[1] On 18 January 1788, the First Fleet led by Captain Arthur Phillip founded the first British settlement in Australian history as a penal colony.

Having set sail on 13 May 1787, Captain Arthur Phillip assumed the role of governor of the settlement upon arrival.

After Phillip led the exploration of Port Jackson, he sailed and reached Sydney Cove on night of 25 January 1788.

In the afternoon-evening, they erected a flag pole, raised the Union Jack, and the officers ashore made toasts to the Royal Family and the success of the colony.

On the morning of 27 January, all the fit male convicts, marines, and likely some ships' crew went ashore to establish the camp and find food.

On 6 June 1859, Queen Victoria signed Letters Patent to form the separate Colony of Queensland.

On 10 December 1859, a proclamation was read by British author George Bowen, whereby Queensland was formally separated from the state of New South Wales.