THE COLONIAL ERA, includes the exploratory expeditions into the interior and the slow and often painful contact history on land. It starts with the arrival of the first fleet on the 26 January 1788, in Sydney, lead by Arthur Phillip, to establish a penal colony. This was the main reason for the initial British settlement. That ‘start of colony date’ now marks Australia Day. During this period colonies were established around Australia, a process often marked by conflict and struggle. Each colony had its own heroes and key events, many of which have become part of national history. It was during this period that many of our towns and cities begin to appear on our maps.
