Eureka... We've struck Gold!

Journey back in time and discover the phenomenal gold rush era that captivated the people of Melbourne back in the mid 1800's.

Imagine the population of Melbourne city that was much smaller back then diminishing; joining the immigrants that where rushing to the diggings from faraway places such as Great Britain, America and Asia all trekking to the fields with nothing more than inspiration in one hand and a dream in the other - trying out their luck to strike it rich and prosper.

The cities and towns of the goldfields region came to its grandeur in the 1880's, built from the wealth of the first gold discoveries in the 1850's. The two major cities of the region are Ballarat and Bendigo, along with many other towns in the area.

All have historic houses and public buildings built with the grandeur of Victorian architecture. The wealth brought from the gold left no expense spared on the surroundings, with public gardens, lakes, statues, ornamental bandstands and grand avenues of English trees. Spring and Autumn are the best times of the year to visit as the flowers and vegetation are at their blooming best.


Gold Facts

Gold was first found in the Ballarat district at Buninyong in 1851 by Blacksmith Thomas Hiscock. Between 1851 and 1916 an estimated 630 tonnes of gold had been mined. On 2 December 1854 the famous Eureka Stockade battle took place where 30 miners and 2 soldiers were killed. The battle started due to the miners discontent with the cost of mining liences. This battle's significance portrays the closest Australia has come to witnessing and armed rebellion of its citizens.


Don't Miss

• Sovereign Hill Ballarat
• Eureka Stockade Museum
• Golden Dragon Museum
• Bendigo Art Gallery

Accommodation
Yarrawee Cottages

Related Links

Sovereign Hill