| 1606 |
|
Dutch explorers land on Australian mainland |
| 1642 |
|
Abel Tasman claims Tasmania for Netherlands - later claimed by Britain |
| 1770 |
|
Captain James Cook claims New Zealand and Eastern Australia for Britain |
| 1788 |
|
First British convicts deported to settle Australia |
| 1813 |
|
Interior of Australia begins to be opened up |
| 1814 |
|
British missionaries start to convert Maoris of New Zealand |
| 1840 |
|
British officially control New Zealand |
| 1851 |
|
Gold discovered in Australia |
| 1852 |
|
New Zealand's constitution established |
| 1867 |
|
End of transportation of criminals to Australia |
| 1893 |
|
New Zealand becomes first country to give vote to women |
| 1901 |
|
Commonwealth of Australia established |
| 1951 |
|
ANZUS Pact signed by Australia, New Zealand and USA |
| 1953 |
|
New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary first to reach summit of Everest |
