The word Australia originally meant "southern continent", and Australia came from the Latin terra australis. As early as 40,000 years ago, aborigines lived and multiplied in this land of Australia, and now the total number of aborigines in Australia is 413,000 (according to the 2006 5438+0 census data). According to relevant historical records, on 1606, the Spanish navigator Luis Vaez de Torres sailed through the strait between Australia and New Guinea (Irian Island); In the same year, Duyfken of the Dutchman William Jane set foot in Australia, which was the first recorded foreigner to actually land in Australia. 1770, the British navigator Captain james cook discovered the east coast of Australia, named it "New South Wales" and declared this land as British territory.

The British first used Australia as a place to exile prisoners. 1788 65438+1October 18 A fleet of six ships led by captain Philip *** 1530 arrived in Botany Bay, Australia, including 736 prisoners. Eight days later,178865438+1October 26th, they formally established the first British colony in Port Jackson, Australia, which later became the largest city with a growing population in Australia. This name is in memory of the then British Home Secretary Sydney. Now, 65438+ every year1October 26th is Australia's National Day.