Legacy resource
History of Australia
This page is retained to preserve the existing RightWay URL while keeping the main website focused on migration and education services.
Australia has tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture before British colonisation began in the late eighteenth century. The modern Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 through federation of the colonies.
Australia’s migration history, institutions and multicultural population continue to shape the country today. For authoritative historical, civic and cultural resources, visitors should use Australian Government, museum and national archive sources.