Coal!!! By Samantha637. Jan 1, 1791 First Discovery William Bryant, escaping European convict, discovered coal in New South Wales, Australia at the Hunter River Jan 1, 1797 Next Discovery The second discovery of coal was by William Clarke. He found it in the south coast of New South Wales (near the present- day city of Thirroul). Jan 1, 1801 The First Coalmine Australia established its first coalmine at the Hunter River, where the first coal was discovered. Jan 1, 1804 Newcastle The Govener King set up aet up a settlemant named Newcastle. Newcastle became Australia's central coal trade. Period: Jan 1, 1804 to Dec 31, 1808 Seawater Coal Coal was first used to make coal. The people boiled seawater with coal. Jan 1, 1840 Australian Agricultural Company The Australian Agricultural Company's coal works at Newcastle.