Australia Genealogy

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Getting started with Australian research
The first Europeans began exploration of the Australian continent in the 17th century. Dutch explorer Willem Janszoom landed in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1606 and mapped some of the coastline. Later on Abel Tasman in 1642 reached Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) and in 1644 with three ships (Limmen, Zeemeeuw &amp; Braek) he mapped the north coast of Australia. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James Cook took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy.

Jurisdictions
The States and Territories of Australia include:


 * Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
 * New South Wales (NSW)
 * Northern Territory (NT)
 * Queensland (QLD)
 * South Australia (SA)
 * Tasmania (TAS)
 * Victoria (VIC)
 * Western Australia (WA)
 * Christmas Island
 * Cocos Islands
 * Lord Howe Island
 * Ashmore and Cartier Islands
 * Torres Strait Island

Resources

 * Australia Websites


 * The National Library of Australia: Genealogical indexes, databases, full-text ejournals, subject guides, websites


 * (helpful tools and resources, gazetteers)
 * (language dictionary, handwriting guide or tutorial, etc.)

Help Wanted
In order to make this wiki a better research tool, we need your help! Many tasks need to be done. You can help by:

Featured Content

 * Browse: Pages for Australia

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