Changes

=== 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.  In [[1770]] the [[England|English]] navigator, Lieutenant [[James Cook]],  Captain of the [[Royal Navy]] bark, [[HMS Endeavour]], 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, Marines, convicts and a very few free settlers. Later fleets brought more convicts who, over time when freed, settled areas beyond [[Sydney Harbour]].

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.  

The 1850s saw the discovery of gold and large number of people moved to Australia to find new wealth.  Most of these people were British and there was a significant number of Chinese immigrants during this rush. "Americans were drawn to Australia to participate in various enterprises such as the gold fields" <ref>[http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/textversion/usa.htm| Australian Dept of Immigration and Citizenship]</ref>

The 1850s saw the discovery of [[gold]] and large number of people moved to Australia to find new wealth.  Most of these people were British, although there were also many disposessed by the "land clearings" in [[Scottland]] and the [[Ireland|Irish]] [[potato]] [[famine]], and there was a significant number of [[China|Chinese]] immigrants during this rush. "Americans were drawn to Australia to participate in various enterprises such as the gold fields" <ref>[http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/textversion/usa.htm| Australian Dept of Immigration and Citizenship]</ref>

== System of Government ==

== System of Government ==