Timeline - Pre-Contact
40 000 years ago
Clear archaeological evidence that Aboriginal people have been living for some time in south eastern Australia eg. Lake Mungo.
external image mungo.jpg
http://www.janesoceania.com/australia_aborigines_lifeanddeath_lakemungo/index1.htm

31 000 years ago
Evidence of Aboriginal people living at the Keilor site in Victoria

external image a_figure4.1.jpg
http://www.janesoceania.com/australia_aborigines_australoids/index1.htm

20 000 years ago
Aboriginal people are well established throughout coastal and mainland Australia and Tasmania.
external image tasmanianaborigines.jpg
http://www.tasmaniatrip.com/history-of-tasmania.html

16 000 years ago
Sea levels begin to rise as ice caps melt. Inland lakes such as Lake Mungo have dried up.


13 000 years ago
Land bridges between mainland Australia and Tasmania are flooded. Tasmanian Aboriginal people become isolated for the next 12 000 - 13 000 years.


10 000 years ago
Present day Australian climate established.


8 000 years ago
The Torres Strait Islands are formed when the land bridge between Australia and New Guinea is flooded by rising seas.


6 000 years ago
The 'shape' of Australia's coastline is defined by present sea level.

Settlement of Pacific Islands.


5 000 years ago
Dingo arrives in Australia.