Early days of European settlement
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 8 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- European settlement began when the First Fleet — 11 convict ships from Great Britain — arrived on 26 January 1788 (landing at Sydney Cove).
- British laws were harsh and the jails could not hold the large number of people imprisoned, so the British Government transported convicts to the new colony of New South Wales.
- The first Governor of NSW was Captain Arthur Phillip.
- Early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland — this British and Irish heritage has had a major influence on Australia’s recent history, culture and politics.
- In 1851 a gold rush began in NSW and Victoria. Chinese people were the first large group of migrants not from Europe. In 10 years the population more than doubled.
Our Common Bond, p. 8
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. When did the First Fleet arrive from Great Britain?
- 26 January 1788
- 25 April 1915
- 26 January 1901
Show answer
Answer: A. 26 January 1788
The First Fleet arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788.
Our Common Bond, p. 8
2. In what year did a major gold rush begin in south-eastern Australia?
- 1851
- 1788
- 1901
Show answer
Answer: A. 1851
In 1851, a gold rush began when gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria.
Our Common Bond, p. 8
3. Where did the First Fleet land on 26 January 1788?
- Port Phillip Bay
- Sydney Cove
- Hobart
Show answer
Answer: B. Sydney Cove
The First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788.
Our Common Bond, p. 41
Practise all 12 questions on this topic