2 facts
Explore Australia's fascinating history, from its ancient Aboriginal roots to colonial settlement and modern nationhood. Discover key events, unique culture, and diverse heritage.
The Clunies-Ross family, descendants of Scottish merchant John Clunies-Ross, effectively governed the islands as their private fiefdom from 1827 until their eventual sale to Australia in 1978. They were known as the 'Kings of Cocos'.
In 1788, the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove, establishing a British penal colony. Over the next 80 years, approximately 162,000 convicts were transported to Australia, fundamentally shaping its early development, society, and demographics.
