Initial colonization of Sahul (Australia and New Guinea) by Homo sapiens (c. 65–40 ka)

1. Sahul forms during low Ice Age seas

   Jan 1, 65000 BCELabels: Sahul

   • Britannica

2. First settlers cross Wallacea into Sahul

   Jan 1, 65000 BCELabels: Wallacea

   • Nature
   • Britannica

3. Madjedbebe shows early northern Australia occupation

   Jan 1, 65000 BCELabels: Madjedbebe

   • Nature
   • Britannica

4. Researchers debate earliest Sahul entry timing

   Jan 1, 60000 BCELabels: Scholarly debate

   • Britannica
   • Nature

5. People spread across Sahul’s coasts and interiors

   Jan 1, 50000 BCELabels: Sahul populations

   • UNESCO
   • DCCEEW

6. Willandra Lakes show deep inland occupation

   Jan 1, 45000 BCELabels: Willandra Lakes

   • UNESCO
   • DCCEEW

7. Mungo Lady burial shows early ritual practice

   Jan 1, 42000 BCELabels: Mungo Lady

   • NMA
   • DCCEEW

8. Mungo Man burial adds evidence of ceremony

   Jan 1, 42000 BCELabels: Mungo Man

   • NMA
   • Indigenous

9. New Guinea evidence shows Sahul-wide settlement

   Jan 1, 40000 BCELabels: Huon Peninsula

   • Nature
   • Britannica

10. Willandra lakes dry, reshaping settlement options

    Jan 1, 16500 BCELabels: Willandra Lakes

    • UNESCO
    • NatGeo

11. Post-Ice Age seas begin breaking up Sahul

    Jan 1, 10000 BCELabels: Postglacial sea

    • Britannica

12. New Guinea separates, ending Sahul as one landmass

    Jan 1, 8000 BCELabels: New Guinea

    • Britannica