricket game in Perth is played against England. (Dec 11-16)

1972

Aboriginal heritage Act finally gives legal protection to Aboriginal sacred sites.

1973

Voting age reduced to 18.

First Avon Descent is held.

1975

First colour television broadcast.

1979

Perth to Fremantle railway line is CLOSED!

Cadoux earthquake (June 2nd)

150th anniversary of settlement is celebrated.

1983

Railway from Perth to Fremantle finally re-opened.

W.A. wins the Americas Cup.

Australia II wins the America's Cup.

1984

Death penalty removed from the statute books.

1985

Burswood casino opens.

1986

Perth International Airport opens.

1988

Burswood resort opens.

1992

Joondalup railway line is opened becoming the first new line opened in over 100 years.

2007

First female Lord Mayor of Perth is elected.

Mandurah Railway opens (December).

2015

Perth's population exceeds 2 million.

State

Boundaries finalised in

Western Australia

1831

Victoria

1851

Queensland

1859

New South Wales

1863

South Australia

1907

Northern Territory

1907

ACT

1911