Early European settlement
6 min · 23 practice questions
European settlement began on 26 January 1788 when the First Fleet — the first 11 convict ships — arrived from Great Britain. Britain's jails were overcrowded, so the British Government decided to transport convicts to the new colony of New South Wales. Captain Arthur Phillip was its first Governor. As New South Wales survived and developed, more colonies were founded across Australia; early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland, and British and Irish heritage has had a major influence on Australia's recent history, culture and politics.
What Our Common Bond says
- European settlement started with the First Fleet's arrival from Great Britain on 26 January 1788.
- The First Fleet was made up of the first 11 convict ships.
- Britain transported convicts because its jails could not hold everyone imprisoned for crimes.
- Captain Arthur Phillip was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales.
- More colonies were established after New South Wales survived and developed; early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland.
- British and Irish heritage has had a major influence on Australia's recent history, culture and politics.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Captain Arthur Phillip (first Governor of NSW) with Captain James Cook (who charted the east coast in 1770) or with a Prime Minister.
- Saying there were 6 ships (that is the number of states) rather than 11 in the First Fleet.
- Thinking all the colonies were founded at once in 1788 — New South Wales came first, then the others.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 1, page 10 (official booklet ↗).
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked
