- 1851 – James Esmond announces the discovery of gold at Clunes, Victoria leading to the start of the Victorian Gold Rush.
- 1854 – The Mercury was first published in Hobart.
- 1900 – The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act (UK) passed it received royal assent on the 9th.
- 1905 – Alfred Deakin becomes Prime Minister of Australia for the second time.
- 1945 – John Curtin, Prime Minister of Australia, died while in office.
- 1980 – Evonne Goolagong defeats Chris Evert to win her second women's singles title.
- 1985 – Justice Lionel Murphy of the High Court is convicted of perverting the course of justice.
- 2001 – Australia and newly independent East Timor sign the Timor Gap Treaty.
- 2004 – Australia and Thailand sign a free trade agreement.