Average temperatures in Australia peaked in 1878, with 1889 also being a very hot year.
Maximum temperatures in Australia peaked in the 1870’s, with 1878 being the hottest. Temperatures declined sharply until the 1930’s and have warmed a little since then.
Absolute maximum temperatures show a strong warming until about 1900, which is an artifact of adding hotter stations.
More here
http://stevengoddard.wordpress.com/2014/09/13/australias-hottest-year-was-1878/
