0
Australia was first used as a penal colony by the British.
It depends upon the context. The first European use of Australia was as a penal colony and free settlement by the British.
However, apart from the indigenous aboriginal population, Australia was first used as gathering grounds for trepang, or sea-slugs, by the Macassan traders, because trepang was a prized delicacy in China.
What else can I help you with?
What nation first claimed Australia and what did they use it for?
Britain was the first to claim Australia, although the Dutch, Portuguese and French had explored parts of the continent's coast. Australia was first used as a penal colony for England's excess prisoners.
When did the Lantana come to Australia?
Lantana was first introduced in Australia in the 1840s. It was initially brought over to be used as an ornamental shrub or for hedges.
Where in Australia was petroleum found first?
Petroleum was first found in Western Australia.
When was the telephone first introduced into Australia?
The first telephone in Australia was installed in Melbourne in 1879.
Who were the first people in Australia and what were they called?
Australia's first residents were the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
