Early European settlement
European settlement began when the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain arrived on 26 January 1788. Know who the first Governor of New South Wales was, why convicts were sent, and how the 1851 gold rush changed the population.
What to remember
- First Fleet: 11 convict ships from Great Britain, arrived 26 January 1788.
- Convicts were sent because British jails could not hold everyone imprisoned.
- First Governor of New South Wales: Captain Arthur Phillip.
- 1851 gold rush in NSW and Victoria; Chinese were the first large non-European migrant group; population more than doubled in 10 years.
Sample questions
When did the First Fleet arrive from Great Britain?Show answer
- 1 January 1901
- 25 April 1915
- 26 January 1788
26 January 1788. European settlement started when the First Fleet arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788. Australia Day marks this anniversary.
How many ships made up the First Fleet?Show answer
- 26
- 11
- 6
11. The first 11 convict ships, which became known as the 'First Fleet', arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788.
Who was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales?Show answer
- Captain James Cook
- Captain Arthur Phillip
- King Charles III
Captain Arthur Phillip. The first Governor of the colony of New South Wales was Captain Arthur Phillip. The glossary notes that Governor Phillip set up the first colony in New South Wales.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, p. 8. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.