1856 in Australia
See also: 1855 in Australia, other events of 1856, 1857 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history.
Incumbents
Governors
Governors of the Australian colonies:
- Governor of New South Wales - Sir William Denison
- Governor Queensland - (office first formed in 1859)
- Governor of South Australia - Sir Richard MacDonnell
- Governor of Tasmania - Sir Henry Young
- Governor of Victoria - Sir Henry Barkly
- Governor of Western Australia - (office first formed in 1890)
Premiers
Premiers of the Australian colonies:
- Premier of New South Wales - Stuart Donaldson from 6 June to 25 August then Charles Cowper to 2 October then Henry Parker
- Premier of Queensland - role created in 1859
- Premier of South Australia - Boyle Finniss from 24 October
- Premier of Tasmania - William Champ from 1 November
- Premier of Victoria - Dr William Haines
- Premier of Western Australia - office first formed in 1890
Events
- May 22 - First Parliament of New South Wales opened by the governor, Sir William Denison