This is a list of the evolution of the borders of the colonies and later states of Australia. It lists each change to the internal and external borders of Australia before and after Federation.
Map showing the territorial evolution of Australia.
Pre-Federation
7 February 1788
The first British colony in Australia, New South Wales, is proclaimed. On July 16 1825 the western border of New South Wales is extended to 129° E.
The colony of New South Wales is founded. New South Wales, according to Arthur Phillip's amended Commission dated 25 April 1787, includes "all the islands adjacent in the Pacific Ocean" and running westward to the 135th meridian east.[1] This included the islands of New Zealand. When drawing up the territorial boundaries of the colony of New South Wales, established in 1788, the British government set its western boundary at the meridian of 135° East of Greenwich, as it appeared on Melchisédech Thévenot's chart, Hollandia Nova‒‒Terre Australe, published in Relations de Divers Voyages Curieux (Paris, 1663).[2]
The colony of South Australia is proclaimed with its western border set at 132° E.[1]
21 May 1840
New Zealand is formally annexed to New South Wales.
16 November 1840
The colony of New Zealand is proclaimed by Letters Patent. Although not represented on a map here, New South Wales was significantly reduced in size by this proclamation. Separation was effected on 3 May 1841.
17 February 1846
Since 1836, New Zealand was claimed as part of New South Wales on May 21 1840, and then proclaimed as a separate colony on November 16th. A northwestern portion of New South Wales was also organised as the separate colony of North Australia. On April 15 1847 North Australia was dissolved and reincorporated into New South Wales.
The colony of North Australia was proclaimed by Letters Patent on 17 February. This was all of New South Wales north of 26° S.
15 April 1847
On April 15 1847 North Australia was dissolved and reincorporated into New South Wales. On July 1 1851 a southeastern portion of New South Wales is separated and becomes the colony of Victoria.
The colony of North Australia was revoked and reincorporated into New South Wales.
On January 1 1856 Van Diemen's Land changes its name to Tasmania. The colony of Queensland is created when a large northeastern part of New South Wales is separated. Queensland's original western border is at 141° E.
The colony of Queensland is created when a large northern part of New South Wales is separated. Queensland's original western border is at 141° E. In 1860 South Australia changes its border from 132° E to 129° E.
The colony of Queensland is proclaimed by Letters Patent, with its western border set at 141° E, and settlement began on 10 December that year.[1]
1860
In 1860 South Australia changes its border from 132° E to 129° E. In 1862 Queensland's western border is moved to 139°E.
South Australia border changed from 132° E to 129° E.[1]
1862
In 1862 Queensland's western border is moved to 139°E. On July 6 1863 the parts of New South Wales north of South Australia are transferred to South Australia by Letters Patent.
Queensland's western border is moved to 139° E.[1]
6 July 1863
On July 6 1863 the parts of New South Wales north of South Australia were transferred to South Australia by Letters Patent. In 1890 Macquarie Island is transferred from New South Wales to Tasmania.
That part of New South Wales to the north of South Australia was annexed to South Australia by Letters Patent.[1]
The colonies are federated into the Commonwealth of Australia on January 1 1901. Thus, all colonies are admitted into the Commonwealth as States. On January 1 1911 the Federal Capital Territory is created within New South Wales. On the same day the northern half of South Australia is ceded to the Commonwealth as the Northern Territory.
On January 1 1911 the Federal Capital Territory is created within New South Wales. On the same day the northern half of South Australia is ceded to the Commonwealth as the Northern Territory. On July 12 1915 a small portion of New South Wales is ceded to the FCT.
The Federal Capital Territory was created within New South Wales, and the Northern Territory was split off from South Australia.[1]
12 July 1915
On July 12 1915 a small portion of New South Wales is ceded to the Federal Capital Territory. On March 1 1927 the Northern Territory is split into the territories of North and Central Australia.
The coastal area now known as the Jervis Bay Territory is added to the Federal Capital Territory.
1 March 1927
On March 1 1927 the Northern Territory is split into the territories of North and Central Australia. On June 12 1931 the two territories are dissolved and the Northern Territory is reinstated.
^Sir Joseph Banks, 'Draft of proposed Introduction to Captn Flinders Voyages', November 1811; State Library of New South Wales, The Papers of Sir Joseph Banks, Series 70.16; quoted in Robert J. King, "Terra Australis, New Holland and New South Wales: the Treaty of Tordesillas and Australia", The Globe, no.47, 1998, pp.35–55, p.35.
^Acting under instructions from England, Captain Fremantle took possession of the Swan River, to found a new colony; and formally laid claim to "all that part of New Holland which is not included within the territory of New South Wales".
