1779  - 

Captain James Cook is killed by natives in Hawaii. 

1788  - 

Lieutenant Philip Gidley King leaves Sydney to establish a settlement on Norfolk Island 

1936  - 

The Walter Taylor Bridge, which crosses the Brisbane River, is opened. 

1966  - 

Decimal currency is introduced in Australia, and the Australian dollar makes its debut. 

496  - 

St Valentine's Day is first declared.