Australia is the world's smallest continent, and includes Tasmania and other islands. Prior to European settlement in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Australian mainland was inhabited by around 250 individual nations of indigenous Australians for around 40,000 years. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and then European discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, the eastern half of Australia was later claimed by the British in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were established during the 19th century. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies became a federation, and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. \There are iconic sights "down under" that find their way on most itineraries; Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge), Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne. Other gems include the wild nature of Tasmania, vineyards of Hunter Valley, surfing on the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Darwin ... and more.