An Australian colony refers to one of the territories established by European powers, primarily the British, in Australia during the 18th and 19th centuries. The first colony, New South Wales, was founded in 1788 as a penal settlement, where convicts were sent from Britain. Over time, other colonies were established, including Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, each with its own governance and development. These colonies played a significant role in the expansion of European settlement in Australia. They contributed to the economy through agriculture, mining, and trade. Eventually, the colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, marking the beginning of a new nation.