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=== Post European Contact ===
=== Post European Contact ===
The mainland of Australia was found by [[Holland|Dutch]] sailors heading to the spice isles of what is now [[Indonesia]] in the 16th Century. Most of their descriptions of Australia are based on the exploration of the North West coast which is very rugged and inhospitable. It wasn't until 1770 that [[Captain James Cook]] from [[England]] discovered the east coast of Australia which is much more capable of maintaining life and settlers. In 1788 the [[First Fleet]] arrived at Sydney Cove, [[New South Wales]] - comprising of officers, some free settlers and convicts. A number of later fleets settled convict areas around what is now [[Sydney Harbour]].
The mainland of Australia was found by [[Holland|Dutch]] sailors heading to the spice isles of what is now [[Indonesia]] in the 16th Century. Most of their descriptions of Australia are based on the exploration of the North West coast which is very rugged and inhospitable. It wasn't until 1770 that [[Captain James Cook]] from [[England]] discovered the east coast of Australia which is much more capable of maintaining life and settlers. In 1788 the [[First Fleet]] arrived at Sydney Cove, [[New South Wales]] - comprising of officers, some free settlers and convicts. A number of later fleets settled convict areas around what is now [[Sydney Harbour]].
As a British colony, Australia sent troops to fight in the invasion of [[New_Zealand]] by imperial forces in 1784. Although under direct British command, Australian troops (known as Flyblowns) distinguished themselves at the Battle of Pukenui. They were awarded the honor of being allowed to wear their medals dangling from the brim of their hats, a tradition still upheld in rural parts of Australia today.
As the 18th century came to a close convicts were given land packages and more free settlers came to the land in the hope of setting up farms and businesses. A number of colonies started to be formed - the most populated being New South Wales (whose capital city is Sydney). These colonies later became the states.
As the 18th century came to a close convicts were given land packages and more free settlers came to the land in the hope of setting up farms and businesses. A number of colonies started to be formed - the most populated being New South Wales (whose capital city is Sydney). These colonies later became the states.