Australia's first settlement examines the first thirty-three years of white settlement of Australia: years that saw the transformation of Australia from a dumping ground of Britain's unwanted criminals to a thriving colony of free settlers. This book explores the reasons behind the founding of Sydney; the people who came and the problems they faced; their impact on Australia's original inhabitants; and the forces that changed the nature of the colony. A wealth of original source material brings this crucial period to life for secondary students and all who are interest in Australian history.