Australian history began with the arrival of the first Indigenous peoples, known as the Aboriginal Australians, who have lived on the continent for over 65,000 years. They developed diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, deeply connected to the land. European exploration began in the 17th century, with notable figures like William Dampier visiting the coast.
In 1788, the British established a penal colony in Sydney, marking the beginning of significant European settlement. This led to the displacement of Indigenous communities and the introduction of new social, economic, and political structures. Over time, Australia evolved into a nation, officially becoming the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.